Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, February 23rd

– kick off 2.30pm unless stated

Banbridge(4^th) v Midleton (14^th), Rifle Park

The Bann’s title challenge has taken a dent in recent weeks with losses to City of Derry, Corinthians and Terenure.

Their drive isn’t done yet but they need a return to winning ways on Saturday at home to Midleton.

The visitors also need a win if they are to avoid being dragged into the relegation zone – last Saturday’s win over Greystones was a key result – but even 14^th is not safe with a playoff against 3^rd in Division 2B looming.

Bective (12^th) v Corinthians (1^st), Donnybrook

Bective drew last weekend in Old Crescent leaving both sides still in the danger zone for a relegation playoff if they slip to 14^th.

Visitors Corinthians took over the top spot with a six point win over fellow title chasers Terenure last Saturday.

The race isn’t over yet and with a single point edge they need to keep up the winning ways on Saturday.

DLSP (16^th) v UCC (3^rd), Kirwan Park

‘Salmo put in another spirited display against Cashel last weekend but again failed to squeeze a losing bonus point out of the game.

Saturday sees them entertain a UCC side who lost a little ground with a 19-19 draw last weekend – especially given the top two have a game in hand on the students.

Still UCC should take the points and if they can notch up their sixth try bonus of the season they will pile the pressure on.

Galwegians (5^th) v Seapoint (10^th), Crowley Park

‘Wegians have had their eye wiped by fellow Galway side Corinthians so far this season but they are only nine points adrift in 5^th place.

A win on Saturday would keep their interest alive for another weekend following their draw against UCC last Saturday.

Seapoint travel on the back of a big win over Highfield which saw them move up to tenth, nine points behind their hosts.

Greystones (15^th) v Old Crescent (11^th), Dr. Hickey Park

Greystones are in the automatic relegation zone at the moment, their three losing bonuses keep them ahead of DLSP, and in real danger of the drop.

Their narrow loss to Midleton last weekend could prove crucial.

Old Crescent  made life difficult for Galwegians recently and drew at home to Bective last weekend. Can ‘Stones muster up the winning ways? Saturday is a key game.

Highfield (9^th) v City of Derry (6^th), Woodleigh Park

Highfield took a bit of a beating against Seapoint last weekend – surprisingly so given they have made a habit of earning losing bonus points of late.

City of Derry meanwhile put a serious dent in Banbridge’s promotion ambitions in a thrilling 50 point game.

The visitors are the clear favourites but can they unleash the skills that have seen them garner six try bonuses to date?

Queens (13^th) v Cashel (7^th), Dub Lane

In theory Queen’s should be safe but they are just two points ahead of Midelton and the prospect of a playoff to avoid relegation.

They should avoid that fate – they have shown they can score (4 try bonuses) but they really need to work on the defence.

Cashel will bring a decent winning run with them to Dub Lane and will certainly punish any defensive frailities. An interesting game in prospect and an away win on the cards.

Terenure v Old Wesley, Lakelands

‘Nure’s off season recruitment drive has certainly paid dividends but the loss to Corinthians last weekend could yet decide their fate.

‘Nure should win this Dublin derby but Old Wesley won’t roll over for them and with 5 try bonuses to their name they have shown they can run in the scores given a chance.

Still a home win and a tight title challenge are on the cards.