Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews
There were a few surprises last weekend in Division 2A and the top two of Galwegians and Queens managed to stretch their lead. Will there be some more upsets this weekend?
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, February 1
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated
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Bruff (7th) v Banbridge (11th), Kilballyowen Park
The two clubs that caused the biggest surprises last weekend meet in Kilballyowen this weekend.
Bruff got their first win of the season away to Naas while the Bann dented City Of Derry’s title chase with a 28 – 13 win.
They’ll both have a bounce in their step this weekend but who will take the spoils?
Cashel (9th) v Queens (2nd), Spafields
Cashel edged Ballymena in Eaton Park last weekend and stay steady in 9th place.
This weekend they host a Queen’s side that won last weekend against Old Wesley and who will want to keep the pressure on Galwegians or pounce if they slip up.
Cashel are a hard team to beat but Queens have shown they can build the scores. Should be interesting.
City of Derry (5th) v Highfield (14th), Judge’s Road
City of Derry can have no complaints about last weekend’s loss in Banbridge but it did put a spoke in the wheel as they slipped to 5th albeit on points difference.
Highfield picked up a valuable four points against Seapoint last weekend and moved out of the bottom two.
You’d have to back the home side to bounce back and put in a display this weekend.
NUIM Barnhall (4th) v Bective Rangers (10th), Parsonstown
NUIM Barnhall remain in 4th despite their loss to Rainey last weekend. What will smart is they could have pulled closer to Queens.
Bective had a low scoring win over Old Crescent that ensures they are clear of the red zone in the bottom half of the table.
The home side are worth the win if they can rediscover their consistency.
Old Crescent (15th) v Naas (13th), Rosbrien
Two teams that lost last weekend and are in danger of getting stuck in the relegation battles that will ensure shortly.
A home win could haul the Limerick side out of the automatic drop zone and pull their visitors closer to it.
A tough game in prospect.
Old Wesley (8th) v Rainey OB (7th), Donnybrook
Wesley gave Queens a tough test last weekend and were unlucky not to take a losing bonus point from the game.
Rainey caused NUIM Barnhall all sorts of problems and they took four points from it.
Two mid-table sides with some pep in their step then. A win either way won’t be a surprise.
Seapoint (12th) v Galwegians (1st), Kilbogget Park
Seapoint’s loss was Highfield’s lifeline last weekend but the Dublin side won’t want to continue in that generous vein of form.
Saturday will be a tougher ask again as they host the league leaders Galwegians.
The weather may favour the home side on a sticky Kilbogget Park but you would have to back the away side to win.
UCC (6th) v Ballymena (3rd), The Mardyke
The college side ran ‘Wegians close last weekend and took a losing bonus point out of it for their trouble.
They are four points behind their visitors on Saturday so there is certainly much to play for.
Ballymena will be smarting from their loss to Cashel and will look for an improved performance and points on the road.