Ulster Bank League Division 1B Preview: Naas v Ballynahinch
The only match in the top two tiers of the Ulster Bank League this weekend is the rescheduled meeting of promotion-chasing Naas and a Ballynahinch side that is struggling for form. Kick-off at Forenaughts on Saturday is at 4pm.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, April 1
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NAAS (4th) v BALLYNAHINCH (8th), Forenaughts, 4pm
Ulster Bank League Season’s Form: Naas: WLLWWWLWLWWWLWL; Ballynahinch: WLWLLWLLWWWLLLL
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers – Naas: Points: Peter Osborne 134; Tries: Fionn Carr, Peter Osborne 6 each; Ballynahinch: Points: Chris Quinn 49; Tries: Jordan Grattan, Davy Nicholson 5 each
Preview: Two teams who lost in the last round but Naas remain within touching distance of a promotion play-off place. Having come up from Division 2A last year, Johne Murphy’s men look right at home at this level.
Ballynahinch, on the other hand, have hit a roadblock at just the wrong time. Four successive defeats, including last Saturday’s 30-14 reversal at Shannon, have left ‘Hinch third from bottom and scrambling for points. At least back rower David McGuigan is fit and available again.
You would have to favour Naas in this rescheduled fixture, especially if they can hit the heights of October’s 41-26 victory away to ‘Hinch. Key man Peter Osborne is chasing his fifth try in as many games.
Recent League Meeting – Saturday, October 29, 2016: Ballynahinch 26 Naas 41, Ballymacarn Park
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Naas to win