AIB League: Division 2 Previews
There are some interesting games down for decision in Division 2 of the AIB League this weekend. Lansdowne are the only team across the entire league with a perfect record but the race for the second promotion spot is still wide open.
AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 2: Saturday, February 20
– Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated
Bective Rangers (4th) v Terenure College (12th), Donnybrook
The surprise loss to Dublin University last week put a bit of a dent in Bective Rangers’ play-off charge. They are still in fourth place but can feel Belfast Harlequins and neighbours Old Wesley bearing down – both with a game in hand.
Terenure, with nine games played, have a few in hand also to improve on their current standing and they should be good enough to finish higher in the table.
The Donnybrook outfit do not need another slip-up this weekend and should be suitably charged up for a home win.
Bruff (3rd) v Corinthians (9th), Kilballyowen Park
Every game counts now as we get closer to play-off and promotion time and this home tie and their game in hand should allow Bruff to keep in the hunt with De La Salle Palmerston and the others around them.
Bruff come into the game on the back of wins over Greystones and Terenure College.
Corinthians beat Clonakilty last time out and while they will provide stiff opposition, the home side should take the points on Saturday.
Clonakilty (11th) v Old Crescent (13th), Shannonvale Cross
Home side Clonakilty come into this game on the back of a huge win over Cork rivals Highfield and a hard-earned one point win over Thomond before that. Those wins have turned things around for the west Cork club, moving them up to 11th in the table.
Can they make it three in-a-row over Munster opposition? Old Crescent won well over Greystones in a relegation dog fight but they need points to keep them clear of Highfield and Malone.
This might have been an away win but the recent change in form for Clon means the points should go with the men from the Vale this weekend.
De La Salle Palmerston (2nd) v UCD (7th), Kirwan Park
A big Dublin derby could prove to be a cracking game at Kirwan Park on Saturday.
The Belfield students still have an outside chance of making the play-offs and have racked up over 200 points so far this season.
‘Salmo have their fate in their own hands despite their loss to Belfast Harlequins last month. They won well away to Greystones last time out and should be good enough to keep themselves in second place with a win this weekend.
Greystones (16th) v Lansdowne (1st), Dr. Hickey Park
Lansdowne are now the only team with a perfect record across the entire AIB League this season, following Midleton’s surprise draw with Rainey Old Boys in Division 3 last weekend.
A similar outcome does not look likely at Dr. Hickey Park on Saturday. Greystones will challenge to the best of their ability but the distance between these two sides in the standings suggests that the in-form Dubliners will make it 11 wins from 11.
Highfield (15th) v Dublin University (8th), Woodleigh Park
Highfield have slipped into the relegation zone thanks to defeats by UCD and Clonakilty in recent weeks.
They will be hoping to reverse the trend this weekend and climb out of danger but they will not have an easy time of it against the student side.
The Trinity youngsters beat Malone recently and scored a terrific win away to Bective last week. An away win is on the cards at Woodleigh Park on Saturday unless the home side can rediscover something close to their best form.
Malone (14th) v Old Wesley (6th), Gibson Park
An interesting tie this. Malone badly need a win to stay out of the bottom two, while Old Wesley still have an outside chance of making the play-offs should other results go their way.
Losses to Belfast Harlequins and Bective Rangers either side of a win over Clonakitly showed Wesley what is required from the big guns in Division 2. All told this has been a good season for the newly-promoted Dubliners, but this is not a time to rest on their laurels.
Malone may be hoping that Wesley are content with their lot as they chase the points in this clash and they will need a big game in order to reverse the 20-point loss to Trinity in recent weeks.
Thomond (10th) v Belfast Harlequins (5th), Liam Fitzgerald Park
A curious season for Thomond as they have struggled for consistency.
They have disappointed against teams higher than them in the league standings and been patchy against lower-placed sides. The loss to Clonakilty last time out being a case in point.
Belfast Harlequins will travel with confidence on the back of some recent good performances and their game in hand on Bective and ‘Salmo above them leaves them well-placed to push Bruff for second place behind Lansdowne.
Related Links –
AIB League: Division 2 Round-Up