Ulster Bank League: Division 2 Previews
Ballynahinch are back on home turf this weekend after their losing out in a 69-point thriller at Belfield last Saturday. The race for promotion hots up as they host third-placed Belfast Harlequins, while Ballymena will be hoping to take advantage of the result between the fourth and fifth-placed sides, Midleton and Bective.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2: Saturday, February 19
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
Ballymena (6th) v Dublin University (10th), Eaton Park
Ballymena could yet rue their loss to Malone last weekend, but they have an immediate chance here to get back to winning ways and move into the automatic promotion zone at Eaton Park.
Their opponents Dublin University may have lost seven games so far, but with five losing bonus pints they are still one of the hardest teams to beat in this division.
The Braidmen are sure to be listening out for the result from Donnybrook. However, they need to get the job done first and their visitors travel on the back of a big win.
Ballynahinch (1st) v Belfast Harlequins (3rd), Ballymacarn Park
Ballynahinch scored 31 points last weekend and still lost – it really is tough at the top and they face another test at home on Saturday.
This is a big weekend in the upper echelons of Division 2 and results elsewhere will have a bearing, but all these sides can do is look after their own result. Belfast Harlequins did that last Saturday with a single point victory over promotion rivals Bective.
This Ulster Derby could be another cracking game and while ‘Hinch may be shorn of their Ulster starlets, they always pack a punch at home. Belfast Harlequins, meanwhile, will be out for revenge after shipping 40 points to ‘Hinch at home in the Ulster Senior League back in December.
Bective Rangers (5th) v Midleton (4th), Donnybrook
Another promotion battle and another tough game on the cards at Donnybrook this weekend.
Bective lost out to Belfast Harlequins at Deramore Park last Saturday, but their losing bonus point means they are only a point behind Midleton.
The Corkmen came out the right side of a one-point game against Terenure last weekend and moved into fourth place as a result. A win this weekend and a favour from Ballynahinch would see them move up again on, but this one could go either way.
Clonakilty (15th) v UCD (2nd), Shannonvale Cross
Clonakilty travelled to College Park last weekend and despite the loss they are building their experience, but they really do need some points in the plus column.
Saturday afternoon may not bring much relief as they host the only unbeaten side in the division when UCD come to west Cork.
UCD came out on top in a cracker last weekend but still lie second in the league. They will be aiming for another win on Saturday and should have the firepower to get it.
Corinthians (8th) v Old Wesley (12th), Corinthian Park
Corinthians’ losing bonus point against Old Crescent last Saturday sees them in mid-table, but they do have a game in hand.
On Saturday they are at home to Old Wesley who have had a tough season to date. The Dubliners did not play last weekend but they picked up their third win of the league the weekend before.
Corinthians still have an outside chance of pushing up into fifth for a promotion/play-off spot, but it is an outside chance. Saturday could well decide their fate.
De La Salle Palmerston (13th) v Queen’s University (7th), Kirwan Park
A poor season so far for De La Salle Palmerston, but with two games in hand they still have a chance to improve their standing in the division.
‘Salmo did not play last weekend and their game the week before was postponed but they won their last outing in January.
Queen’s seem to have rediscovered their mojo to a degree. They now have a slightly healthier win/loss ratio but can they improve again and mount a late challenge for promotion?
Terenure College (9th) v Old Crescent (14th), Lakelands
Terenure did well against Midleton last weekend and their losing bonus point sees them steady in 10th place, but you have to go back to early January for their last win.
Old Crescent, who are five points adrift of them, come into this game on the back of an encouraging win over Corinthians last week.
The Limerick side have a little more at stake and that could just be the spur they need to pick up their third win of the campaign.
Thomond (16th) v Malone (11th), Liam Fitzgerald Park
Contrasting fortunes for these two clubs last weekend. Thomond suffered a heavy defeat to Queen’s at Dub Lane, while Malone tripped up Ballymena at Gibson Park.
The Limerick outfit have two games in hand over relegation strugglers Clonakilty and Old Crescent which may yet save them, but a win would certainly be a welcome result on Saturday.
Malone will be hoping to follow last weekend’s result with another victory, but will they rise to the challenge?