Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, October 8

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

Bective Rangers (11th) v Dublin University (2nd), Donnybrook, Friday, October 7, 7.30pm

What better way to kick off a huge weekend of rugby than a floodlit Dublin derby at Donnybrook. Last season’s floodlit meeting of Old Wesley and UCD here attracted a sizeable crowd and it should be same again for this game.

Bective lost out in a thrilling game with Seapoint last weekend so this is a chance to immediately bounce back from that reversal.

The Trinity boys signalled their intent for the campaign by beating a fancied Greystones side last weekend. This is all set to be a cracking game, so make sure to head along if you are in the area.

Clonakilty (14th) v Queen’s University (4th), Shannonvale Cross

Contrasting fortunes on the opening weekend for these two clubs. Clonakilty had a losing trip to Malone, while the students came out on top in an Ulster derby with Instonians.

Clon struggled to find form last season and Queen’s lost their all-conquering mojo from the season before but still managed to consolidate.

The Ulster youngsters are likely to bring their free-flowing game to the Vale and if the conditions are right then an away win could be on the cards.

Corinthians (7th) v City Of Derry (5th), Corinthian Park                    

Corinthians showed real intent last Saturday when picking up a two-point win in Midleton and they will be hoping to add a home victory to that good start.

City Of Derry continued their form from last season by beating Terenure at home in an action-packed 50-point game.

This Saturday will be a good test for both sides with neither wanting to drop points early in the season. Tough to call, but we feel home advantage could be decisive in the end.

Greystones (15th) v Malone (3rd), Dr. Hickey Park

Greystones found out last weekend what the challenge is in Division 2A when they shipped 21 points to Dublin University at College Park. Malone, meanwhile, got off to a good start with a win at home to Clonakilty.

Greystones will be better this weekend and are usually well up for it at home. An interesting interprovincial clash is on the cards, with Reggie Corrigan’s side particularly hungry to come out on top.

Instonians (13th) v De La Salle Palmerston (1st), Shaw’s Bridge

Instonians went a bit under the radar at times last season as Seapoint and City of Derry set the pace, but the Belfast outfit were always in the mix.

Division 2A is a different challenge and last weekend’s Ulster derby with Queen’s showed them what to expect.

‘Salmo are sitting at the top of the table thanks to their 20-point win over Thomond and if they can get more consistency this season they could be a force. The trip to Shaw’s Bridge should reveal more about their make-up.

Old Crescent (8th) v Midleton (10th), Rosbrien

Limerick v Cork is always a tough battle and difficult to predict. Midleton won the reverse fixture last season and home advantage often plays a part in these games.

Old Crescent drew last weekend at Donnybrook and at the same time Midleton lost at home to Corinthians. This is likely to be a gritty encounter and while the home side will not give in easily, the visitors just may have the edge.

Terenure College (12th) v Seapoint (6th), Lakelands Park

Terenure face a promoted side for the second week in-a-row and it is not always the best way to start a season. They lost narrowly to a City of Derry side who were obviously determined to make a mark last weekend.

This Saturday they host a Seapoint team fresh from a galvanising victory over Bective. ‘Nure will need to show real mettle this weekend if they are to avoid another defeat to a club on the rise.

Thomond (16th) v Old Wesley (9th), Liam Fitzgerald Park

Thomond shipped 26 points last weekend against De La Salle, so they will be aiming to extract revenge on another Dublin club this Saturday.

Old Wesley played out a 14-all draw with Thomond’s Limerick neighbours Old Crescent last Saturday but need to be convincing if they are to avoid the struggles off last season.

The Donnybrook club won by 38 points in the equivalent game last season – can they repeat a result like that on the road?

Related Links –

Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews