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Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

There are four rounds of games left in Division 2A and Dublin University are leading the way by nine points. The race for second and third place though is really tight with only four points separating DLSP from 7th placed Bective.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, March 3rd

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

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City of Derry (9th) v Greystones (6th), Judge’s Road

These two sides won promotion last season but Greystones have fared marginally better and are still in the hunt for a promotion spot or playoff.

The Co. Wicklow side won the corresponding fixture by 23 – 18 in 2010.

City of Derry are only three points behind and mathematically not out of the equation yet. They come in to the game on the back of a big win over Thomond while ‘Stones shipped 40 points at home last time out.

Dublin University (1st) v Instonians (15th), College Park

Nine points clear at the top of the table, but Trinity can’t afford to relax their grip on this division. A win on Saturday with DLSP facing a difficult trip to Queen’s could see them tighten things up.

Instonians aren’t safe and badly need a win to keep in touch with Thomond and Midleton, whom they lost to last weekend.

A home win should be on the cards with more difficulties for Inst. to follow.

Malone (5th) v Thomond (14th), Gibson Park

Malone’s good early season from seemed to desert them for a while but they are still very much in the mix. Their 39 – 5 win over Old Wesley gives them real confidence coming into this weekend.

Thomond lost at home to City of Derry last weekend and facing another Ulster side this weekend they could struggle to contain them.

Another home win therefore and more pressure at the top of the table.

Midleton (13th) v Bective Rangers (7th), Towns Park

Midleton are still struggling in the relegation zone but a win over fellow strugglers Instonians last weekend helps.

Bective are unbeaten in the league since the turn of the year with wins over Old Crescent, Old Wesley and Terenure.

The visitors are only four points behind second placed DLSP and will be keen as mustard to push further up the table. Can they subdue a cornered Midleton?

Old Crescent (11th) v Terenure (12th), Rosbrien

Both clubs are clear of the danger zone and while Old Crescent won last weekend it was a tight enough game against bottom side Clonakilty.

‘Nure lost to Bective last Saturday having put a dent in Greystones ambitions the week before. This lack of consistency has troubled them all season.

There is little to choose between the sides on form, points difference or bonuses accrued so home advantage may be the deciding factor.

Old Wesley (10th) v Corinthians (8th), Donnybrook

Old Wesley haven’t enjoyed the league in 2012 so far with losses to Queens, Bective and Malone and a fair few points conceded to boot.

That said they have managed four try bonuses this season so they can play when they want to.

Corinthians enjoyed a big win over Greystones last Saturday winning on the road by 23 – 40 so they will view another trip east with relish.

Queen’s (4th) v DLSP (2nd), Dub Lane

Not exactly the fixture you want having just lost to the team leading the division but Queen’s now host 2nd placed ‘Salmo.

They are only three points behind so this game will have big implications in the race for promotion. With two sides promoted automatically this is a crucial game.

DLSP lost ground last weekend when they were beaten at home by Seapoint. Coming on the back of the loss to City of Derry it means they have let slip their grip. Can they regain it in Dub Lane on Saturday?

Seapoint (3rd) v Clonakilty (16th), Kilbogget Park

A home win on Saturday and results elsewhere could put Seapoint into 2nd and the automatic promotion spot.

This would be a remarkable feat given they have come through the qualifying league and Division 3 in two seasons. They won’t be taking their eyes off the prize though.

Barring a big turn in form Clonakilty look set for relegation but they West Cork side will continue to battle.