Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B: Saturday, March 3

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

Ulster Bank League Results Service: Send UBL to 51444. To unsubscribe send the word STOP to 0876445950 or search #UBL on Twitter

Wanderers (16th) v Boyne (8th), Aviva Stadium back pitch, 2pm

Part of a double header on the back pitch at Aviva Stadium with Lansdowne hosting St. Mary’s College at 4.15pm.

Wanderers are six points adrift of Ards at the bottom of the table and still without a win all season. They face the real danger of dropping out of the League.

Boyne are mid table coming into the game on the back of a tight win over Sunday’s Well, they should be strong enough to take the points again on Saturday.

Ards (15th) v Highfield (4th), Hamilton Park

Something of a ‘must win’ for both sides but for very different reasons. As already noted Ards are just six points clear of relegation and can’t afford to lose too many games.

Highfield’s need stems from the opportunity, albeit a tough challenge, to slip into a promotion spot. T

he Cork side have beaten Wanderers and Rainey Old Boys in recent weeks while Ards have lost one and won one. An away win looks the more likely.

Connemara (7^th) v Banbridge (2^nd), Monastery Field

Connemara are six and five for the season but have served notice that they are again a side to reckon with.

A good win over Rainey at the end of January was followed by losses to Navan and Cashel but they can still trouble any side.

Banbridge are hot on the heels of league leaders Cashel and can’t afford any slip ups if they are to pounce but also if they are to maintain their promotion position. An away win.

Nenagh Ormond (6th) v Armagh (10th), New Ormond Park

Nenagh Ormond moved up to 6^th with their win over Suttonians last time out. Prior to that they lost narrowly to a relegation threatened Ards.

Armagh beat Ards last time out by 29 – 12. They have had a reasonable season adjusting to life in the Ulster Bank League and they have the foundations to kick on.

Saturday should see a home win though with the Tipp side looking to push on.

NUIM Barnhall (3rd) v Cashel (1st), Parsonstown

Another challenger steps into the ring this weekend as NUIM Barnhall face the unbeaten Cashel in Parsonstown.

The result has a huge bearing on the final rounds of games for both teams. A win for the home side could see them catch Banbridge, or at least keep the pressure on.

Still eleven other clubs have tried and fallen short this season. A cracking game but an away win and an intact record for Cashel is the prediction.

Rainey OB (5th) v Naas (11th), Hatrick Park

A draw with Armagh and a loss to Highfield may have put paid to Rainey’s promotion chase but the season isn’t over yet.

They need a run of results to go their way but they also need to pick up their form this weekend.

Naas may be well behind them in the table but they have a draw and two wins under their belt as they travel to Hatrick Park.

Sunday’s Well (13th) v Navan (9th), Musgrave Park

Sunday’s Well haven’t won since November but they have picked up some losing bonus points, notably against Boyne last time out.

Navan lost to NUIM Barnhall recently but beat Connemara just prior to that. Despite being 4 and seven for the season their four losing bonus points have helped them into 9^th place.

The Well do have a game in hand to make up but with only 15 points they don’t want to find themselves slipping any further down.

Suttonians (14th) v Sligo (12th), JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds

Suttonians have struggled this season. The loss of experienced players such as Dave Walsh has seen them fight to build a consistent run of form.

They are just three points ahead of Ards and will be watching those results carefully on Saturday afternoon.

Sligo are faring worst of the four teams promoted last season. They look to have done enough to secure their Ulster Bank League status and will hope to build on that with a young side.