Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews
The Ulster Bank League is back! Division 2A kicks off with a Friday Night Lights special in Donnybrook and there is action aplenty from City of Derry to Midleton and all points in between on Saturday afternoon.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, September 29
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated
Old Wesley v Seapoint, Donnybrook, Friday Night Lights 19:30
A floodlit Donnybrook will always bring out the Dublin rugby fans and this clash between Old Wesley promises to be an entertaining affair if last season is anything to go on.
Wesley emerged 23 – 17 winners in a free flowing clash in Kilbogget Park in what turned out to be one of only five wins last season. Seapoint finished the season four places and nine points higher thanks to their eight wins.
A crisp September night is the perfect way to kick off the season so don’t miss out on the Donnybrook action.
Bective v Highfield, Donnybrook
Donnybrook will be as busy as always this weekend with Bective hosting Highfield on Saturday afternoon.
Bective finished fifth in Division 2A last season but without really challenging for the title race.
Highfield were impressive in Divison 2B with eleven wins to leave them third overall and in a playoff with Thomond which saw the Cork side promoted. The trip to Donnybrook should be a good first test for the season ahead.
City of Derry v UCC, Judge’s Road
A mid table finish for City of Derry last season saw them with eight wins and seven losses to their name having been promoted the season before. Can they kick on?
UCC had a torrid time of things in Division 1B last season and finished with a paltry two wins. Judge’s Road won’t be an easy opener to the season for the Cork students!
Corinthians v DLSP, Corinthian Park
The Galwy side finished the season in 4th place with a healthy nine wins and five try bonuses. If they can improve on that this season they are sure to be in contention for promotion.
DLSP finished in 11th place last season having set the early season pace. A good start is always welcome in the league but you have to sustain the challenge over those long winter months. Can ‘Salmo bounce back?
Greystones v Banbridge, Dr. Hickey Park
Greystones did well following their promotion to Division 2A last season and a 6th place finish was a good reward.
Like Corinthians they can make the next step with an improved showing this season.
Banbrige will be keen to make mark on their first day in the Division. Their ten wins and 52 point haul in Division 2B was only bettered by Cashel who went unbeaten.
Midelton v Cashel, Towns Park
Cork v Tipp in a Munster derby is always going to be a tough game and hosts Midleton face a serious challenge against newcomers Cashel.
The home side struggled last season finishing in 13th place with only five wins.
By contrast Cashel lit up the league with an unbeaten run. 15 wins, 6 try bonuses and a haul of over 400 points. The Tipp men have a team to take them to the top again this season!
Old Crescent v Queen’s, Rosbrien
The Limerick side finished tenth last season with seven wins to their credit and could aim higher this time around.
Queen’s impressed last season and missed out on a promotion playoff on points difference to Malone.
They should be a contender this season but a trip to Limerick will test their mettle.
Terenure v Galwegians, Lakelands
‘Nure managed a respectable mid table finish last season but can they improve on that this year?
Saturday will be a good opening foray as they face a Galwegians side keen to bounce back from relegation.
It came down to the last day for ‘Wegians and they dropped down alongside UCC. They will feel they have the wherewithal to come straight back up but they will need to pick wins on the road to make sure.