Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews
Two names from Irish history will resonate as Thomond travel to Nenagh Ormond for a Friday Night Lights clash in Division 2B of the Ulster Bank League. The action continues on Saturday with league leaders Rainey at home to Boyne.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Friday, January 18
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Nenagh Ormond (4th) v Thomond (14th), New Ormond Park Friday, 7:30pm
Ten places and twenty points separate these two Munster clubs in Division 2B and the home side must surely be favourites under lights at home.
Having lost to Navan last time out a win will keep them in the hunt for a shot at promotion.
Visitors Thomond also lost to a Leinster club last time out when they travelled to Naas. They are in the relegation zone and badly need a win.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, January 19
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
Ards (15th) v Naas (2nd), Hamilton Park
Ards face a tough challenge in Hamilton Park on Saturday when a bouyant Naas come calling on Saturday afternoon.
One win from their seven games leaves them in the relegation zone again this season.
Naas will hope not to slip up and for a win that will keep the pressure up on Rainey OB.
Clonakilty (12th) v Navan (6th), The Vale
Clon’s win over Connemara earlier this month saw them move up to 12th and while they are not out of danger yet they seem better set to stay clear.
Navan’s win over Nenagh Ormond kept them steady in 6th place but they will need to win to stay in what is at present a tight bunch.
Expect the weather to play a big part this weekend but the Co. Meath side should still take the points.
Connemara (16th) v Sligo (13th), Monastery Field
A Connacht derby in Monastery Field that could prove key for both sides as they face the prospect of relegation.
Connemara are yet to pick up a point and a return to the Connacht Leagues beckons.
Sligo have struggled since they gained promotion and with nine points are just out of the bottom three. An away win will heap more pressure on Connemara.
NUIM Barnhall (4th) v Instonians (11th), Parsonstown
The home side have scored morepoints than any other side in the division and only three clubs have conceded less than them.
They are six points behind the leaders, but crucially only two behind second place so they are well placed for a promotion shot.
Visitors Inst. have lost four and won three and while they are not in the danger zone they need a few more results to turn their season around but they are unlikely to get one in Leixlip.
Rainey OB (1st) v Boyne (3rd), Hatrick Park
Unbeaten in the league and with four try bonuses Rainey look unstoppable but they face a big test on Saturday when third place Boyne travel to Hatrick Park.
A win either way could see changes in the top four with four or five clubs ready to pounce.
Boyne have a tight defense but Rainey’s has been even better. The odds favour a home win but Boyne could cause an upset.
Sunday’s Well (10th) v Skerries (8th), Musgrave Park
Both sides are mid table and both won their last league outing in December.
The home side are three from seven while the visitors have a draw and three wins to their name.
Home advantage still counts but Skerries could take the points in a tight game.
Suttonians (9th) v Armagh (7th), JJ McDowel Park
A mid table clash but the visitors, five points ahead in the league, are still in touch with the top four.
Suttonians three wins and two try bonuses have them mid table but Armagh are not an easy side to beat.
Only Rainey have conceded fewer points than Armagh and with three try bonuses they can turn it on. Expect them to take the points and challenge for top four.