Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews
There are two automatic promotion spots and a playoff available and only five points separate Naas in 2nd and Navan in 7th. The race to catch Rainey OB is on!
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B: Saturday, February 16th
– kick off 2.30pn unless stated
Skerries (8th) v Navan (7th), Holmpatrick, Friday Night Lights, 7.30pm
On their first season back in the league Skerries can be pleased that they are secure in their tenure and on 26 points could possibly challenge for a promotion playoff spot.
Visitors Navan will also have that spot in mind when they arrive in Holmpatrick.
Add in a Dublin v Meath rivalry on a Friday night under lights and it is all set up nicely for a good game.
Armagh (5th) v NUIM Barnhall (3rd), Palace Grounds
Armagh won at home last time out, beating Nenagh Ormond and on 30 points will have serious ambitions about promotion.
Saturday could be a make or break game against NUIM Barnhall. A win either way will seriously hamper ambitions and allow other clubs to capitalise.
The visitors lost by a point to Skerries last time out and have a habit of bouncing back with a strong performance. A tough game and an away win could be on the cards.
Clonakilty (13th) v Ards (15th), The Vale
Clon’s two draws and four losing bonus points has them seven clear of Ards. A win on Saturday would probably ensure that they move clear of the dogfight.
Ards will probably still be in 15th even if they win but they would be able to put pressure on Thomond and Clon in the closing weeks of the campaign.
A home win is still the likely outcome and Ards increasingly look like they face a playoff for league survival.
Connemara (16th) v Thomond (14th), Monastery Field
Another game that could have an effect on the relegation zone as with the result from The Vale.
The home side, without a win, look down and out but one or two results could provide a tenuous lifeline.
Thomond beat Ards recently and should be good enough to do the same in Monastery Field on Saturday.
Instonians (10th) v Boyne (4th),Shaws Bridge
Boyne are right in the mix to follow for a jump to Division 2A this season and an away win on Saturday would keep them in the zone.
Inst. are steady in mid table and they did win their last outing, albeit against bottom side Connemara.
An away win is on the cards but can Boyne garner a bonus?
Sligo (9th) v Naas (2nd), Hamilton Park
Sligo have beaten Suttonians and Connemara in recent outings but they have struggled against the higher ranked teams.
Naas will bring their ‘A’ game on Saturday as they try to keep the pressure on Rainey, having pegged them to a draw recently, for the top spot and keep ahead of the chasing pack.
The wind can be a factor in Hamilton Park but Naas should be good enough to take the win.
Sunday’s Well (11th) v Nenagh Ormond (6th), Musgrave Park
The visitors still have a real stake in the league, despite their loss to Armagh. That third place promotion playoff remains a carrot.
The home side are clear of any relegation worries but with no title chase on the cards could be ripe for the taking.
Cork v Tipp. It won’t be easy!
Suttonians (12th) v Rainey OB (1st), JJ McDowell Park
Not unlike the clash in Musgrave the visitors are chasing the title while the home side have pride at stake.
Should Clon and Thomond win the Dublin side could slip to 14th.
Rainey drew with Naas in their last game and only lead them by five points. They are favourites for the win and should still be top of the Division on Saturday evening.