Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews
Three rounds left to play and it is still too close to call at the top of Division 2A. It’s a three horse race though as Terenure, Corinthians and UCC push for promotion. With UCC not playing the other two can pull ahead.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, March 23
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
Banbridge (4th) v Seapoint (8th), Rifle Park
There’s an outside chance that the Bann could still make the top two but it would require some very big upsets for it to happen.
In any other season they would be top two material – seven try bonuses attest to that.
Saturday sees Seapoint come calling and they will certainly want to improve on their mid-table standing but the home side could prove that bit stronger despite their big loss to UCC recently.
Bective (13th) v Midleton (14th), Donnybrook
There are two automatic and one playoff relegation slots in Division 2A and anyone from 12th to 16th is in the danger zone this weekend.
That makes this Donnybrook tie a crucial one for both clubs. Bective are three points ahead in the league thanks to garnering more bonus points and a better points difference.
Both clubs lost their last outing. A tough one to call and an intriguing game.
Corinthians (2nd) v Old Wesley (9th), Corinthian Park
It’s all about pressure now as we enter the final rounds of the league. Corinthians have shown their mettle all season.
They wobbled a bit against Bective but bounced back to beat Old Crescent well last time out.
Old Wesley sit mid table and with five try bonuses they have shown they can beat the weaker teams well. They have struggled against the stronger clubs and could do so again in Galway.
DLSP (16th) v Queens (11th), Kirwan Park
It has been a long hard season for DLSP but their young side have shown application at every stage. They will be a better side in the long run.
Mathematically they could still escape the drop but need all the luck they can get to do so.
Queens drew with Galwegians last time out and should have the nous to win on Saturday.
Galwegians (6th) v Cashel (7th), Crowley Park
Not much at stake for either side except club pride, but that’s not to be dismissed lightly.
‘Wegians have two draws and a loss in their last three games which effectively cost them a shot at promotion.
Cashel have won two of their last three games so can be considered the form side.
Greystones (15th) v City of Derry (5th), Dr. Hickey Park
‘Stones are facing into three tough games in coming weeks starting with this clash on Saturday.
City of Derry, like Banbridge, would have had promotion ambitions at the start of the season. It hasn’t panned out but they are still a serious outfit.
An away win looks the most likely result and relegation looms for the home side.
Terenure (1st) v Old Crescent (12th), Lakelands
‘Nure just need to ‘keep calm and carry on’. They have notched up 109 points in their last three games and are easily favourites again on Saturday.
Results elsewhere will have an impact on Old Crescent and could make the next few weeks uncomfortable for them.
A home win is on the cards.