Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews
Rainey could seal promotion this weekend while the clubs down to 6th place are still in the hunt. Three rounds of games to go and it is all ramping up nicely in Division 2B.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B: Saturday, March 23
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
Armagh (4th) v Rainey OB (1st), Palace Grounds
This is a contender for match of the day in the Palace Grounds. The home side still have a realistic shot at promotion if they can become the first team to beat Rainey in the league.
They have beaten Thomond and Naas in recent weeks but this is the toughest task they will face.
The league leaders have scored 6 try bonuses and over 350 points in their title race to date. An Ulster derby with a lot at stake – this should be a cracker.
Boyne (6th) v NUIM Barnhall (2nd), Shamrock Lodge
Boyne still have a chance of promotion – albeit more likely via finishing 3rd for a playoff spot. A win on Saturday would give them a real chance.
NUIM Barnhall have scored over 400 points and notched up 7 try bonuses this season but they let a couple of key games slip – they won’t be in the mood to that this weekend.
Another cracking game and a large crowd expected for this crucial tie in the Ulster Bank League.
Instonians (9th) v Suttonians (11th), Shaws Bridge
Not a huge amount at stake in league terms, although the visitors could do with the comfort of a few more points as they are only five clear of a relegation playoff.
Inst. have won two of their last three including an upset against Boyne while the Dublin 13 outfit have lost two out of their last three.
A home win on the cards.
Naas (3rd) v Sunday’s Well (12th), Forenaughts
An interesting game with a lot at stake in both the promotion and relegation stakes.
Naas are firm favourites as they fight to stay in contention for a promotion slot – automatic or playoff.
The Well should be safe enough, even were they to lose, as they are four points clear of the relegation playoff slot but they’d definitely prefer to have their fate in their own hands.
Navan (7th) v Connemara (16th), Balreask Old
Navan may be mid table but a bonus point win on Saturday and results elsewhere could see them overtake Boyne and join Armagh on 39 points.
Their visitors this weekend are Connemara who have battled gamely all season but look certain to be relegated.
They have shown some real spark in recent weeks with a win over Thomond and they won’t go down without a fight but they just don’t have the firepower.
Nenagh Ormond (5th) v Ards (15th), New Ormond Park
Like Boyne and Armagh the Tipp side are still in with a possible promotion shot and a win on Saturday could see them overtake Armagh in 4th place.
Ards are currently in the relegation playoff hotseat – their points difference way below that of Thomond.
A home win is the odds on the cards and Ards will sweat on the result of the Clon/Thomond match up.
Skerries (8th) v Sligo (10th), Holmpatrick
Another mid table clash and a chance for Skerries to cement a decent first season in the Ulster Bank League.
On 33 points they can be reasonably happy with the haul to date and should add to that on Saturday.
Visitors Sligo have lost seven games and while they strive to improve season on season they may not get much out of Skerries.
Thomond (14th) v Clonakilty (13th), Liam Fitzgerald Park
Both sides are trying to avoid a relegation playoff – there are some tough teams in the Qualifying League – and this is a crucial game.
A home win would see Thomond clear of danger and up to 12th place should the Well lose in Naas.
The weather could yet play havoc with all the fixtures this weekend but this one looks set to be a tough tight affair regardless of the conditions.