Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews
Six games in the Division this weekend and some key match ups in store with the divisional title on the line for Rainey Old Boys.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B: Saturday, April 6
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
Armagh (6th) v Rainey OB (1st), Palace Grounds, 15:30
Armagh’s loss to Ards at the end of March effectively scuppered their outside shot at a promotion playoff.
League leaders Rainey have scored 7 try bonuses and nearly 400 points in their title race to date. They are six points clear at the top of the table and a win on Saturday would make them Division 2B champion.
An Ulster derby with a lot at stake – this should be a cracker.
Boyne (5th) v NUIM Barnhall (2nd), Shamrock Lodge
Boyne still have a chance of promotion – albeit unlikely given Naas are nine points clear of them in the playoff spot.
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 do that this weekend.
A win would also put them clear of Naas. Another cracking game and a large crowd expected for this crucial tie in the Ulster Bank League.
Instonians (10th) 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 three points clear of a relegation playoff.
Inst. lost to Sligo last time out while Suttonians were beaten at home by Nenagh Ormond.
A home win on the cards.
Navan (8th) v Connemara (16th), Balreask Old
Navan are mid table on 34 points and even a win on Saturday would likely see them stay put.
Their visitors this weekend are Connemara who have battled gamely all season but face relegation.
A home win.
Nenagh Ormond (4th) v Ards (14th), New Ormond Park
A win on Saturday means that Nenagh Ormond could take Naas to the wire for the 3rd place promotion playoff.
Ards have hauled themselves out of the bottom two with their narrow win over Armagh. If they could upset the odds it would almost guarantee them safety.
A home win is still the bookies favourite.
Skerries (7th) v Sligo (9th),Holmpatrick
Another mid table clash and a chance for Skerries to cement a decent first season in the Ulster Bank League.
On 38 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.