Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, October 4

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

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Banbridge (6th) v Thomond (5th), Rifle Park

The Bann coughed up a try-scoring bonus point to Queen’s University last weekend but they secured a losing bonus in an exciting Ulster derby.

Thomond also secured a losing bonus point under floodlights in a low scoring but nonetheless enthralling game at Nenagh Ormond. There is not much between these sides in the table at this point, so Saturday looks an interesting match-up.

Blackrock College (9th) v Seapoint (10th), Stradbrook

Only points difference separates south Dublin rivals Blackrock College and Seapoint after two rounds. ‘Rock got off the mark last week at home to Skerries, while Seapoint edged Rainey 39-35 in a free-scoring encounter.

A real derby match this one and one that the hosts need to make a statement in if they are to challenge in Division 2A this season.

City of Derry (14th) v Old Wesley (1st), Judge’s Road

A tough opening run for City of Derry – two losses to date – continues with the visit of new table toppers Old Wesley.

The home side have two losing bonus points to their name and will be fired up for this encounter at Judge’s Road.

Wesley have been notching up the points in their two opening games, including a 50-point demolition job on Dungannon. They would like to keep that ball rolling on Saturday.

Naas (4th) v Dungannon (16th), Forenaughts

A bright enough start for Naas – a good opening day win followed by a losing bonus point on the road – sets them up for the visit of Dungannon on Saturday.

The Ulster side, by contrast, have had a poor start and conceded nearly 70 points in their two opening games. On form you would have to back Naas and it looks tougher and tougher for Dungannon.

NUIM Barnhall (2nd) v Cashel (13th), Parsonstown

A big win at home followed by a hard-earned victory on the road have NUIM Barnhall well set up after the opening two rounds of the league.

On Saturday they host a Cashel side that have lost one and won one but without a bonus point in either game.

The home side have to be favourites on Saturday and with Old Wesley on the road, the Kildare outfit could be aiming for top spot come the final whistle.

Rainey Old Boys (7th) v Queen’s University (8th), Hatrick Park

Rainey Old Boys have a habit of making life hard for their fellow Ulster clubs. They already accounted for City of Derry on the opening day of the league. They followed that up with a losing bonus point on the road – always valuable.

Queen’s recovered from their loss to Thomond by winning at home to Banbridge. Can they do it for a second week on the trot in another Ulster derby?

Skerries (15th) v UCC (11th), Holmpatrick

Skerries are yet to get off the mark in Division 2A having lost to fellow Dublin clubs Old Wesley and Blackrock so far.

Player-coach Chris Keane showed his experience last week by playing in the centre and scoring a well-taken try in their defeat to Blackrock, but he will be hoping for more this weekend.

UCC made up for their bad start to the season against Naas with a home win over Bective last Saturday. They could be good for another one this weekend.

Bective Rangers (12th) v Nenagh Ormond (3rd), Donnybrook

Bective Rangers made full use of the new 4G Donnybrook pitch on the opening day of the league but could not back it up in UCC last Saturday, narrowly missing out on a losing bonus point. Can they bounce back at home this weekend?

Visitors Nenagh Ormond have yet to gain a bonus point but they could relish the surface at Donnybrook and have one of the division’s best finishers at present in winger Ruaidhri O’Brien.

Related Links –

Ulster Bank League: Division 2A – Round 2 Review

Latest Ulster Bank League Tables