Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews
A full round of matches in Division 2A of the Ulster Bank League this weekend, with the highlight likely to be the ‘Donnybrook’ in Donnybrook between Bective Rangers and table toppers Old Wesley.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, November 15
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
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Banbridge (10th) v NUIM Barnhall (2nd), Rifle Park
Banbridge were edged out in a cracking game against City of Derry last week. They are on home soil this weekend and hoping for better.
NUIM Barnhall picked up their third try-scoring bonus point of the season when beating Rainey Old Boys. The second-placed visitors will want to keep the pressure on Old Wesley and should be good enough.
Bective Rangers (14th) v Old Wesley (1st), Donnybrook
Look forward to a right old ‘Donnybrook’ on Saturday afternoon when neighbours Bective and Old Wesley go head to head as the new 4G pitch is officially opened.
There should be a good crowd and a cracking game in prospect. The ‘visitors’ are the form side and must be favoured to avoid the distractions of the day and take the points.
Cashel (8th) v UCC (11th), Spafield
Cashel weathered a late Nenagh Ormond storm last weekend to earn the bragging rights and points in Tipperary.
UCC lost by a point to Dungannon but the losing bonus was enough to edge them up to ninth place. If Cashel get out of the blocks early, they will take some beating again this weekend.
Dungannon (12th) v Blackrock College (4th), Stevenson Park
Two wins on the trot for Dungannon has them up to 12th in the Division 2A table. Can they keep up the winning ways this Saturday?
A third home victory, including a try by Owen Cullen, younger brother of Leo, has Blackrock up to fourth post and motoring nicely. An interesting game between these two former top flight clubs is on the cards at Stevenson Park.
Naas (9th) v Rainey Old Boys (16th), Forenaughts
Both teams lost last weekend but Rainey Old Boys are starting to struggle in last place. Can they turn it around on Saturday?
Naas are mid-table and need to stop the slide with a home win at the weekend. They should be the stronger outfit and expect them to move up the table.
Nenagh Ormond (7th) v City of Derry (15th), New Ormond Park
Two more clubs that lost last weekend and are in similar table positions.
Nenagh Ormond will be raw from losing to Cashel but they should pick themselves up for the visit of City of Derry. The Ulster side have only won one game to date. Saturday may prove a tough ask.
Queen’s University (6th) v Seapoint (13th), Dub Lane
Queen’s University joined the list of clubs that have lost to Old Wesley in the league this season when they went down 31-21 last Saturday afternoon.
Seapoint caused an upset last weekend in beating Thomond, putting a dent in the Limerick club’s charge. You would have to favour Queen’s to take the win on Saturday all the same.
Thomond (3rd) v Skerries (5th), Liam Fitzgerald Park
A season can turn on simple things. A late drop goal at Kilbogget Park last weekend saw Thomond lose to Seapoint.
This coming Saturday they host a Skerries side climbing the ranks after a bonus point win over Bective Rangers in round 5.
All told, this Limerick encounter should be a top game. Chris Keane’s Skerries are scoring for fun these days, while Thomond have the tightest defence in the division.