Ulster Bank League: Division 2B Previews
Highfield and Tullamore are setting the pace in Division 2B but the chasing pack is fairly tight with only seven points between Armagh in third and Bruff in eighth place.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B: Saturday, January 24
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
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Kanturk (12th) v Tullamore (2nd), Knocknacolan, 2pm
It has been a tough first half of the season for Kanturk but in losing six games they did pick up four bonus points.
Saturday at home will be a tough ask as Tullamore were in fine early season form with six wins out of eight. It is all set up for an interesting tie in Kanturk with an away win the form bet.
Ards (16th) v Midleton (6th), Hamilton Park
The first half of the season was one to move on from for Ards as they lost all eight games and only had a losing bonus point to show for their efforts.
Midleton are motoring along in sixth place on 24 points and with three try bonuses, they have shown they can run in the scores. Saturday will tell if Ards have turned a corner or if the second half of the season will be even tougher.
Armagh (3rd) v Sunday’s Well (4th), Palace Grounds
Staying in Division 2B this season means finishing in the top four – as we move to five ten-team divisions for the following season.
Armagh are well placed as we enter the second half of the season. Sunday’s Well are also in contention having finished 2014 strongly. Can they maintain that form in 2015?
Boyne (15th) v Sligo (7th), Shamrock Lodge
Boyne are another side set to struggle and with the bottom two sides set for relegation from the league they need to kick into gear.
Sligo had mixed form in the first half of the season but they are still in a position to challenge for a top four slot and Division 2B status next season. An away win is the likely outcome.
Greystones (5th) v Richmond (14th), Dr. Hickey Park
Every game counts, but that is the case more than ever with the new structures next season. Greystones are in the hunt to maintain their Division 2B status and a win on Saturday at home will keep them there.
Richmond need to keep one step ahead of Boyne and Ards if they are to avoid relegation from the league.
Highfield (1st) v De La Salle Palmerston (13th), Woodleigh Park
Highfield are unbeaten in the league thus far, an early season draw with Bruff the only blemish.
‘Salmo come calling on Saturday and while they are six points clear of Richmond, they will want to avoid being dragged into that relegation zone. Still, a home win is on the cards at Woodleigh Park.
Navan (11th) v Bruff (8th), Balreask Old
Only a point separates these two sides as they clash in Navan on Saturday afternoon.
Navan have won four to Bruff’s three but the visitors’ two draws have them marginally ahead. A match that could go either way on league form.
Old Crescent (9th) v Wanderers (10th), Rosbrien
A mid-table clash with both sides on 19 points and even level on points difference.
The Limerick side narrowly won their last game, while Wanderers lost to league leaders Highfield. Difficult to call how it will go on form, but you would have to favour the home advantage of Rosbrien.