Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews
There are three rounds of games left in Division 2A and with Old Wesley still unbeaten the race for promotion continues as ‘Rock and Skerries lead the charge behind them.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, March 7th
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated
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Banbridge (4th) v Bective (16th), Rifle Park
The Bann’s away win at Judge’s Road last weekend was a key one.
They remain six points behind Skerries but they are not out of the hunt.
Bective, along with the clubs ranked from 10th to 16th, will form part of Division 2B next season which may lessen the feeling of being relegated.
Cashel (5th) v City of Derry (10th), Spafield
Like Banbridge Cashel’s win last weekend keeps them in the promotion race and certainly they look safe for Division 2A.
City of Derry made Banbridge work hard last weekend and eked out a losing bonus point. They will certainly make Cashel work just as hard this weekend.
Still, the home side look the form team.
Dungannon (15th) v NUIM Barnhall (7th), Stevenson Park
Dungannon, like Bective, are destined for Division 2B next season and will need to rebuild their confidence as much as anything else.
NUIM Barnhall have lost their last three games and with them a shot at promotion. What they need to do now is ensure they don’t slip below 10th.
An away win is likely but not guaranteed given the recent form.
Naas (8th) v Old Wesley (1st), Forenaughts
It’s a funny season when you’re mid table and just above the drop zone. The new structure next season means that finishing top 10 is vital.
That’s the challenge for Naas when they host the unbeaten table toppers Old Wesley. All the more so given they are just five points ahead of Nenagh Ormond in 11th place.
Plenty at stake then, in Forenaughts on Saturday but can anyone beat the Wes?
Nenagh Ormond (11th) v Skerries (3rd), New Ormond Park
Another game with a huge bearing on divisional status next season. The home side are playing to stay in Division 2A – they need to finish in at least 10th to do so.
The visitors are right in the battle for an automatic promotion to Division 1B.
A bell weather game given that the home side lost to the other contenders, Rock, last weekend.
Queens (6th) v Blackrock (2nd), Dub Lane
Queens may well play host to some of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017 but this weekend they face a Blackrock side with promotion on their mind.
The Ulster side are 11 points behind them and mathematically still in with a shout if they can pull of a win.
Form favours the visitors though and ‘Rock should leave Dub lane the happier.
Thomond (9th) v Rainey (13th), Liam Fitzgerald Park
Thomond, not unlike City of Derry and Naas are in the precarious position of not being safe in mid table.
Given that Naas are facing an unbeaten Old Wesley it seems an opportune weekend for Thomond to put in a big performance.
The visitors are a tough nut to crack as their five losing bonus points will affirm.
UCC (12th) v Seapoint (14th), Mardyke
Any hopes the students have of maintaining their Division 2A status hinge on this weekend. Win and they are still in with a shout, albeit they are relying on results elsewhere to assist.
Seapoint are certain to be in Division 2B next season and they have struggled to make a mark in Division 2A.
A home win and UCC live to fight another day.