Ulster Bank League: Division 2C Previews
Muster clubs lead the way in Division 2C with Bruff, Old Crescent and Midleton setting the early season pace, while newcomers Dundalk are struggling to find their feet.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2C: Saturday, October 3
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
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Bruff (1st) v Kanturk (7th), Kilballyowen Park
Three wins, the most recent a hard-earned one over Navan has Bruff a point clear at the top of the table. It is certainly a family affair down Kilballyowen Park with brothers Tony and Brian Cahill and Danny and Neilus Keogh all involved in Tony Trehy’s squad.
Visitors Kanturk have had a tough start – Old Crescent last week and now Bruff – but they are a tough nut to crack, especially with player-coach Ben Martin pulling the strings from out-half. Still, a home win looks likely in a tight game.
Old Crescent (2nd) v Boyne (5th), Rosbrien
Old Crescent also have a 100% record thanks to a late win over Kanturk last weekend, and it is an encouraging start as Eugene McGovern’s men target promotion in 2015/16 as part of their three-year plan. They have yet to notch up a bonus point, which may count against them as the season goes on.
Boyne picked up their second win of the season, beating Sligo with a bonus point in front of a big crowd at Shamrock Lodge.
Notably, Boyne’s back row of Larry Robles, goal kicker Karl Keogh and new signing James Mose looks potent. A fascinating duel awaits at Rosbrien on Saturday.
Sligo (9th) v Midleton (3rd), Hamilton Park
Sligo are one of two sides yet to pick up a point in this division after three games. It is a transitional period for the club with a number of their talented teenagers recently making their mark with the Connacht underage sides.
Saturday may offer little in the way of comfort as a rising Midleton come calling on the back of a win over Wanderers. The Cork side have picked up two try-scoring bonus points to date and are a team to be watched, with their strong scrum and lineout proving decisive in the Wanderers game.
Tullamore (6th) v Navan (8th), Spollanstown
Early season jitters for these two sides as they have both lost two out of their first three matches.
In fairness, both teams have lost to high-flying Bruff and OId Crescent so Saturday will be a better judge of form.
They both showed well against bottom sides Sligo and Dundalk – Tullamore flanker Rob Connor touched down twice against the latter – so expect a typically ferocious Leinster derby this Saturday.
Wanderers (4th) v Dundalk (10th), Merrion Road
Wanderers were edged out on the road at Midleton last Saturday but they are right in the mix in the top half of the table. Although injuries took their toll down in Cork, the Dubliners still fought back for a late losing bonus point.
With new head coach John Murphy at the helm, Dundalk have found the going tough so far and are yet to pick up a point or a win. It is hard to see them getting a positive result against such strong opposition this weekend.