Ulster Bank League: Division 2C Previews

Ulster Bank League Division 2C enters a crucial phase with three rounds in the next four weeks. The Bruff v Navan and Rainey v Sligo clashes are the only games to go ahead on a rain-hit weekend.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2C: Saturday, March 4

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –

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Boyne (10th) v Seapoint (8th), Shamrock Lodge (match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch)

Bruff (5th) v Navan (1st), Kilballyowen Park

Like Seapoint, Bruff had a 100% return in February with two wins from two, including a 13-10 defeat of Tullamore last time out when flanker Cillian Rea’s unconverted try proved decisive.

They are unlikely to reel in leaders Navan, their visitors this weekend, given that 14 points currently split the sides in the table, but they can still finish in the top four and make the promotion play-offs.

Front rowers Leigh Jackson, Sean Healy and Sean O’Hehir impressed in Navan’s 12-6 triumph over Rainey, their two tries coming from a maul and a scrum-inspired penalty try. Bruff will have to disrupt that forward platform to stand any chance.

Kanturk (9th) v Tullamore (4th), Knocknacolan (match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch)

Midleton (7th) v Bangor (6th), Towns Park (match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch)

Rainey Old Boys (3rd) v Sligo (2nd), Hatrick Park

A hard-fought losing bonus point at Navan, secured by young full-back Scott McLean’s late penalty, was not enough to prevent Rainey Old Boys from swapping places with Sligo – they are now third and second respectively.

Rainey have been disrupted by injuries, most notably in the front row, and they will need big games from Ricky Andrew and Tim Barker if they are to avenge October’s 19-18 loss to Sligo.

Flanker Diarmuid O’Dowd Hill’s try in the corner clinched Sligo’s victory that day. The Strandhill outfit, who have won eight of their last nine matches, will be targeting a strong start after handing Boyne a 17-point head-start in the previous round.