Ulster Bank League: Division 2A Previews
Although the bad weather has claimed three Division 2A matches this weekend, there are a couple of excellent contests still scheduled to go ahead tomorrow in Belfast and Blackrock.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A: Saturday, March 4
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
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Sunday’s Well (8th) v Highfield (1st), Irish Independent Park, Friday, March 3, 7.30pm (match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch)
Belfast Harlequins (10th) v Banbridge (3rd), Deramore Park
With some of their main rivals’ games postponed, Banbridge stand a good chance of moving back to the summit. Bann boss Daniel Soper will give hosts Belfast Harlequins the respect they deserve, but they will be targeting a second successive bonus point win.
Soper told the club website: “The performance (in beating Nenagh 33-25) has given everybody in the squad renewed enthusiasm and confidence going into the last five games. We need to maintain that form at Harlequins, put in another attacking performance and pick up another five points.”
There are still 15 points between ‘Quins and second-from-bottom Corinthians in the table. South African Joe Rooyakkers and Matthew Rainey have fitness tests to pass, but Danny Annett is back from a facial injury to start in ‘Quins’ second row.
Blackrock College (6th) v Cashel (7th), Stradbrook
Blackrock did well to pick up a losing bonus point away to Highfield, however they are caught in limbo land in sixth place. There are seven points between them and the top five, while it is the same gap down to seventh-placed Cashel, tomorrow’s visitors.
Mathematically, Blackrock can still reach the promotion play-offs. However, they have not scored more than 13 points in their last three outings and Cashel’s defence is also improving.
The Co. Tipperary outfit climbed out of the bottom two thanks to their 36-3 dismissal of Harlequins a fortnight ago. It will be a much stiffer test in the capital but they can draw confidence from October’s 18-0 home triumph over ‘Rock.
Corinthians (9th) v Queen’s University (5th), Corinthian Park (match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch)
Nenagh Ormond (2nd) v Malone (4th), New Ormond Park (match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch)