After last weekend saw three games postponed due to the cold weather, this weekend looks to really bring the heat to Division 2A of the Energia All Ireland League. Instonians hosting Cashel is a contender for game of the weekend.
Galway Corinthians v Banbridge, Saturday January 18th, Corinthian Park, 2:30pm
Galway Corinthians snatched top spot away from Instonians last weekend due to the postponed fixtures, this weekend they host Banbridge looking to record a third win in a row.
It took a big second half shift for Corinthians to get the better of Buccaneers last weekend, Michael Harding’s men did suffer defeat to Banbridge in Round 8, the second occasion this season they have tasted defeat. A win here would boost their title hopes with a tough run of games in the coming weeks.
Banbridge meanwhile sit sixth in the table and with eight points the gap to fourth placed MU Barnhall, results elsewhere combined with a win in this clash, could further their hopes of a return to 1B. The Ulstermen won 27-0 back in December, Adam Doherty bagged two tries in that win, while Jack Hart was again impactful from the tee, one of the best goal kickers in the Division.
Greystones v Ballymena, Saturday January 18th, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm
Climbing into the top four last weekend Greystones have gone about business well this season, a win at home to Ballymena this weekend, would eclipse their record from last season, as they are a team to watch out for in the second half of the season.
The Wicklow men could well be near the summit if results elsewhere favour them with how competitive 2A is this season. Danny Kenny’s men had some mixed results to start the season, but have won their last five games in succession. Killian Marmion has been a big asset to that, tallying 82 points this season, 72 of which arrived from the kicking tee.
Despite only trailing by seven points at the break when the pair met at Eaton Park, Ballymena could not add to their tally until the latter stages of the second half, falling to a 28-12 defeat in the end. Mena have lost their last three outings, in the two in which they were away from home, they were knocking on the door right until the final whistle.
Instonians v Cashel, Saturday January 18th, Shaw’s Bridge, 2:30pm
Following their Bateman Cup Final defeat on the first Saturday of the year, Instonians have had to wait two weeks to return to action. A big clash with Cashel in Shaw’s Bridge will be a real slogfest to start the second half of the season.
Neither played last weekend due to the weather, so we will see an element of freshness to both teams coming into this clash. Score difference saw Instonians slip to second spot last weekend, and Paul Pritchard’s men are fully focused on landing a third title in succession.
Inst were clinical when they defeated Cashel 40-25 in Spafield, and the visitors will know the level of threat they pose. Unbeaten at home this season, Cashel will need to deliver a strong performance to take the points. The Tipp men suffered consecutive defeats to end 2024, will 2025 start out brighter?.
MU Barnhall v Old Crescent, Saturday January 18th, Parsonstown, 2:30pm
With Cashel breathing down their necks in fifth spot, MU Barnhall cannot afford to drop any points in the promotion race, as we draw ever closer to the business end of the season. Taking on Old Crescent in Parsonstown has been a fruitful fixture in recent seasons.
The Kildare club have won their last two home ties with Old Crescent, November 2021 the last time Barnhall came out on the losing side in Parsonstown. Before Christmas they had eight points to spare with a 29-21 win in Takumi Park, the first of two games won in succession. Out-half Adam Chester has been a real force for the Blue Bulls this season.
Last weekend saw Old Crescent again fall to defeat at the hands of Greystones. The Takumi Park faithful have lost their last three games, and are yet to win a game on the road this season. Despite being just eight points clear of the drop zone, they pose a big threat and will be looking to turn their fortunes around this weekend.
Navan v Buccaneers, Saturday January 18th, Balreask Old, 2:30pm
Last weekend Buccaneers delivered arguably one of their best performances of the season, against a side at the top end of the table, still sat bottom of the table they need points to turn things around as they head to eight placed Navan.
Navan will be fresh after their game was called off last weekend, and with the fact they built a two game winning streak from the teams beneath them in the table, they have pulled five points clear of the drop zone. Jason Harris-Wright’s charges won at home before Christmas, and want to start 2025 with another win.
Buccs delivered a strong showing last weekend at home, and while they pushed on in the second half, they conceded five unanswered tries as the half wore on to slump to a tenth straight defeat. Paul Byrne’s charges will take the positives and look to get a first win this weekend.