It has been a very competitive season so far in Division 2A of the Energia All Ireland League and with five games left of the normal season, we are only getting started. The headlines this weekend will be taken by the clash in Shaw’s Bridge, leaders Instonians against second placed Galway Corinthians.
Instonians v Galway Corinthians, Saturday February 15th, Shaw’s Bridge, 2pm
Two teams who locked horns in Division 2B last term, have largely set the pace in 2A this season. Instonians have a narrow lead at the top and with a game in hand next weekend, could have one hand on the title if they can deliver a result this weekend. (Kick-Off is at 2pm)
Paul Pritchard’s men had a bruising battle with Old Crescent last weekend, picking up a bonus point win to make up for a narrow defeat to MU Barnhall in Round 12. Inst have lost just twice this season, both on the road and the first game was to Corinthians.
Michael Harding’s charges powered home to a 21-15 win that day, but have dropped points on three occasions since a lightning fast start to the campaign. They left it late to defeat Barnhall last weekend, Max Holmes’ try in the closing stages sealing the win.
Inst won at home last term, and Corinthians have won their last two meetings at home, this weekend could really go either way.
Banbridge v Ballymena, Saturday February 15th, Rifle Park, 2:30pm
Mathematically Banbridge are still in the face for top four, but not only will they need a bonus point win this weekend, results ahead will very much determine how their charge continues. A resurgent Ballymena, makes this Ulster derby even more entertaining.
A mixed run of form this season has kept Banbridge sixth in the table, but could we see a page turned this weekend, as they still have ambitions of finishing higher up the table. Defeat last time out to Greystones dented their chances, but they have had a fruitful recent run of form against their opponents.
The last three meetings between the two have seen Banbridge prevail, but Ballymena are not to be underestimated. A win last weekend was a welcome boost to their survival hopes and each game from now on remains a must win. Eoin Riston grabbed a brace of tries last weekend in a clinical display by Ballymena over Buccaneers.
Buccaneers v Old Crescent, Saturday February 15th, Dubarry Park, 2:30pm
A win for Old Crescent this weekend would keep them away from the drop zone, and should Navan and Ballymena fail to pick up points, the Limerick men would further that hope, but away to Buccaneers will be a challenge.
Twelve straight defeats now for Buccaneers, time is running out to salvage their hopes of not dropping to 2B. It looks increasingly likely this will happen but the maths still gives them a chance. Against Ballymena last weekend they fought until the end and are still a handful despite their form.
March 2022 was the last time these two faced each other in Dubarry Park, and Old Crescent came away that day with the points, winning 24-17. Indeed they also won the reverse meeting 29-24, and off the back of defeat to Instonians seek a positive result this weekend. Two wins in the eight games since that reverse meeting, Shane Mullally’s men are seeking a return to winning ways.
Cashel v Greystones, Saturday February 15th, Spafield, 2:30pm
Having quietly gone about their business well, Greystones occupy third spot in the table, and are just five adrift of Corinthians going into this weekend. A big game away to Cashel in Spafield will no doubt test their ambitions for top four.
Hitting a dip in form at the tail end of 2024, Cashel have bounced back in the new year, despite a late defeat to Instonians back in Round 11. Wins over Corinthians and Navan, have put them right back into contention for a play-off place. Next weekend they meet Barnhall, but a win here would knock Greystones out of the top four.
Danny Kenny’s men lost by three points when the pair met in October in Dr Hickey Park, Ben Twomey landing consecutive penalties to snatch a 25-22 win for Cashel. Greystones are a very different beast this time around. Winning their last seven games in succession. Fresh off a hat trick last weekend against Banbridge, Craig Kenny will be a big threat in the attack for the Wicklow men.
MU Barnhall v Navan, Saturday February 15th, Parsonstown, 2:30pm
Dropping a place last weekend after a narrow defeat out West, Barnhall have a Leinster derby this weekend to worry about, as Navan make the short trip down the M3.
After a four game winning streak came to an end last weekend, Barnhall did drop to fourth spot in the table and have pressure from Cashel to keep that. Along with that they can reclaim third spot, but will need to return to winning ways, and hope Cashel can do them a favour elsewhere.
Navan themselves also have pressure at the other end of the table, just two points is all that keeps them above the relegation zone. Ballymena picking up points last weekend has furthered the pressure on the Meath men to pick up points to stay afloat of the dreaded relegation places. Barnhall won the reverse meeting 50-24 and their last two home ties with Navan, form certainly is with the hosts.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.