Nenagh Ormond look to extend their unbeaten run to five this weekend, while out of the chasing pack Cashel and UL Bohs meet in a Munster derby at Spafield.
Ballymena v Nenagh Ormond, Saturday November 11th, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
Nenagh are the early pace sitters in 2A and with four wins in a row they win for a fifth away to Ballymena this weekend.
Ballymena suffered their third defeat of the campaign last weekend as another Tipperary outfit Cahsel were six point winners. Having scored their first win a week prior in commanding circumstances Spafield proved tricky to create a winning streak. Back on home soil can they claim a huge scalp and down the leaders and move up the standings from their occupation of eight place currently.
Nenagh have been very impressive this season, remaining the only team in 2A to go unbeaten. Conor McMahon inspired the side once again last weekend and is proving a real threat in their potent attack. While they failed to secure a bonus point for just the second time last weekend McMahon kept the board ticking, with a host of quality players in their ranks Nenagh look to have the edge in this one.
Banbridge v Old Crescent, Saturday November 11th, Rifle Park, 2:30pm
Banbridge are very much resurgent in recent weeks and should they beat Old Crescent and a result or two elsewhere go in their favour they could be in the top four on Saturday evening.
The Down outfit hit a rough patch in the early rounds but bounced pack well last weekend to not have the top four spots within reach. Having narrowly lost a week prior by six points they were certainly motivated to come out and revert that outcome and did so with a solid showing against Navan. On paper Banbridge look the favourites in this one.
Old Crescent on the other hand will be looking to ensure that fails to happen this weekend. The Shannon men have lost their last three games and are currently sat in the relegation places as a result. A young Crescent side have looked solid this campaign, double digit one sided defeats in recent weeks have seen them struggle, they need to turn that around this weekend.
Cashel v UL Bohemian, Saturday November 11th, Spafield, 2:30pm
Not just a Munster Derby in Tipperary this weekend but a meeting of two top four outfits looking to continue their recent impressive form.
Cashel, despite losing their opening round fixture, have bounced back to occupy second in the standings following strong results in recent weeks. This will be their first Munster Derby of the year and on home soil they will be looking to sink their teeth into this contest. Cashel have won their last three meetings, last suffering defeat against Bohs in October 2021.
World Cup winning Springbok and former Munster player BJ Botha, has had a fruitful start since joining the Robins as Men’s First XV Head Coach this season. Three wins from their opening four games, the side almost relegated last season are fighting for promotion early on this campaign. Winning their last three they also have plenty of confidence but were beaten by Nenagh on their last trip to Tipp at the start of the season. It will be hard to call this contest as on paper both have a strong chance of coming out with the win.
Greystones v MU Barnhall, Saturday November 11th, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm
Having tumbled down the standings in recent weeks, Greystones are looking to move right back up if they can topple MU Barnhall.
The Wicklow outfit, current 2B Champions, started life in 2A with an unbeaten start but since round 3 have lost their subsequent two fixtures, putting them sixth in the standings. Leaving bitterly disappointed from their tie in Annacotty at the weekend a late penalty would have seen them take the points, alas it was not to be. Back in front of their home faithful can they get back on track.
Barnhall will hope to hang onto fourth spot having climbed back up following two opening round defeats. Kicking into gear is certainly the case for the Kildare side, they scored just 26 points in the early rounds and since then have notched 100 in their last two encounters. Confidence is high and having been a promotion candidate last year they have the ambition to go a step further this campaign.
Malone v Navan, Saturday November 11th, Gibson Park, 2:30pm
Bottom placed Malone are out to secure a first win of the year Navan will provide another strong test this weekend.
The home side secured their first point of the campaign last weekend with a try-scoring bonus point in a 54-25 defeat to MU Barnhall. Having suffered the drop last season, in these early rounds it looks like that may happen again. One contest from four did they remain competitive and with 13 rounds yet to go they need points on the board sooner than later.
Navan on the other hand had their impressive start halted by Nenagh in round 3 and since then have built up a losing streak. They left bitterly disappointed not to take more from their meeting with Banbridge on home soil last weekend. Having dropped down the table they are not far behind those fighting for promotion, a maximum haul of points would be a big confidence boost.
More Info on Division 2A available here.
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.