Action across both ends of the table this weekend as 2A returns from a week’s slumber, UL Bohs meet MU Barnhall in a top four clash, while the battle at the foot of the table continues with Ballymena and Malone both seeking wins.
Ballymena v Banbridge, Saturday December 2nd, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
An Ulster derby at Eaton Park that is very much an eight pointer for both teams to get moving up the standings.
Having suffered their third consecutive defeat two weeks ago Ballymena sit ninth and need to end that losing streak this weekend to avoid the continuation of the threat of relegation on their doorstep. Despite their commanding win over Old Crescent at this venue in round three, defeat at home sandwiched between two away defeats, leaves them in desperate need of points. Unlucky not to leave Annacotty with a win two weeks ago, if they show that spirit when down to 14 men this weekend, they have a chance.
Since their demotion to 2A, Banbridge have lost four of their last games and need to turn it around this weekend. Having overcome Navan at the start of November they were unable to continue that and now occupy seventh spot as a result. While they have two wins on the board, a six point loss to Barnhall and one to Old Crescent could have gone either way, very much needed this weekend as it would move them to within reach of the promotion play-offs.
Cashel v Navan, Saturday December 2nd, Spafield, 2:30pm
Cashel have continued to find their form and with five points separating them from Nenagh, another strong performance this weekend will keep them in touch, Navan will however be tricky customers.
For the Tipp men they are in a rich vein of form that has seen them continue to impress and continue their approach for promotion. They had to settle for fifth last season but having started in emphatic circumstances they mean business and are not settling for anything other than a shot at promotion. Serious performers on their day and they look a strong contender this season.
Navan themselves are mounting a charge for promotion after their win over Greystones two weeks ago. Occupying sixth spot they are four behind UL in the standings along with some score difference, a win here would certainly be a statement from the Meath men. Some narrow defeats have seen them leave points behind them on their last trip to Tipp, they were beaten 46-6 by Nenagh, prior to that in this venue it was a 31-21 defeat in April of last season.
Greystones v Old Crescent, Saturday December 2nd, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm
Looking to end a four game losing streak, Greystones welcome a resurgent Old Crescent to Dr Hickey Park.
The Wicklow men have had quite the arduous journey so far in 2A since promotion this season, with two wins from their opening six games. It had looked like a strong start from Greystones but four losses in a row put them three points outside the relegation zone. A much needed improvement is needed this weekend if they are to remain clear of the drop zone.
Crescent meanwhile search for a third win in a row this weekend, having overcome Ulster outfits Banbridge and Malone in recent rounds. Twice this year the Limerick men have won a game by five points or less, when backs are to the walls they find a way out and having trailed in their round six win to Malone at the break, it was a strong scoring exploit by Crescent to help them prevail. Three points behind their neighbours UL Bohs in Annacotty, could we see a change in the top four come Saturday afternoon.
Malone v Nenagh Ormond, Saturday December 2nd, Gibson Park, 2:30pm
Bottom meets Top in Gibson Park on Saturday afternoon when Nenagh travel to Belfast to face Malone.
Malone have had the toughest of starts to life in 2A this year following last season’s relegation, with one win from their opening six meetings they sit six points adrift of safety and are very much behind also on score difference. Beating Navan in round five they looked much improved but returned to losing ways last time out. We are yet to reach the midway mark of the season, time remains but they still need points on the board before it gets too late to stay up.
Nenagh are the pace setters and have been since the opening round, six games unbeaten they have been a storied campaigner since last season making the play-offs. It has continued into this season building that five point gap but they cannot afford to drop points with Cashel breathing down their necks. Conor McMahon is one of Nenagh’s shining lights and the side are very much brimming with quality this season with that 2A title firmly on their minds.
UL Bohemian v MU Barnhall, Saturday December 2nd, Annacotty, 2:30pm
A big top four meeting in Annacotty has fourth host third, MU Barnhall head down the M7 to face UL Bohemian on the banks of the Mulkear River.
UL continued to impress last time out with a hard fought win over Ballymena, digging deep in the final minutes of play to hold out for their fourth win of the season. Not enough to see them leapfrog Barnhall into third, can they do it this weekend. Another home tie and plenty of thrills and spills to come from this one, Bohs have plenty of quality with Harry Byrne a strong performer last weekend, as were Tom Cullen and Evan O’Connell in their forwards.
Barnhall look to end their recent losing streak in Limerick against their opponents this weekend having had a mixed run of results this season. A losing bonus point to Cashel in round six kept them in third spot. In turn it also ended their three game winning run and they will want to restore that this weekend. Barnhall showed what they are made of last season and despite three wins from their opening six, are still a strong competitor looking to continue their challenge for promotion.
More Info on Division 2A 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.