Two derbies this weekend in 2A in Ulster Banbridge face Malone while in Munster Old Crescent lock horns with Cashel hoping to close the gap on leaders Nenagh.
Ballymena v MU Barnhall, Saturday December 9th, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
Ballymena return to Eaton Park this weekend hoping to avoid consecutive home defeats and also their fifth defeat in a row.
The Ulstermen remain second from bottom after last week’s home defeat to Banbridge and with a gap between them and safety growing by the second, a win is needed this weekend. Looking at their most recent setbacks, the losses in Spafield and then Annacotty were some of their better performances that went unrewarded with wins. Losing by six and then four points, was tough to swallow and against Barnhall will be another strong test.
Barnhall had victory snatched from them late last weekend in Annacotty shades of their opposition this weekend who almost stole the win at the death weeks prior. The Kildare side are motoring well this season and aside from their round six setback to Cashel had impressive results tallied despite losing their first two games of the camping. Well seasoned campaigners they want to fight for the title this season.
Banbridge v Malone, Saturday December 9th, Rifle Park, 2:30pm
For the first time since both dropped out of 1B last season, Banbridge lock horns with Malone for another Ulster derby.
The hosts had a much improved result last weekend on the road in another Ulster derby, can they replicate that this weekend and maybe jumbo UL into fourth spot. Certainly packing a punch despite their relegation last year, they java had some poor results since but still can pose a threat, Malone know that all too well.
With two wins and two defeats in their last four meetings with Banbridge, Malone need a win this weekend to try lift themselves off the bottom of the table. Just one win in seven since their relegation it has not been easy for them this season. While they gave Nenagh a game of it last weekend, performances like that have failed to bring wins, five of their six points came against Navan in their only win, with no losing bonus points secured either this season.
Navan v UL Bohemian, Saturday December 9th, Balreask Old, 2:30pm
UL Bohemian travel to Meath looking to remain within the promotion play-off places as Navan can be a banana skin to play against.
The Meath men dropped to eight following defeat last weekend to Cashel on the road, the fourth loss of the campaign and a game they indeed held the advantage until being put down to 14 men for the remainder. Navan won both meetings last season and will look to return to winning ways this weekend.
UL are much improved from last year under BJ Botha and showed their fighting spirit not once but twice in recent rounds, hanging onto win against Ballymena and took a draw last weekend when defeat looked on the cards. To keep that hope of promotion alive they cannot afford to drop further points and need a win here to keep the chasing pack at bay.
Nenagh Ormond v Greystones, Saturday December 9th, New Ormond Park, 2:30pm
Leaders Nenagh search for an eighth straight win of the campaign as they return to home soil against a resurgent Greystones.
Nenagh certainly are the pace setters in 2A and can take a big step to their title plans if they can secure a win this weekend before meeting Cashel next weekend. It was a big campaign by the Nenagh men last year and they have only grown since, high scoring and energetic they look to ascend to 1B next season. Only once this year have they had a close result, defeating Barnhall 17-16, with wins over Ballymena by 16 points and recently Malone by 14, the only other close encounters. They mean business and will take some serious stopping.
Greystones ended their four game losing streak last weekend at home to Old Crescent but can that spark them into life to challenge for the play-offs. Against Nenagh they will have a stern test, they are made of strong stuff in Wicklow and will Killiam marmion performing well they have a chance, Nenagh have some mareque talent also and will be seen as favourites but this could be a close one.
Old Crescent v Cashel, Saturday December 9th, Takumi Park, 2:30pm
Munster derby day on Shannonside as Cashel hope to keep on course for a title push against their Limerick based opponents.
Crescent had their recent winning streak ended narrowly on the road to Greystones last weekend so will be out for a much improved performance this weekend. They dropped to seventh as a result but a win here would see them not too far from promotion as the teams from fifth to eight all could still be in contention depending on other results. A squad including some young hungry players, Crescent are still hoping to make a splash on this year’s campaign.
Cashel have won their last four meetings with Old Crescent and on paper will be favourites coming into this one. Unbeaten in six following their opening day defeat on the road, they are a very attacking team who also have brought youth into their ranks to bolster their output. Ray Moloney has the team looking sharp this year and will be expecting a win this weekend.
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.