The all Tipperary meeting of Nenagh and Cashel is the game of the weekend in 2A. One of four provincial meetings this weekend, all four can change the landscape of the table come Saturday evening.
MU Barnhall v Navan, Saturday December 16th, Parsonstown, 1:45pm
A slightly early kick off in Parsonstown as Kildare meet Meath in one of four provincial showdowns this weekend.
With a win MU Barnhall would keep hold of their fourth spot or move higher depending on other outcomes. In their last three they have suffered two defeats and had victory snatched from them on two occasions. Consecutive setbacks if you like, drawing away to UL Bohs and suffering a late defeat to Ballymena last weekend. A first home tie in almost a month, can they get past their local foes.
Navan sit two points ahead of Ballymena near the foot of the table and if results work out against them they would be in the relegation battle come the new year. The Meath men have tasted defeat in their last two meetings and need a strong result here to ease their threat of landing in the drop zone. Navan lost both meetings with Barnhall last season, that was then and this is now, can they turn the screw and land a big result this weekend is the question posed.
Cashel v Nenagh Ormond, Saturday December 16th, Spafield, 2:30pm
A game with all the marbles, one of the meetings of the weekend, Spafield hosting one of two local derbies this weekend, leaders Nenagh taking on Cashel.
Cashel are five behind and can cut that gap this weekend, they cannot however take top spot unless they secure a bonus point win and also cut the 89 point scoring difference between these two. Momentum is with Cashel, since their opening day defeat they have been impressive winning all their last seven outings and with some being close encounters they showed why they are pushing for the title once again.
Nenagh on the other hand are unbeaten after eight and if they can defeat their local rivals it would further their hold on the standings. Oozing class and confidence this Nenagh side are serious contenders. Cashel their nearest challengers will pose a big test, Nenagh won here back in March and it was the first time doing so in their previous three meetings against Cashel. Strap yourselves in for this one, this will be a thrill ride.
Greystones v Banbridge, Saturday December 16th, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm
Both Greystones and Banbridge are eying up the top four and it all starts with overcoming the other this weekend.
Bonus points separates Greystones from Banbridge as both gave the same run of form this season. Greystones behind on points difference also however as their attack has failed to be as potent as their Ulster opponents. Their defence is much better so this could well be a chess match between the two. A game of tactics and well thought out moves as very little could be between them at the death.
Banbridge, like Greystones, also lost last time out and are looking to return to winning ways this weekend. The Ulstermen dropped down last season and face a side looking to fight to go up for the second season in a row, third if you count their attempt a year ago that came up short. It has not been ideal for both in terms of results but a game that is there for the taking. Banbridge could snatch fourth if Barnhall lose and they take a bonus result in this one, four points will not due however as the score difference is very much favourable for the Meath men.
Malone v Ballymena, Saturday December 16th, Gibson Park, 2:30pm
The bottom two clash at Gibson Park and in this Ulster derby points are a must to jump clear of the foot of the table.
Malone ended a two game losing streak last weekend following their 31-17 win over Banbridge and will hope to kick on from that as they return to home soil. That was just a second win of the season for Malone shared at home and away, this will be a gruelling contest and one they need to win. They would need a bonus point win if they want to move to eight going into the new year.
Ballymena scored a first win since their round three result over Old Crescent as they won their second home tie of the season. Now away from home can they do what they have come so close to doing this year and win on the road. Pierce Crowe was instrumental last week for the Ballymena men, he will be one of the linchpins if the side are to take points here, points which could see them move out of the drop zone this weekend.
UL Bohemian v Old Crescent, Saturday December 16th, Annacotty, 2:30pm
The second of our local derbies this weekend comes from Annacotty as Old Crescent make the short trip from Dooradoyle to meet UL Bohemian.
The hosts look to stretch their unbeaten run to four games this weekend should they not slip up against their neighbours. UL have had three tough games in succession at the Mulkear River venue and have managed to get over the line in all three, wins over Greystones and Ballymena were followed by a draw with Barnhall as they came back from the jaws of defeat. For sure this tie will be a humdinger between two sides packed with talent.
Crescent have won their last two trips to face the Red Robins, another this weekend would ease their worries of dropping into another relegation dogfight. While they narrowly lost to Greystones at the start of the month, in their Munster Derby with Cashel last weekend they were beaten by 14 points. Strong and with some exciting stars, can they take local bragging rights or will UL continue their form as they fight 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.