After a scintillating return to the AIL Division 2A last weekend, round 2 is just around the corner. With wins for Queen’s University, Blackrock College, MU Barnahll, Navan and Nenagh Ormond in the first round, the sides will be looking to kick on and maintain their early season form.
Ballymena v Navan, Eaton Park, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm.
Ballymena kick off their AIL home campaign this weekend, welcoming 2A new boys Navan to Eaton Park. The Ulster side fell to a disappointing 38-24 defeat at the hands of recently promoted Blackrock College last weekend and will be keen to find their first win of the season. Meanwhile for Navan, they narrowly scraped past Cashel in a 20-19-win last time out.
Cashel v UL Bohemian, Spafield, Saturday 8th October, 2:30pm.
Two sides who will be eager to get over defeats in round one meet this weekend as Cashel host UL Bohemian. Cashel, one of last season’s top four sides, fell to a narrow 20-19 defeat against Navan, while UL Bohemian lost out 20-15 to Nenagh Ormond.
Dolphin v Blackrock College, Musgrave Park, Saturday 8th October, 2:30pm.
Dolphin fell to a very heavy defeat last weekend, losing 69-12 to early season favourites Queen’s University. They face another tough task this time around as they host Blackrock College who opened their 2A campaign with a bonus point win over Ballymena.
Nenagh Ormond v MU Barnhall, New Ormond Park, Saturday 8th October, 2:30pm.
Both sides will be eager to maintain their 100% starts to the season this weekend as Nenagh Ormond play host to MU Barnhall. The Maynooth men kicked off their 2022/23 season in real style, with a 44-27 win over Old Crescent. Nenagh Ormond narrowly avoided the drop last season but showed no signs of being in the relegation mix again after overcoming UL Bohemian.
Old Crescent v Queen’s University, Takumi Park, Saturday 8th October, 2:30pm.
Old Crescent will need to forget about last week’s defeat to MU Barnhall rather quickly, as they host Queen’s University. Queen’s cruised past Dolphin in round one with a 69-12 win and will want to continue their emphatic start of the season when they travel to Old Crescent on Saturday.
Luke Delaney
Luke is a final year Journalism student in DCU. He is a Sports Reporter for Wicklow People Sport and FinalWhistle.ie.