It’s a case of who blinks first between Queens University and Blackrock College, as both are level on points at the top of the table, while Cashel look to state their claim this weekend.
Ballymena V MU Barnhall, Sat November 12th, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
Ballymena and MU Banrhall will both hope to make up lost ground in the table as they meet in a mid table clash in Ulster.
The Ulstermen suffered a whitewash against Cashel last weekend to see them drop down to sixth in the league standings, they will need a much better performance if they want to return to winning ways.
Barnhall also lost ground to sit just behind Ballymena after a 21-12 loss to Blackrock, it was another going showing by them against a side at the top half of the table, leading at half time but in the end it would be defeat, they can do it it’s a case of getting the results now to showcase their ability.
Blackrock College V Navan, Sat November 12th, Stradbrook, 2:30pm
The game that will have the most excitement around it this weekend will be the tie of Blackrock against Navan, with Blackrock looking to overtake Queens at the summit.
Since their scalp over the Ulster University, they have looked a strong title challenger in 2A back to back performances have seen them take the points and another over Navan would be a statement that they aim to climb to 1B.
Navan worked hard to draw with Queens last weekend, they have been a strong side in the league this season and they will want to climb back up the table after Cashel overtook them into third spot, this tie could very well go either way a draw too could be on the cards.
Dolphin V Cashel, Sat November 12th, Musgrave Park, 2:30pm
With the two sides they are sandwiched between in action this weekend, Cashel have a chance to climb to second place if Blackrock stumble, they travel to Cork for the Munster Derby with Dolphin.
The hosts remain eight despite defeat to the other Tipperary side in Nenagh Ormond last weekend, it could well be defeat for the second time in a row in a Munster derby, as this will be the third tie in a row they face a provincial neighbour.
Cashel will look for a second win in a row as they look to remain in that top section of the table and challenge Queens at the summit, they looked strong in their 27-0 win over Ballymena last time out and on paper look favourites to win this tie.
Old Crescent V Nenagh Ormond, Sat November 12th, Takumi Park, 2:30pm
Nenagh could jump into the top four on Saturday if they can beat an Old Crescent side, motivated by a first win in the competition last weekend.
It was a dramatic tie between the two Limerick opponents last weekend on Shannonside, as Crescent overcame UL Bohemian 27-25, that result will give Crescent a much needed boost, now come another provincial opponent in Nenagh, this will be a test for them to get a result.
Nenagh rose to fifth last weekend and very well could make the top four with how the fixtures above them work this weekend, the 27-15 win over Dolphin will be a result they look to replicate if they are to get over the line.
Queens University V UL Bohemian, Sat November 12th, Dub Lane, 2:30pm
Top meets bottom in a David V Golliath affair at Dub Lane, as Queens look to get back to winning ways after two tough results in recent weeks.
The Ulster side have had mixed form of late, but were unbeaten until the fourth round of action, since then a late drop goal cost them against Blackrock, while they left the lead slip last weekend as Navan hit back late on to share the spoils, on paper this looks like it could be a high scoring win for them.
UL face a tough challenge this weekend away at Queens, knowing their opponents need a win here to keep first place in the table, they will be up against it for sure, however with their unfavourable form Bohs could produce a shock that ripples through 2A and get a first win of the season this weekend.
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.