The title race in 2A is really heating up with Queens University and Blackrock College joined by Cashel in third place, looking to keep the form going to lift silverware at the end of the season.
Ballymena V Dolphin, Sat November 26th, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
Having both lost ground the previous weekend of action, Ballymena and Dolphin search for positive outcomes as they meet in a bottom of the table clash.
Ballymena sit seventh but a loss would see them move down further in the rankings, the cruel hand of fate saw them lose by a point late to Barnhall last time out, their second defeat in a row, having looked solid they are at risk of tumbling further down the table, victory this weekend is seen as essential to break that rut of form.
After a strong win at home to fellow Munster side UL Bohemian, Dolphin have lost two further ties in a row to Munster opponents and also come in needing a win, with the threat of relegation looming they hope to get points on the board to move them up the table.
Cashel V Old Crescent, Sat November 26th, Spafield, 2:30pm
In this week’s instalment of the many Munster Derby action that comes from 2A, Cashel hope to continue their challenge for the league title, hosting eight placed Old Crescent.
After their narrow lost to Barnhal, at the end of last month which caused them to stumble a little in the table, they have won two in a row and hope a third this weekend can see them remain in the title picture, two points behind both Queens and Blackrock, they will want to remain close incase one of them slips up.
With two wins in a row, Old Crescent have picked up momentum and are up to eight in the table as a result, both of their results came over Munster opponents, with fellow Tipp side Nenagh Ormond their last opponents, giving them hope they could do the double and beat Cashel, it will be a test but they are strong and well versed and could cause another upset in the league.
MU Barnhall V Navan, Sat November 26th, Parsonstown, 2:30pm
Navan are aiming to bounce back from defeat last time out, as they travel down the M3 for the Leinster Derby with a rejuvenated Barnhall.
The hosts have looked impressive this year, while some results have failed to go their way they have looked a solid outfit in the league, their last two wins were certainly in squeaky bum time, beating Cashl and Ballymena on the same 20-21 scoreline, leaving it late on both occasions. They are looking to keep their running run alive.
Navan meanwhile have had two results that they may think have been unfavourable for a title push, defeat last weekend to Blackrock followed a draw with Queens, where they came back to level late on, they need to return to winning ways to stay with those teams having been left behind in recent weeks.
Nenagh Ormond V Queens University, Sat November 26th, New Ormond Park, 2:30pm
Queens University are hoping to remain top this weekend, but Nenagh are aiming to produce another scalp against the Ulster students and try and move up the table.
Nenagh have two wins in their last five outings, defeat to Old Crescent last time out was a crushing blow leading 28-15 st the break, the win was on the cards and the second half just left them chasing the game, now come Queens who will serve as a huge obstacle but never say never with this Nenagh team.
Form is temporary class is permanent, that is the way to deceive this Queens side both last year and this year, while the form especially last month saw them drop points to Navan and the defeat to Blackrock came with the final kick, they remain one of the best in the league and hope to get a winning streak going once more.
UL Bohemian V Blackrock College, Sat November 26th, Annacotty, 2:30pm
Limerick meets Dublin, as the Robins host The Rock on the banks of the Shannon in Annacotty.
UL are currently bottom of 2A and need a big win to get them back within reach of Dolphin and Old Crescent, this game will be tough pitting ninth against second, UL also are on a six game losing streak, the form points to another defeat, unless they knuckle down and focus on the objective at hand.
Blackrock know a bonus point win would see them leapfrog Queens if they fail to get the same result in their tie, due to a 89 score difference between the sides it would take some crazy score lines to see that change, with four wins in a row they will look for a fifth if they can get the right result over the Shannonsiders.
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.