Round 3 of Division 2B will bring the question of who can stake their claim early on for top spot, Instonians and Sligo are both aiming to be top of the summit come Saturday evening.
Dungannon v Belfast Harlequins, Saturday October 21st, Stevenson Park, 2:30pm
In the first of two all Ulster affairs in 2B, Dungannon will be adamant of getting a win to make up for defeat a week prior.
A highly exciting contest in a windy Sligo that resulted in Dungannon slipping outside the top four. One of the real contenders in the Division this season, with how well they can perform and on home soil, they will be highly favourited .
Harlequins will say otherwise but at this venue two years ago was the last time they were victorious when these two met in the competition. After a nail biting opening contest where they came out as winners, it was reversed on Leeside at the weekend, can they end the losing streak and find their form against Dungannon.
Galway Corinthians v Malahide, Saturday October 21st, Corinthian Park, 2:30pm
Dropping down to sixth having lost last time out, Galway Corinthians are out to bounce back against Malahide.
In a narrow defeat to Instonians, Corinthians certainly played with hunger and desire and had the quality in their squad to finish in the top spots. Defeat at the weekend certainly knocked their confidence a little but back on home soil they can produce the glittering performances we are used to seeing.
Malahide are up to third spot, very much deserted for how they started the season and can push even higher if they take a win out West. January last year they did manage to take a win at this venue by 20 points, it could well be a very tough battle to calm between these two.
Rainey Old Boys v Instonians, Saturday October 21st, Hatrick Park, 2:30pm
The second of the all Ulster affair pits the second from bottom men from Magherafelt against the league leaders from Belfast.
Having had two defeats to start the season off, taking on the league leaders will be a tough struggle for the home side. Especially coming off the back of a high scoring defeat to Wanderers last weekend, they cannot allow a team like Instonians chances to score.
For the visitors they are seeking a 21st straight bonus point in the league, their dominance is well documented and even when they are pushed to the limit they get over the line. Quality all over their ranks, whether it’s Bev Prinsloo in the backs, Neil Saulters in the forwards, they are a try scoring machine. Will the streak live on for another weekend?.
Skerries v Dolphin, Saturday October 21st, Holmpatrick, 2:30pm
In a bottom of the table clash in Holmpatrick, 8th placed Dolphin hopes of climbing out of the bottom half of the table, rest with picking up their second win of the season.
After a 30 point drubbing by their local rivals Malahide last weekend, Skerries need to score an opening win or may find themselves rooted to the bottom for at least another round. Both of Skerries’ defeats have been high and they need to rectify this losing slump sooner than later.
Having played their first game in 2B since their relegation at home soil and leaving with a win, the Cork charges will be hopeful of kicking on and getting higher up the table. It came in hard fought fashion but with this Division being as competitive they could well finish higher up the standings.
Sligo v Wanderers, Saturday October 21st, Hamilton Park (Strandhill), 2:30pm
Should their opening round opponents pull off an upset in Magherafelt, a win for Sligo here would see them jump to top spot by the round’s end.
Consecutive home games for Sligo but will it prove dividends and be consecutive home wins. With how well they have performed this season, it is hard to look past them for another half finish. Producing a compressive performance against a top quality side like Dungannon.
Wanderers also come off the back of a strong performance in the last round, however their record at this venue in recent history is not ideal. Two close encounters where they ended on the losing front, one win from their four meetings, can the Chaps score a big win out West.
More Information on Division 2B available 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.