Round four of 2B has some interesting fixtures, can Sligo end Instonains unbeaten streak?, should that streak continue, can Galway Corinthians keep hold of second spot with Wanderers just behind?.
Dolphin v Galway Corinthians, Friday November 3rd, Musgrave Park, 7pm
Under the Friday Night Lights at Musgrave Park Dolphin face highflying Galway Corinthians hoping to claim their second win of the campaign.
The Cork outfit second third from bottom with just score difference keeping them out of the relegation play-off position and drop zone itself. Skerries proved to be a test too much in Holmpatrick a fortnight ago, returning to home soil they will favour the chance to return to winning ways.
Corinthians moved up to second place 9in the standings off their second win of the campaign last time out, four points behind leaders Instonians, the aim is to continue their push towards the summit and hold off the chasing pack. The Galway side have the third most potent attack thus far in the league and with Dolphin having one of the more leaky defences, they will fancy their chances of a win.
Belfast Harlequins v Skerries, Saturday November 4th, Deramore Park, 2:30pm
With Harlequins narrowly getting past Dunagnnon two weeks ago, they have the chance at making the top four by Saturday evening should results go in their favour.
With two wins under their belts, a third could move them into the top four should Sligo, Wanderers or Galway Corinthians slip up this weekend. The Deramore faithful have had some heart stopping contests this season, both wins coming by narrow margins, this could be another tricky match for the Ulster side.
Skerries after consecutive defeats scored their first win in 2B last time out and now look to move up the standings and secure a spot for next season. Lying eight they are eyeing a spot in mid table that they can build on over the next 14 rounds, two heavy defeats started the new campaign on a sour note, tails will be up following their result two weeks ago heading up the M1.
Instonians v Sligo, Saturday November 4th, Shaws Bridge, 2:30pm
21 games unbeaten since their debut last term, will Instonians continue their incredible start to life in the AIL or can Sligo rebound from their recent defeat and end the streak.
The Belfast club are a real force to be reckoned with, they stormed 2C last season and now look to do the same to 2B. Quality all over the park, 21 straight bonus point results, they have shown strong experience and know how to get to this stage and just have become a real force and it’s hard to not see them remain unbeaten.
Sligo will however be hoping to change that and coming off the back of a 43-33 defeat to Wanderers on home soil two weeks prior, they will look for a statement result in this contest. Plenty of hunger and fight coming from this Sligo side, two impressive wins started the campaign but they were derailed by Wanderers, experienced campaigners they will be out to cause a stir this weekend.
Malahide v Rainey Old Boys, Saturday November 4th, Estuary Road, 2:30pm
Malahide lost ground last weekend in the standings and look to continue their unbeaten start on home soil this campaign against bottom placed Rainey.
Just one home game so far this season at Estuary Road but it was an emphatic win and if they can keep home a fortress they will do well this campaign. Losing twice on the road the last outing a 56-7 drubbing to Corinthians they will hope home form can see them bounce back and push on in the coming weeks.
Rainey’s heavy score difference sees them sit bottom of the table despite being level on points with the two teams above them, -69 their difference coming from 152 points being scored against them in their opening three games. Despite three bonus points for tries accumulated and one losing bp, they are yet to take a result, they need one this weekend.
Wanderers v Dungannon, Saturday November 4th, Aviva Stadium, 2:30pm
Taking centre stage at the Aviva Stadium, Dungannon head to the capital looking to move back toward the promotion race against high flying Wanderers.
Wanderers are hoping for a third win in succession when they take to the field at Lansdowne Road their spiritual home, the Chaps have been impressive and fully deserve to be sat third in the standings. Two strong bonus point wins in recent weeks has the confidence levels high taking on Dungannon.
The Ulster side have had a mixed degree of fortune in the opening three rounds, one win and two defeats has the side who just missed out on promotion last season sit in sixth. Looking to avoid a third loss in succession they narrowly were defeated in their derby with Harlequins last time out, 25 points was the deficit to Sligo a round earlier. Heading to the capital will prove a tough prospect indeed.
More Info on Division 2B 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.