2B certainly continues a reputation for being competitive, Instonians, Galway Corinthians, Wanderers and Sligo all look to keep pushing in the top four by Saturday evening.
Belfast Harlequins v Rainey Old Boys, Saturday 18th November, Deramore Park, 2:30pm
A second Ulster derby for both outfits this weekend, as Rainey make the trip from Derry to Belfast hoping to climb further away from the relegation spots.
Having suffered a setback following their 42 point defeat to Galway Corinthians last weekend, Harlequins will be looking to move back toward the top four this weekend. For large parts of this early campaign they have looked strong, a narrow defeat in Musgrave Park was an early set back and with their second defeat last weekend they are out to avoid a tumble down the standings this weekend.
Rainey secured a first win of the campaign last weekend in emphatic circumstances, now coming into a game with a win under their belts for the first time this year can they build on that. They stole the points in the last meeting back in April and certainly have the scoring prowess to cause issues for Harlequins this weekend.
Dolphin v Sligo, Saturday 18th November, Musgrave Park, 2:30pm
Returning to Musgrave Park, can Dolphin overturn a three game losing streak against fourth placed Sligo.
With Dolphin bottom of the standings by four points, they have certainly struggled since suffering the drop last season. One win from four they welcome another big test in Sligo and it could well be a fourth defeat. Sligo are a quality free scoring side and with Dolphin suffering a 45 and 28 point defeat in recent weeks, can they turn that around?
Despite suffering consecutive setbacks to Wanderers and Instonians, Sligo performed well to avoid a third defeat and toppled Malahide last weekend. Now back in the top four the aim will be to keep the form going as plenty of teams can chase them down for that coveted fourth spot.
Instonians v Dungannon, Saturday 18th November, Shaws Bridge, 2:30pm
A clash of two Ulster heavyweights in the second of the northern provincial derbies this weekend, highflying Instonians welcome Dungannon to Shaws Bridge.
Three years unbeaten, 23 straight bonus point wins in the AIL to date, the story of Instonians is one of fairy tales. Since their debut they have set the pace and showcased a dominant attacking brand of rugby that has rewarded them to date. Taking on a side that almost went to 2A at the end of last term will not be an easy test, with their form it does make it hard to look past them.
Dungannon however cannot be underestimated, deservedly they earned the chance at promotion last year beating stiff competition to contest that final place. This year has been a rough start however with one win from their opening five, that came in the opening round and since then a large chunk of points have come from bonus points while they had to settle for a late share of the points with Skerries last weekend. We say this all the time but could they end the streak? Certainly a team to give it a rattle anyway.
Malahide v Wanderers, Saturday 18th November, Estuary Road 2:30pm
A third provincial derby of the weekend takes us to Leinster, where an all Dublin meeting of Malahide and Wanderers will certainly make for quality viewing.
Having dropped to seventh spot after picking up their third defeat of the season, can their unbeaten home form topple their Dublin neighbours. Malahide certainly are a team which can contest the top half of the standings and with a chance a team ahead could falter they need to take the points here. They managed that over 12 months ago and could be another strong test for Wanderers.
The Chaps last won at this venue two years ago and in their last four meetings and have won three. The only defeat came last year and with how well the Ballsbridge outfit have looked this season they aim to keep a hold of a spot inside the top four. A second defeat of the campaign last weekend in a narrow one point defeat, they almost toppled Instonians but will be looking to forget that result and get back to winning ways this weekend.
Skerries v Galway Corinthians, Saturday 18th November, Holmpatrick, 2:30pm
Skerries put their three game unbeaten streak on the line when they welcome heavyweights Galway Corinthians to Holmpatrick.
Following consecutive stalemate results where the deciding score has gone the way of the goats, they remain unbeaten but still remain inside the relegation places. This could be a tough battle for Skerries as they aim to remain a 2B side beyond their inaugural season in the division. A tough team that battles to the very end, they will be tricky but cannot cough up scoring chances.
Corinthians are ready to pounce on the top of the standings should Instonians falter this season and need to keep up their winning streak in order to remain on their coattails. The Galway side have been convincing in their last three results since their round two setback to Instonians and bring some serious firepower. Finn McNulty and Max Holmes are serious try threats and with Sean Naughton having an incredible boot, they have options all over the park to get those scores.
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.