Wanderers have a five point lead at the summit of Division 2B of the Energia All Ireland League going into this weekend and face an away trip to Malahide, all of the chasing pack in the top four will be looking to close the gap, two of which are at home.
Dungannon v Galwegians, Saturday November 16th, Stevenson Park, 2:30pm
Dungannon hold second place in the table on score difference to the rest of the top four, and welcome Galwegians to Stevenson Park for the first time since October 2022, where they recorded a 33-7 win.
Gannon that season went on to contest a promotion play-off only to have their hopes dashed, last season was a tough one as they finished outside the play-off places but have done well thus far. Coming off the back of the defeat to Wanderers they will be out to impress.
Galwegians are yet to secure a win this season but their sixth losing bonus point of the season last weekend, showed just how unlucky and competitive they have been so far this season. Three defeats have been by the minimum this season, while the defeat at the weekend was the biggest margin so far. The Tribesmen are still in the fight and will be looking to finally get over the line this weekend.
Malahide v Wanderers, Saturday November 16th, Estuary Road, 2:30pm
The Chaps suffered defeat when they last went on the road against UL Bohemian, but produced a ferocious performance to get the upper hand against Dungannon at home last weekend, James Morairty exceptional from the kicking tee with four successful attempts at the posts, adding those vital extras in a 24-19 win.
A Dublin Derby is Estuary Road, as bottom placed Malahide face a stern test from the leaders. On the form guide Malahide enter off the back of three defeats with the last two by double digits. In their last three meetings with Wanderers they have lost two from three, last getting the upper hand in October 2022. With how tough 2B has been this season, a win here would be a crucial early moment in their season.
Malone v UL Bohemian, Saturday November 16th, Gibson Park, 2:30pm
UL Bohemian have been in solid form of late and look for their third win in succession this weekend to keep up their momentum to challenge for promotion and the title. A long journey up to Malone is certainly a tricky one.
A first trip to Gibson Park since November 2014 for The Robins, who suffered a 23-10 defeat when the pair were in 1B ten years ago. Now they are fighting it out in 2B, with Malone hoping to bounce back after consecutive relegations. Winning their last two games has given them confidence going into this one, as they hope to move closer to fourth spot.
Skerries v Rainey, Saturday November 16th, Holmpatrick, 2:30pm
Skerries were flying high in recent weeks but defeats away to Sligo and at home to Malone, have seen them drop to third in the standings. Another home game is on the cards this weekend as Rainey travel to Holmpatrick.
Those last two defeats have been narrow ones for The Goats, suffering a 23-17 loss to Sligo and last weekend, Matty Smyth split the posts late on to see Malone leave with the points. Ronan Mulcahy was a big performer for Skerries last weekend, the Divisions top scorer with 17 points of their 22 point haul.
Rainey are resurgent in recent weeks, a win this weekend would be their third in succession as they go in search of challenging at the top end of the table. Tim Barker’s men have had eyes on promotion since the season began, and have certainly delivered with their performances in recent weeks. Ryan Davies and Jack Hardy have been impressive performers in those recent wins.
Sligo v Clogher Valley, Saturday November 16th, Hamilton Park, 2:30pm
While the team teams deadlocked on points have eyes further up the table, Clogher Valley sit just behind in fifth place and if results favour them this weekend, they could well sit inside the top four come Saturday evening.
Valley are away to Sligo, another first meeting for the Ulstermen this season. The Cran faithful were treated to an impressive win last weekend on home soil, now they will look to pick up their third away win of the season. David Maxwell was inform from the tee in the 65-26 win over Malahide, while Paul Armstrong and David Stinson crossed for a brace of tries.
Sligo have been resurgent in recent weeks but did fall to defeat at the weekend against Rainey, home form however has been largely good as Sligo recorded wins in their last two home outings.
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.