AIL Preview: Division 2B Week 11

Greystones and Corinthians hope to keep their intentions of silverware on track this weekend, while the race for top four really is anyone’s guess at the moment.

Belfast Harlequins V Galway Corinthians, Saturday January 21st, Deramore Park, 2:30pm

Galway Corinthians are just three points behind in the race for silverware but face a tough battle going to Belfast despite their recent dip in form.

Harlequins have found the start to 2023 quite troublesome as their form has seen a dip since the end of November, they had been in the race for top four but now in fifth are score difference behind Dungannon, wins have been hard to come by and they need a change fast.

Corinthians are trying to keep the pressure firmly applied on Greystones at the summit by keeping their recent winning run alive, they were big 54-14 winners over Harlies in December and will hope for a similar run of fortune this weekend.

Galwegians V Wanderers, Saturday January 21st, Crowley Park, 2:30pm

Defeat last weekend to Enniscorthy put a dent in Weginas hopes of getting out of the bottom two, they need to use home advantage well to topple seventh placed Wanderers.

Wegians picked up their only win of the season on the final weekend in December, but a heavy loss last weekend certainly knocked their confidence as the league slowly comes to a halt, Wanderers provide a test and points for them are crucial at this stage.

Wanderers slipped to seventh after last weekend’s defeat but three points separates them from fourth as this division has become clustered, they will hope to pick up points based on their opponents run of recent form.

Greystones V Malahide, Saturday January 21st, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm

Returning to action on the east coast, Greystones hope to make it 11 wins on the trot as they face a Malahide side who can make these games competitive. 

Greytstones were close to defeat against Wanderers at the same venue before the winter break, but since then have looked strong from last weekend’s second half showing to come into this weekend eager to keep a grasp on the top spot.

Malahide are still within a promotion charge and after drawing at the death with Harlequins and beating them last weekend, they are ought to avenge their 35-7 defeat to Greystones at home in December.

Rainey Old Boys V Enniscorthy, Saturday January 21st, Hatrick Park, 2:30pm 

Enniscorthy hope to continue their winning run after last weekend, but face a Rainey side who are aiming to nail down their spot in the top four.

Rainey edged a narrow 10-7 win with Dungannon last weekend to see them remain unbeaten in their last three games, with how competitive this division is they need to keep their form alive.

Scorthy put in an outstanding display last weekend one that has them finally on the board with a win this year, now they need to take that and run with it and hope to build some form and get out of the bottom two, if they show their scoring pedigree from last weekend they are in with a chance.

Sligo V Dungannon, Saturday January 21st, Hamilton Park (Strandhill), 2:30pm

Two teams with the eyes on promotion meet in the West this weekend, Sligo occupy eight but a win could see the fourth place drop places.

Having dropped down the table last weekend Sligo will be out to get a win to end a run of consecutive defeats, back West they need to do their very best to get points as Dungannon pose a major threat.

Two consecutive losses to Rainey handed Dungannon their third loss in three games and see them looking to regain some form as we near the business end of the season they need to get wins on the board and after losing to Sligo back in December they will try and get a much needed win.

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.

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