Greystones are out to keep their unbeaten status alive with Corinthians again hot on their heels, top four remains a minefield with six teams all in contention to be in there by the end of proceedings on Saturday.
Dungannon V Belfast Harlequins, Saturday January 26th, Stevenson Park, 2:30pm
Dungannon look to dust themselves off from defeat last weekend as they face a fresh Belfast side who did not play last weekend due to bad weather.
The hosts are currently on a four game losing streak looking to overcome that as this division has been very much gridlocked for that fourth spot, they need a win to improve their form and secure that coveted spot in the table.
Despite not playing last weekend Harlequins remain just a point behind their opponents in fifth place with a game in hand, should they find form an eight point swing from those two games could see them up to third spot, if everything goes their way.
Enniscorthy V Sligo, Saturday January 26th, Alcast Park, 2:30pm
Sligo moved up to sixth place last weekend after getting back to winning ways, now a trip to bottom placed Enniscorthy could be tricky or fruitful for them.
The hoists did not play last weekend and will come in fresh and off the back of their 44-0 win over Galwegians, if the same Scorthy show up it will be a test for Sligo but they need to keep that momentum going if they hope to remain in 2B.
Sligo did well to overturn Dungannon last weekend, now they face an interesting trip where anything could happen, league position would say Sligo will take points here but it remains difficult to call, a win could squeeze them into the top four but results elsewhere can see that change.
Galway Corinthians V Malahide, Saturday January 26th, Corinthian Park, 2:30pm
Galway Corinthians hope to continue their push for the title this weekend having been rested from the week previous, they host a Malahide side just outside the drop zone.
Corinthians saw Greystones move eight clear last weekend, they will know a game in hand will take place at some stage, but now they need to win these games if they want to stake a claim to be a contender for the title.
Despite Malahide being in eight spot, they are closer to the top four than the drop zone, three and five points respectively. With a win last time out they have the confidence to cause an upset at the weekend.
Greystones V Galwegians, Saturday January 26th, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm
Greystones hope to keep their unbeaten status alive this weekend as Galwegians hope a shock is on the cards and give them the chance to close the gap to safety.
Perfection so far for the Wicklow side this season as they chase a 12th win in a row, they have been composed all season and in all areas of the park look strong, having missed out last year they are certainly hungry for promotion to 2B this season.
Wegians will come in boosted by their 25-21 win last weekend, an intense dogfight of a game which showed the Galway sides resilience to come back from adversity and with 14 men holding out, a result here would be massive for their survival hopes.
Wanderers V Rainey Old Boys, Saturday January 26th, Aviva Stadium Back Pitch, 2:30pm
Wanderers hope to avoid a fourth defeat in a row when they welcome Rainey Old Boys to a different venue this weekend behind the Aviva Stadium.
Form has not been ideal for the Chaps of late, they lie seventh but a win here would bring them back into contention for top four, despite their recent form, we have seen them come close to beating Greystones and putting up big performances, they just need to get the right mentality going again to pick up the wins.
Rainey had a break last weekend but hope to get a win on the road and keep their status in the top four alive, since losing to Wanderers back at the end of November they have been on an unbeaten streak, form is on their side and they will hope to put in a solid performance.
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.