Division 2B of the Energia All-Ireland League returns this weekend and there’s some tasty clashes lined up. Greystones, Galway Corinthians, Belfast Harlequins, Malahide and Dungannon all found valuable wins last weekend, but maintaining that 100% start to the season this weekend will be difficult.
Galwegians v Galway Corinthians, Crowley Park, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm.
The first Galway derby of the campaign has arrived and Galwegians will be hoping for a change in fate as they welcome Corinthians to Crowley Park. After losing out 33-7 to Dungannon last weekend, confidence levels will need to be picked up. Galway Corinthians beat Rainey Old Boys 34-3 last time out, earning a valuable winning bonus point on their way.
Greystones v Dungannon, Dr. Hickey Park, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm.
Stones will look to kick off their home campaign in style as they host Dungannon at Dr. Hickey Park. Last weekend, Danny Kenny’s side beat Enniscorthy 26-15 and will be keen to match that form again this weekend. Meanwhile for Dungannon, spirits will be high after their bonus point win over Galwegians at Stevenson Park.
Rainey Old Boys v Belfast Harlequins, Hatrick Park, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm.
After a narrow defeat to Galway Corinthians in their season opener, Rainey Old Boys will be hoping to kickstart their new season into full flow, as they host fellow Ulster club Belfast Harlequins. Quins themselves enjoyed a decent start to the season with a 26-9 win over Sligo, but know they face a tougher task this weekend.
Sligo v Malahide, Hamilton Park, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm.
After a disappointing opening day defeat to Belfast Harlequins, Sligo know a win over Malahide will be vital towards their promotion ambitions. Malahide got their season off to the best possible start, with a late penalty leading to an 18-17 win over Wanderers at the weekend.
Wanderers v Enniscorthy, Aviva Stadium, Saturday October 8th, 2:30pm.
Both sides will be eager to bounce back from opening day defeats and really kick their 2022/23 season into gear. Wanderers narrowly lost to Malahide on match day one while newly promoted Enniscorthy fell to a 26-15 defeat at the hands of 2B favourites Greystones.
Luke Delaney
Luke is a final year Journalism student in DCU. He is a Sports Reporter for Wicklow People Sport and FinalWhistle.ie.