As competition goes, 2B remains one of the most competitive divisions, both games this weekend involving teams who can fight for that fourth place spot, as the new year brings more competition.
Belfast Harlequins V Malahide, Saturday January 7th, Deramore Park, 2:30pm
After their heavy loss last time out and now slipping outside the top four, the hosts look to dust themselves off with a home tie against eight placed Malahide.
The hosts have lost their last two ties in the division, dropping out of the top four they can find their feet once more and make use of this game to be back amongst the pack when round 10 kicks off, in this highly competitive division not a lot separates teams, every point counts and Harlequins will not want to lose a third tie in a row and drop further points.
Malahide have shown their quality in the competition and have been a very competitive team this season, they too are on a bit of a losing streak, with defeats to the top two sides in the division in succession, a win would certainly move them up into the mid table scrimmage.
Rainey Old Boys V Dungannon, Saturday January 7th, Hatrick Park, 2:30pm
In the Ulster derby one team looks to remain in the top four, the other looks to get back into it, as the race for promotion in 2B is one of the most competitive.
Victory for Old Boys last time out saw them end a two game losing streak and build some momentum to go back up the table, having occupied fourth spot a couple of weeks ago, they battled hard in the 19-18 win over Enniscorthy showing their drive and determination, this game will be one they see as a must win.
Dungannon’s form has seen them slip out of the race with Corinthians to try and chase down Greystones, two wins in their last five does see this game as one they will hope can give them a boost, they will hope to get some winning streak going to keep them in a promotion hunt.
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.