As competition goes, 2B remains one of the most competitive divisions as two points separate third and seventh in the race for promotion, while Galway Corinthians look to catch Greystones at the summit.
Sligo V Galway Corinthians RFC, Saturday December 10th, Hamilton Park (Strandhill), 2pm
In an all Connacht affair in Sligo, the hosts look for four wins in a row, to dampen the visitors hopes of closing the gap with leaders Greystones.
Since the defeat to Greystones at the beginning of last month, Sligo have worked hard to build a winning streak that sees them a point off fourth, they will aim to climb the table this weekend, but the opposition pose a serious threat and a repeat of what happened the last time a Galway team came to Sligo will not look to be repeated.
Corinthians produced an emphatic result last weekend to defeat fourth placed Belfast Harlequins 54-14, the Galway side are unbeaten since the start of last month and will not want to slip up before the break, a strong attacking side will cause Sligo issues in defence if given room to explore.
Belfast Harlequins V Malahide, Saturday December 10th, Deramore Park, 2:30pm
After their heavy loss last weekend, 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, putting them at risk of dropping out of the top four unless they can find their feet once more, 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 before we break for Christmas.
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.
Galwegians V Enniscorthy, Saturday December 10th, Crowley Park, 2:30pm
Two teams out of form, two teams at the bottom of the table and two teams who are winless, the chance for one to gain ground on the other, as ninth host tenth in the West.
Wegians could put some space between them and bottom placed Enniscorthy if they can secure a win, the dramatic comeback against Wanderers saw them get points in the 31-31 draw, having lost two of their last three games by two points, now is the time for them to get the win they have been so close to getting on the table.
Scorthy too have came close to getting a win, a one point defeat at the weekend sums up their luck this season, that game and the 12-12 draw with Malahide have been the only times this season where we have seen them remain competitive in a game and keep it tight, an eight defeat could be on the cards unless they can shake their previous results thus far.
Greystones V Wanderers, Saturday December 10th, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm
Greystones look to end the year on a high note on home soil, the unbeaten leaders face a tough task against Wanderers.
The Wicklow side have been the team to beat in 2B this season, they have had worries at times but remain five points ahead at the summit, they hope to end on a high in similar fashion to last year, that would put them in a good position with a difficult second half of the season to come.
Wanderers had thought they managed enough to win against Galwegians last weekend and make it two wins on the trot, but ill discipline at times throughout the tie allowed the Galway side to come back, they cannot afford to give Greystones any advantages in this tie, like most a win would put them on contention for a top four spot this weekend.
Rainey Old Boys V Dungannon, Saturday December 10th, 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 weekend 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 before the break, 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.