Inclement weather conditions saw the 2C meeting of Galwegians and Bangor along with the 2A meeting of Nenagh Ormond and Ballymena postponed due to weather. In this Round 14 refixed weekend, the sides look for valuable wins at this late stage in the season.
Galwegians v Bangor, Saturday March 9th, Crowley Park, 2:30pm
Having had their game postponed at the last minute due to a pitch inspection, Galwegians and Bangor reconvene in a big game concerning matters at either end of the table.
Third placed Galwegians have stumbled in recent weeks and now need to kick on if they aim to remain in those play-off places. While their points gap is healthy they cannot afford to slip up in any way as to risk slipping outside those play-off places. After the heartbreak of last weekend losing in dramatic circumstances to Bruff, their losing streak continues.
Bangor with an eight point win would find themselves out of the drop zone, with a bonus point win giving them the chance to sit a point clear of Omagh. That being said the Ulstermen have lost their last three games and while in each of these games they gave a commendable performance, it failed to deliver those much needed four points. With three games left after this weekend, it is now or never for Bangor.
Nenagh Ormond v Ballymena, Saturday March 9th, New Ormond Park, 2:30pm
In 2A the leaders Nenagh matchup with Ballymena as their game also failed a pitch inspection in Round 14. The visitors are looking to move further away from the drop zone.
Nenagh made up for their dramatic defeat to Banbridge in round 13 when they overcame Old Crescent in a statement Munster derby win. Next up is a tough test in Ballymena which will be a massive roadblock in Nenagh fighting for the title. The Tipp side are six clear at the top, a win would see them crowned champions with a win over Navan in two weeks. They can taste it but they must finish the job this weekend.
A tale of different fortune for the Ulstermen, sat seventh in the table they are eight points from the play-offs and score difference is all that keeps them out of the relegation zone. A fork in the road for Ballymena, a windy bumpy road awaits to stay afloat if they lose, if they can get a win this weekend they are coasting on the highway to potentially play in a play-off semi-final, this could well be a classic of the weather plays ball.
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.