Closer and Closer we get to D-Day in the 2022/23 AIL Season, in 2C the relegation battle heats up as three teams can still finish in 9th spot.
Bruff V Bangor, Saturday 4th March, Kilballyowen Park, 2:30pm
After back to back defeats Bruff are bidding to bounce back against Bangot who sit just below them in the standings.
Bruff were fighting for the play-off places but have run aground in recent weeks, eight points now behind Clonmel in fourth spot, they need to find their feet this weekend.
While their opponents are in a rut, Bangor can strike and leapfrog them in the table if they can get a win, boosted by a win last weekend, their second in five games, they’ll hope to replicate their 17-11 win on home soil back in October.
Clonmel V Skerries, Saturday 4th March, Ardghaoithe, 2:30pm
Two sides in the top four, but two in different form as Skerries eye up the second spot.
Clonmel lost the previous meeting 43-21 and with defeat last weekend that may have knocked some confidence out of them.
Skerries have again shown their class on 2C and will be gunning for a shot at 2B after missing out last season, they have won their last five in a row and have not lost a game since Well shocked them in a 24-21 defeat in Musgrave Park.
Instonians V Ballina, Saturday 4th March, Shaws Bridge, 2:30pm
Instonians bid for a 15th straight win in the division, as Ballina hope to remain outside the bottom two spots.
The leaders have been nothing short of perfection thus far and another win this weekend would add to their ever impressive season, bonus points has been their specialty aso this season.
Ballina managed a win last weekend enough to see them leapfrog Omagh by a point, they were competitive when they met in Ballina in October losing by 14 points, a result here for them would be crucial.
Midleton V Tullamore, Saturday 4th March, Towns Park, 2:30pm
In a tie affecting both ends of the table, both teams will be out for points to secure valuable positions in the table.
Midleton have won just once since the second half of the season began in January, they have battled to stay out of the bottom two spots but just two points is the difference, they need a win this weekend.
Tullamore will want second spot as chasing Instonians is impossible, winning three of their last five has put them just a point ahead and will be looking to end the season on a high note ahead of the play-offs.
Sundays Well V Omagh Academicals, Saturday 4th March, Musgrave Park, 2:30pm
Bottom and second bottom do battle on Leeside, trying to avoid dropping out of the league.
Well are eight points behind and are in desperate need of a win to try and stay up, they just have two wins this season and it is easier said than done to see them snatch points this weekend, it’s now or never.
Omagh will hope Midleton and Ballina both slip up as a win would see them climb up the table, Accies only have three wins, the last came in January over Ballina, while they won 19-10 when they met in October in Ulster.
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.