As we head for the Christmas break, teams will be looking to end the year on a high and for four teams in 2C, just four points separates them in the race for the final promotion spot.
Clonmel V Sundays Well, Saturday December 10th, Ardghaoite, 2:30pm
Clonmel are aiming to keep their winning streak alive and jump higher in the table, as they play host to ninth placed Sundays Well.
The hosts have been going strong of late, only defeats to Instonians and Skerries a blemish on their record in the last five outings, victory last weekend has them in a good shape to keep fourth or jump Skerries this weekend.
Sundays Well produced a huge scalp last weekend defeating Skerries 24-21 in Musgrave Park, just their second win of the season, four points off Omagh in eight, another win could see them enjoy the Christmas break on a high note.
Midleton V Bruff, Saturday December 10th, Towns Park, 2:30pm
Another Munster derby in the rebel stronghold as Bruff seek to take fourth spot this weekend, as Midleton are aiming to make up for defeat last weekend.
Midleton felt the fire of Insotnians at the weekend slipping to sixth place, with how tight it is around that mid table area, they’ll aim to avoid drop;ing further places and try to remain with the chasing pack for fourth.
The Limerick side narrowly lost 30-28 to Clonmel last weekend and will try not to suffer back to back defeats and slip down the table, they have shown their ability but a win this weekend would give them a good chance at promotion come the new year.
Omagh Academicals V Instonians, Saturday December 10th, Thomas Mellon Playing Fields, 2:30pm
The unbeaten league leaders look to put their record on top of the tree this Christmas, they travel for an Ulster derby to meet eight placed Omagh.
The Omagh side have struggled to get form in recent weeks, having lost their last four games, they need to break that losing streak and regain the composure they know they possess, just two victories this year, this game will be the toughest test.
Rugby is not all about numbers and stats, but the numbers Stones have put up this season is mind boggling, eight bonus points from eight games, 302 points scored, the second highest across the divisions, with a strong defence also, they really are a force in 2C, they look to end on a high and make it nine games unbeaten it is hard to look past them.
Skerries V Bangor, Saturday December 10th, Holmpatrick, 2:30pm
After losing ground to Tullamore last weekend, Skerries look to make home advantage count with sixth placing Bangor making the trip to Holmpatrick.
Defeat last weekend was a hammer blow for Skerries, they are now looking at a potential third loss on the trot, unless they can knuckle down and defeat Bangor, we know what they can do in this Division, this is a must win to keep them in third by the break.
Bangor need to get a win this weekend to reignite their spark, they have picked up plenty of defeats in recent weeks and are down in sixth having looked an early favourite to be in the top four, they have the quality it is all about the results now.
Tullamore V Ballina, Saturday December 10th, Spollanstown, 2:30pm
Tullamore are aiming to keep within the league leaders and claw back the nine point deficit, with bottom placed Ballina the opponents this weekend.
The Offaly natives are the front runners in the pursuit of Instonians on top of the table, the title is still on their minds but a nine point gap looks daunting based on how Stones are playing right now, Tullamore will need to remain calm and composed and focused on their results to keep them within a chance.
For the first time this season, Ballina come into a game having won the previous one to give them some momentum, they are still bottom but could produce another strong result to see them climb the table, but it will not be easy but a gallant second half last weekend showed that they can be competitive.
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.