AIL Roundup: Division 2B Week 1

With Division 2B being perhaps the tightest and toughest to call of all the leagues, the results in the opening weekend certainly reflected this. Greystones, Galway Corinthians, Dungannon, Belfast Harlequins and all found valuable early wins in an entertaining round one matchday.

Belfast Harlequins 28-9 Sligo, Saturday October 1^st, Deramore Park, 2:30pm.

Belfast Harlequins came from behind to defeat Sligo at Deramore Park today, earning a bonus point along the way. The Ulster side has made their home ground a fortress over the past couple of years and that was evident again today. Next up for Quins is a trip to Rainey Old Boys while Sligo host Malahide at Hamilton Park.

Dungannon 33-7 Galwegians, Saturday October 1^st, Stevenson Park, 2:30pm.

Wegians may have only just retained their 2B status by the skin of their teeth last year but know that huge improvements will be needed if they’re to survive this time around. Dungannon proved too strong for Wegians who will be keen to find some form early on in the season. The Stevenson Park outfit face a trip south to Greystones next while there’s a derby day at Crowley Park as they host Galway Corinthians.

Enniscorthy 15-26 Greystones, Saturday October 1^st, Alcast Park, 2:30pm

Greystones survived a late comeback from Enniscorthy to kick off their 2022/23 AIL season with a big win over recently promoted Enniscorthy. The Wexford club show no signs of imposter syndrome and will likely challenge on all fronts this campaign. Enniscorthy face a trip to Wanderers while Greystones host Dungannon.

Galway Corinthians 34-33 Rainey Old Boys, Saturday October 1^st, Corinthian Park, 2:30pm

Galway Corinthians took an early 14-0 lead over Rainey Old Boys, but the Division 2B new boys fought back in a classic encounter at Corinthian Park. Despite the defeat for Rainey, they did find a losing bonus point and will have reasons to be optimistic next week when they face Belfast Harlequins.

Malahide 17-14 Wanderers, Saturday October 1^st, Estuary Road, 2:30pm

Malahide showed huge signs of improvement from last season, as they overcame Dublin rivals Wanderers at Estuary Road. After a disappointing campaign last time out, Malahide showed that they will certainly be in the mix, come the end of the season.