Division 2B of the Energia All Ireland league resumes this weekend after a mid-season break. The race for a valuable top four place is tighter than ever with just six points separating Galway Corinthians in second, and Sligo in sixth.
There are some big clashes this weekend with Belfast Harlequins travelling south to Greystones and Sligo will have their eyes set on a win over third placed Blackrock College.
Wanderers v Ballina, Saturday 19th February, Merrion Road, 2:30pm
A win for The Chaps could see them jump into second place should results elsewhere go their way. Wanderers have had a mix of bad fortune and surprise losses to deal with over the course of the season with six wins from twelve games. They fell to a disappointing loss to promotion rivals Blackrock College last time out and will be keen to put that result behind them this weekend. Ballina fell to a 28-19 defeat against Dungannon a few weeks back leaving them in eighth place with just one win so far this season.
Sligo v Blackrock College – POSTPONED –
The Connacht outfit have had a recent blip in form with two defeats on the bounce against Belfast Harlequins and Greystones. Gui Coghetto and Matthew Earley have been two stand out performers this season and Sligo will need the pair to continue their good form if they’re to defeat Blackrock College. Rock is sitting in third place after a fantastic run of results with three wins in their last three games including a big win over Wanderers last time out.
Greystones v Belfast Harlequins, Saturday 19th February, Dr. Hickey Park, 2:30pm.
Stones have really set the pace for the rest of the sides to follow with 11 wins and just one loss since the start of the AIL season. Despite being without top try scorer Ferdia Kenny and Danny Kenny in recent weeks through injury, Paul Lennon’s side have managed to continue their rich veign of form. Still yet to lose a home game this season, Belfast Harlequins will have it all to do if they’re to overcome Greystones this weekend. Quins did beat Sligo last week, leapfrogging them into fifth place in the process.
Galwegians v Malahide, Saturday 19th February, Crowley Park, 2:30pm.
Malahide will be keener than ever for a win this weekend after shocking the division with a win over Galway Corinthians in their last game. Galwegians are without a win since matchday one and there’s no doubt that spirits and confidence in the camp must be at an all time low. Malahide could climb into eighth place with a victory this weekend which will be vital towards their faith in the division for next season.
Dungannon v Galway Corinthians, Saturday 19th February, Stevenson Park, 2:30pm.
Dungannon found their first win since before Christmas last time out against Ballina but know that they face a tough task at home to second placed Galway Corinthians this Saturday. Their opponents did show some vulnerabilities in their last game which ended in defeat to Malahide at Estuary Road. Dungannon are six points of Sligo in sixth position and should Sligo fail to win against Blackrock and the Ulster side defeat Corinthians, they will move to within a couple of points of the Hamilton park outfit.
Luke Delaney
Luke is a final year Journalism student in DCU. He is a Sports Reporter for Wicklow People Sport and FinalWhistle.ie.