Match Preview

All Ireland League 2C returns after a week long slumber. Clogher Valley aim to extend their winning run to four games, while elsewhere the top four tussle of Galwegians and Bruff headlines this weekend’s action.

Ballina v Tullamore, Saturday November 4th, Heffernan Park, 2:30pm

Tullamore have started the season off the pace of where they aimed to be during the pre season, travelling to 10th placed Ballina they will be favoured to take points.

Ballina beat Tullamore at home last season and will look to kick start their season after defeats in the opening three rounds and with no points to show for their efforts todate.

Five points outside of the top four Tullamore will hope to get points to remain on course to fight for promotion spots. They will travel West with confidence coming off the back of their first win of the season in Round 3, but will be all too aware of their opponents strengths, especially when playing at Heffernan Park.

Bangor v Enniscorthy, Saturday November 4th, Upritchard Park, 2:30pm

With the two teams ahead of Enniscorthy meeting this weekend, the Wexford side could jump a place in the standings off the back of a tricky away win to Bangor.

After suffering their third straight defeat of the season Bangor lie second from bottom in the standings. While they took a double digit defeat to Bruff two weeks ago, they have had two losing bonus point results to Clonmel and Midleton, the latter by a single point. Some degree of fortune is not in their favour but they still are a quality side when they get going.

Scorthy are hoping their stint back in 2C is short and claiming a third win of the campaign would aid their chances. Convincing 50-14 winners over Ballina last time out their attack is potent and if they can restart their winning streak will be a solid candidate to remain in the play-off window. Angelo Todisco, David O’Dwyer, Fiachra Hourinhane are just some of their influential players that can take scores.

Clogher Valley v Clonmel, Saturday November 4th, The Cran, 2:30pm

With three wins on the trot, Clogher Valley have certainly taken the league by storm on their debut campaign. Can they extend that run against seventh placed Clonmel.

The Cran faithful have been treated to some exciting high scoring rugby from their side in the opening three games of this years campaign, a lethal attack has warranted three bonus point results, while they also have the most solid defence in the division, their lead in the standings is just a point but they are a tasty prospect this season.

Off the back of their second defeat of the season Clonmel dropped down the standings and will head North hoping to move up the standings. 2C certainly looks like a competitive minefield in the early stages and if Clonmel can take a win here it would cause a stir. Clonmel show that typical Munster spirit when they play and fight till the very end and could be a real test for the newcomers.

Galwegians v Bruff, Saturday November 4th, Crowley Park, 2:30pm

The game of the weekend in the division pits second against third in Crowley Park, with Wegians and Bruff tied on 14 points will we see an unbeaten record come to an end.

Galwegians have flourished since their relegation at the end of last season, high scoring and really exciting to watch, they also look to make their stint short in 2C. This contest will be another slogfest however with immense quality in their ranks Wegians will fancy their chances. Shane Mallon has been a try scoring machine this term, while Tiaran Neville is an accurate kicker. Their forwards are powerful with Garyn Daniel proving a fruitful addition to their try scoring output.

Bruff head up the M18 looking to continue their unbeaten run in this year’s campaign. After two edge of your seat encounters Bruff managed to prevent further strain on the heart with a more convincing result against Bangor two weeks ago. Bruff also have quality in their ranks with Mark Fitzgerald scoring two of four tries last time out. Adam Murphy Casey and Cillian Rea scored the other tries. With similar runs this season, Wegians have outscored and out defended their opponents putting them ahead on score difference, this will be a tough one to call.

Omagh Academicals v Midleton, Saturday November 4th, Thomas Mellon Playing Fields, 2:30pm

With three times tied on points just outside the relegation zone, two meet on Saturday with Omagh hosting Midleton
Accies lost ground in the standings in round three with their second defeat of the campaign in a one sided 29-7 loss to Tullamore. Points difference has them sat sixth ahead of the chasing pack but they will need a win here to continue a push up the standings.

Midleton too suffered defeat two weeks ago, defeat on home soil in a tightly contested game with Clogher Valley, in the end they just could not match their opponents. They have proven to be a tricky team and could be a tough prospect for Omagh should they play to their strengths.

https://www.finalwhistle.ie/rugby/ail-preview-division-2c-round-4/