Match Preview
AIL Preview: Division 2C Round 5
Clogher Valley have their unbeaten streak tested this weekend by Bruff in the standout meeting from 2C this weekend as Galwegians and Enniscorthy look to shake up the top four.
Bangor v Galwegians, Saturday November 11th, Upritchard Park, 2:30pm
Winless in their opening four encounters of the campaign Bangor look to end that losing streak as Galwegians face a trip North.
It has not been the start Bangor wanted for this campaign, two points on the board coming from bonus point defeats, they really need to secure a first win. Certainly they are more than capable, a strong attacking side that can prove a tough test. Looking at their recent form however including the end of last term they have lost their last eight games in the AIL.
Galwegians on the other hand are still wondering just how they let a 26-0 lead slip through their grasp last weekend against Bruff. They remain unbeaten as a result but will be looking to take all the points this weekend as from their perspective it should have been the case last weekend. A strong looking Wegians side could prove too much for Bangor.
Bruff v Clogher Valley, Saturday November 11th, Kilballyowen Park, 2:30pm
The game of the weekend will see Clogher Valley put their unbeaten run on the line as they travel to Shannonside to meet third placed Bruff.
Having had a tough encounter last weekend in the form of a 26-26 stalemate with Galwegians, Bruff now face another test in the form of Clogher Valley. A new test for Bruff, one they will relish in their own backyard, the Shannon men look a hot proposition this season looking to make another play-off final.
Clogher have been nothing short of dominant since their debut early last month. The Tyrone side have since recorded a bonus point result in each of their opening four games and will hope to steamroll their way through against a side occupying a top four spot for the first one this season.
Clonmel v Omagh Academicals, Saturday November 11th, Ardgaoithe, 2:30pm
Following consecutive defeats Clonmel return to Ardgaoithe hoping they can end that recent rut of form against Omagh.
While they only lost Galwegians by 11 points in round 3, it was a one sided affair when they met Clogher Valley last weekend suffering a 45-16 defeat. The heaviest of their three defeats this season by far, having missed out on the play-offs last season their early season form runs the risk of history repeating itself.
With a 50% win ratio in the campaign so far, Omagh head to Tipperary looking to cut the seven point gap between them and the play-off places. Recent history does favour the side from Ulster, winning both of their meetings from last season the last in Ardgaoithe resulted in a 19-36 win back in April which certainly cost the hosts a play-off spot last season.
Enniscorthy v Tullamore, Saturday November 11th, Alcast Park, 2:30pm
For the first time since their 2C Semi Final back in 2022, Enniscorthy and Tullamore renew acquaintances in the division once again.
The Wexford side occupy fourth and sit four points behind the leaders, with Clogher and Bruff set to squabble this weekend they could move higher up the standings with a strong result in this encounter. High scoring exploits are certainly something Scorthy can manage with three try scoring bonus point results so far this campaign already.
Tullamore in their last two trips to Alcast Park have seen the outcome not go in their favour. Can they change that this weekend, sitting in sixth they have just one win after four rounds and are struggling. Last weekend they failed to build on their round three success and tasted defeat to Ballina, early on in the season this is another crucial must win.
Midleton v Ballina, Saturday November 11th, Towns Park, 2:30pm
Very little separates Midleton and Ballina with both teams looking to move away from early relegation danger this weekend.
Since their opening round one point win Midleton have been unable to notch another win in the campaign. Last weekend was disappointing from their perspective as a last gasp Omagh try saw a second win just slip through their grasp. Towns Parks is not an easy place to visit and they will hope to use that to their advantage this weekend.
Ballina left with a share of the spoils in November last year when the pair last met in the Cork town, coming off the back of their first win last weekend can the Mayo side continue that. It was a strong showing over Tullamore and one that gives them hope of moving off ninth spot in the table, the visitors struggled to notch scores in the early rounds but will have renewed confidence after crossing four times last weekend.
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