AIL Division 2A, 2B and 2C Previews

Another full programme of fixtures in Division 2A, 2B and 2C of the All Ireland League take place this weekend with the Munster Senior Cup taking centre stage next week.

Click here for a complete list of AIL fixtures and results.

All Ireland League Division 2A

Corinthians (6th) v Highfield (5th), Corinthian Park
Psychologically, there is a lot riding on this result ahead of the break in fixtures. A second victory for Corinthians would put them in the top four, while the Cork men could end this first block with two wins and two draws.

Last week's bonus point win at Cashel has put Corinthians on the right road, and Head Coach Ene Fa'atau will want to back it up against unbeaten Highfield.

Interestingly, the clubs have not met since a 20-3 home victory for Corinthians in January 2013 when a number of the Cloonacauneen outfit's current squad were still in secondary school.

Nenagh Ormond (2nd) v Queen's University (4th), New Ormond Park
The tough matches are coming thick and fast for Nenagh Ormond who have gone from a Tipperary derby to back-to-back clashes with two top four hopefuls. Clayton Stewart's late penalty ensured they drew away to Highfield last week.

It has been a topsy-turvy opening from Queen's who have one of everything so far – a win, a draw, a loss and both types of bonus point. But the competition for places is high, with Ulster Academy scrum half Jonny Stewart battling Josh Fullerton for the number 9 shirt.

Nenagh's scrum had Highfield under pressure, and that set piece strength, combined with home advantage and out-half Stewart's reliable boot, should see the Lisatunny side come out on top.

Sunday's Well (9th) v Cashel (10th), Irish Independent Park, 4pm
Sunday's Well play host to Cashel – the team who replaced them at the foot of the table last week in a Munster derby. Emigrating hooker John Moynihan signed off with a try during the 'Well's eight-point triumph over Belfast Harlequins.

They would surely settle for another workmanlike win heading into the break. For Cashel, falling away in the closing stages of games simply has to stop. A shortened injury list would also help.

The 'Well have a second successive home game against Queen's in two weeks' time, so this is a period they have to make the most out of if they want to cement themselves as a Division 2A club.

All Ireland League Division 2B

Thomond (10th) v Dungannon (3rd), Liam Fitzgerald Park, 12.30pm
Basement side Thomond badly need a jolt of confidence, although their 13-all draw with City of Derry showed definite signs of improvement.

Goal-kicking full-back Dermot Fitzgerald and two-try winger Gary Bateman have been the pick of Thomond's players. But they will need others to step up, their pack in particular, for the visit of third-placed Dungannon.

'Gannon lost their top of the table encounter with Armagh, being held try-less and missing out on a deserved bonus point. They are actually one of the lowest-scoring teams after three rounds, so half-backs Jack Ravey and Tianua Poto will be aiming to get the back-line firing in Limerick.

Skerries (5th) v Old Crescent (6th), Holmpatrick, 4pm
Old Crescent make the trip to Dublin on the back of an encouraging 24-16 triumph over Wanderers. Val McDermott and Brian Tuohy, the ex-Connacht winger, offer the biggest threats in the Crescent back-line, but their defence will have to be watertight as Skerries are the joint-second leading scorers in the division.

Despite losing two of their three opening matches, Skerries look ultra competitive in fifth place. They have bagged three bonus points, with skipper Ross McAuley already having five tries to his name. However, their second half collapse away to Barnhall was alarming and how they fare this weekend will tell a lot.

With a three-week break in fixtures looming, a win on Saturday could prove significant when the Division 2B clubs draw breath to review the league standings and their progress so far.

All Ireland League Division 2C

Boyne (8th) v Midleton (2nd), Shamrock Lodge
John O'Neill's Cork side look well set for their third win in four games. They have scored 11 tries so far, including two each from Paul Daly, Ross O'Mahony and Sean White.

Boyne were overly generous in giving away 30-plus points and a try-scoring bonus point in both of their last two games. The most positive aspect of last week's 33-19 loss at Bangor was the early two-try salvo from Kevin McCleery and Samoan lock Afioa'e Maiava.

Providing better ball for wingers like McCleery is a must if they are to trouble Midleton, who did well to pick up a late losing bonus point away to table-topping Rainey.

Kanturk (9th) v Navan (7th), Knocknacolan
Kanturk were not at the races against Sligo, slumping to a surprisingly big defeat (39-8). Player-coach Ben Martin did his best to inspire with a superb second half try, but his young side's brittle defence gave up a series of soft scores.

A return to Knocknacolan – the scene of their recent success against Seapoint – should fire them up. Two losing bonuses currently have Navan two points and two places above Kanturk in the table.

The clubs' most recent meeting ended in quite an eventful 0-0 draw last January. Navan boss Alan Kingsley wants a full 80-minute performance from his players after they faltered at vital stages during their 17-10 home defeat by Tullamore.

Bruff (10th) v Sligo (6th), Kilballyowen Park, 4pm
In a later kick-off, bottom-placed Bruff will try to break their duck against a Sligo side that opened their own win account in emphatic fashion against Kanturk. That 39-8 bonus point victory moved Ross Mannion's men from ninth place up to sixth.

Lock Jamie Bowes and winger Mark Rooney stood out for Sligo in the last round, while Bruff, who have leaked an average of 30 points per game, really need to fix their defensive problems.

Bruff did manage to win the corresponding fixture last term by 19 points, but would undoubtedly settle for a win by any margin given their current struggles.