AIL PREVIEW - NENAGH ORMOND COME TO RIFLE PARK

Bann’s win over Ards in their last All-Ireland League outing gives them a fighting chance of retaining their senior status at the end of a season which has proved challenging.

Coach Andre Bester’s task was not made any easier by the retirement from First XV rugby at the end of last season of half his pack. The loss of three of the threequarter line during this season has added to his woes but despite those setbacks there is a positive mood in the Rifle Park camp.

Manager Roy Stevenson said Bann would be going into Saturday’s game against Nenagh looking for a win. “The attendance at training has been good over the last few weeks and the lads’ attitude has been first class,” he said.

“We know Nenagh have been getting some good results lately but we believe that our league position doesn’t tell the full story – we matched Queen’s who are sitting joint second and we will be going all out to pick up four points against Nenagh.”

Certainly a glance at the Division Three table would suggest that Bann are in deep trouble. Second from bottom in the dreaded relegation play-off spot, they have just two games in which to haul themselves clear. Sunday’s Well and Barnhall are also on 21 points while Suttonians (25 points), who face Well on Saturday, could still find themselves drawn down into the mire.

Bann may take comfort from the fact that their last game is at doomed Waterpark, but they will not want to be travelling on Saturday week needing a win and possibly a bonus point win to avoid a play-off game.

That win at Ards, narrow though it was, has at least given confidence a timely boost. And with a full squad available and whatever edge comes from home advantage, Bann should be capable of testing Nenagh.

Saturday’s game at Rifle Park kicks off at 2.30pm.