Ballina on cusp of promotion

BALLINA can make history and join the Ulster Bank League ranks this weekend when they travel to take on Ashbourne RFC at Ashbourne tomorrow.

Ballina are already in control of the round-robin standings, and they secured a play-off spot at the very least last weekend with their second win.

Tries from Daniel Molloy (two), Aiden McNulty, Calum Quinn and Chris O’Neill (two) helped the Mayo outfit to a stunning 41-18 victory over Instonians at Shawsbridge.

Kieran Lindsay was in superb form from the kicking tee once again and he scored a penalty and four conversions in the win over their Belfast opponents.

In the opening round Ballina were 45-26 winners over Bandon at Ballina. And now Bandon need results to go their way and hope Ballina don’t win this weekend.

Bandon hammered Ashbourne

55-26 to get back in contention for an automatic spot in Division 2C next season. But they must win again at home to Instonians to have any chance.

Ballina can ensure safe passage into the Ulster Bank League with a win, and with two try bonus-point victories, and a staggering

42-point scoring difference in their favour, they look set to join 2C.

Bruff await the team who finish second, and a play-off will then decide who plays in the fifth tier.

There are already four Connacht clubs in the Ulster Bank League next season, but with Buccaneers relegated to Division 1B, and Corinthians losing their Division

2A status, Ballina’s inclusion will be a big boost.

Sligo have already been promoted to Division 2B for

2018-19, while Galwegians survived relegation and will stay in

2A.