BECTIVE RANGERS v INSTONIANS, Dundalk RFC, Sat 9 April, 2.30pm
Bective Rangers last played in the All-Ireland League in 2018, while Instonians lost their place in 2014 and have reached the Round Robin series qualifiers on three occasions since then – 2015, 2018 and 2019.
With Covid-19’s impact on the current season meaning automatic promotion/relegation was shelved, the round robin format was changed to knockout play-off semi-finals and a final, the games all taking place at a neutral venue.
In the first of the semi-finals at Navan RFC last weekend, Bective finished strongly with three closing tries to run out 40-17 winners over Connacht Junior League champions Connemara.
Instonians, the freshly-crowned Ulster Qualifying League champions, proved too strong for Newcastle West in the second semi-final at a sunny Balreask Old.
Bevan Prinsloo and Zak Davidson bagged braces and there was a try each from Matthew Kilpatrick and Ali Burke in a 38-6 win.
Instonians Player-Coach Paul Pritchard:
"After a fantastic season we are looking forward to what should be an outstanding game of rugby between 2 great sides. As a group, we have worked extremely hard to be in this position, with 17 league wins from 17 games played. We will do all we can to win the final and secure promotion to the All Ireland League."
Instonians captain Alan Whitten:
"We’ve had a great season so far and it’s always nice to get to a final. We are looking forward to the chance to go the whole league campaign unbeaten."
Instonians Director of Rugby Clem Boyd:
"We also have our 3rd XV and U18s playing in finals on the same day and this is testament to the hard work of all involved. We are very proud of what these groups of players, coaches and management teams have achieved, often in adversity, over the last few seasons. Bective present another challenge, one that we all fully embrace and look forward to a very physical game on Saturday."
Whoever comes out on top will be crowned the first All-Ireland League Provincial League champions since Enniscorthy secured promotion via the Round Robin series in 2019.
Bective or Instonians will replace the losers of Division 2C’s two-legged relegation play-off between the teams that finish in the bottom two – Clonmel and either City of Derry or Sunday’s well.
ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE PROVINCIAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS –
2019: Enniscorthy<br>
2018: Ballina<br>
2017: Malahide<br>
2016: Bangor<br>
2015: Dundalk<br>
2014: Wanderers<br>
2013: Tullamore<br>
2012: Skerries<br>
2011: Sligo, Cashel, Boyne & City of Armagh were all promoted as the league was expanded to 52 clubs<br>
2010: Seapoint
\[All images courtesy of Navan RFC\]