There are club games scheduled across a variety of league and cup competitions this weekend. All games will kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday 22nd November unless otherwise stated.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1A
Clontarf (4th) v Ballynahinch (6th), Castle Avenue, 2pm
Ulster Bank League Season's Form - Clontarf: WWLWLLL; Ballynahinch: LWLWWLD
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers - Clontarf: Points: David Joyce 54; Tries: David Joyce, Matt D'Arcy 2 each; Ballynahinch: Points: Richard Reaney 31; Tries: Ross Adair 4
This has 'must win' written all over it for Clontarf. It has not been a good November for the defending champions with three tight losses to some of their main rivals. The leaking of a late try foiled them at Cork Constitution last week, and Andy Wood's men need to quickly eat into the ten-point gap between themselves and leaders Terenure College. Following a disappointing draw with Dolphin, sixth-placed Ballynahinch are just a point behind 'Tarf. Their assistant coach Charlie McAleese said: "This is a game we can target. It will be a difficult assignment but surely we can't play so poorly (again)."
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1B
Ballymena (3rd) v Shannon (8th), Eaton Park
Ulster Bank League Season's Form - Ballymena: WWWWWLL; Shannon: LLLWLLW
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers - Ballymena: Points: Tim Small 40; Tries: David Shanahan, Tim Small, Martin Irwin 3 each; Shannon: Points: Tadhg Bennett 35; Tries: John Shine 3
A big game for Andy Graham's Ballymena as they chase their first win in three league matches. A couple of disappointing results mean they have slipped from the summit to third place. Graham took the positives from a 32-24 loss at Garryowen, saying: "There's nothing between our two sides, and if anything I thought we were the more creative. A performance like that sets us up for the rest of the season." They face Limerick opposition again as Shannon venture north, boosted by last week's derby victory over UL Bohemians. Three losing bonus points in their five defeats also shows Ian Sherwin's young side have a toughness about them.
Galwegians (1st) v Belfast Harlequins (10th), Crowley Park
Ulster Bank League Season's Form - Galwegians: WWWWLWW; Belfast Harlequins: LLWLWLL
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers - Galwegians: Points: Conor Lowndes 23; Tries: Jerome Harimate, Matt Dever 4 each; Belfast Harlequins: Points: Eamon Lane 46; Tries: Sean Reidy 3
Galwegians look the team to beat at present, having opened up a seven-point lead at the top. But the sheer competitiveness of Division 1B means they cannot afford to be complacent. Matt Brown's men certainly know where the try-line is with five try-scoring bonus points in seven outings so far. They hit Malone for six last week with Connacht U20 starlet Conor Lowndes scoring a brace from the wing. Belfast Harlequins are going through a rough patch with three defeats in four games, and it is hard to see them upsetting the league leaders here.
Malone (7th) v Garryowen (2nd), Gibson Park
Ulster Bank League Season's Form - Malone: WLLLWWL; Garryowen: WLWWLWW
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers - Malone: Points: Josh Pentland 60; Tries: Rory Campbell 4; Garryowen: Points: Jamie Gavin 61; Tries: Alex Wootton 3
It will be interesting to see how second-placed Garryowen fare in Belfast as Malone, despite falling down to seventh spot, are always difficult opponents at Gibson Park. Winger Alex Wootton, Garryowen's hat-trick hero against Ballymena, will have to be watched, but the Light Blues are without both O'Mahony brothers - Ronan O'Mahony is starting for Munster and Barry injured his right ankle in training. Their absences could be keenly felt as Malone are the joint-second top scorers in the division, with Rory Campbell, Nathan Brown and Adam Liddell well able to finish chances out wide.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS
Clogher Valley v Connemara
The Fivemiletown side have a great tradition in this tournament and know it is the one trophy that has eluded their trophy cabinet. Key players for the Tyrone team will be their second rows Michael Treanor and Eugene McKenna along with their half back pairing of Aaron Best and Philip Holme. This is sure to be a nail biting affair, played at a packed Cran.
Bangor v Enniscorthy
Bangor coaches Rupert West and Jason Morgan could not face a more difficult side than Enniscorthy, who have swept aside all Ulster sides in this competition, including Donaghadee, Portadown, CIYMS and Clogher Valley in recent seasons. Bangor welcome back influential number 8 Curtis Stewart along with their experienced half backs of Ricky Armstrong and Jason Morgan, with Chris Morgan at fullback. Forwards Oran McIImurray and Gareth Irvine will also be pushing for a starting place. Nothing less than eighty minutes of committed rugby will see Bangor defeat the cup holders.
Coolmine v CIYMS
Injuries have prevented consistency in team selections for CI. The loss of the experienced Stuart Ferguson in the front row will be felt by the Belmont side. Again their half back pairing of Michael Wilson and Sam Baker have been crucial in their progress. Coach Gareth Fry will be happy that he has his strongest squad assembled for this tricky fixture. The East Belfast side have the talent to win this match.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
Grosvenor v Omagh
What an intriguing promotion chase is developing in this league with Carrickfergus and Academy joining Omagh at the top of the table. With Coleraine, Randalstown and Enniskillen in the frame, Omagh coach Phil Marshall knows his side cannot afford any slip ups with two games in hand. His charges travel to play a Grosvenor side who defeated them in their opening league match at Belmont last season that primarily cost them promotion. Omagh have already recorded a 40-0 league win over Grosvenor in September at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields. Grosvenor have a lengthy injury list with two back row players ruled out for the season with ACL procedures, not to mention their physio who required surgery for a back injury.
Enniskillen v Holywood
Enniskillen welcome promoted Holywood to Mullaghmeen as they continue preparations for their Junior Cup semi final at Instonians the following week. Head coach Norman Richmond keeps the same side that defeated Ballymena 2nds in the Junior Cup, with no players being rested. Forwards Jack Harte and Michael Cadden remain on the injured list as they battle to be fit for the Junior Cup semi final. For a struggling Holywood team, coach Laurence Kelly is optimistic his small playing squad can survive in Q2. He knows his players are involved in a dogfight that makes it exciting for the players. He has been full of praise for his inspirational captain Rory Eaves and centre Kyle McFarland who lead by example each week.
Randalstown v Lisburn
A refocused Randalstown have completed the double over Coleraine and the Coleraine students from UUC in consecutive matches that has seen Gary Longwell's team climb into the promotion chase. They entertain Lisburn at Nelisbrook this weekend hoping to extend their run. There are injury concerns over two key players Chris Allen and Drew McWhirter. They will welcome back experienced scrumhalf John O'Kane and former captain Neil Foster, along with Garry Irwin and David Millar. Visiting coach Mark Crothers has been plagued with injuries this season. It has been an extremely difficult period for the team. He has struggled with consistent selections as he works with a young squad who have little experience but have massive potential.
UUC v Coleraine
We have a North coast derby at the Riverside when the students of UUC welcome near neighbours Coleraine. This is a match head coach John Boyd and captain Stephen Dickey will be looking maximum points from to maintain their pursuit of Omagh. The match has also the potential to see an upset. Coleraine have also benefited from a rest week as they complete preparations for this game that is sure to attract a large crowd.
GORDON WEST CUP
Group A
BHSFP v Ophir
Limavady v Larne
Group B
Lurgan v Newry
PSNI v Civil Service
Group C
Donegal Town v Strabane
Londonderry YMCA v Letterkenny
Group D
Monaghan v Cavan (Friday 21st November, 8pm)
VIrginia have no match as there are only three teams in this group.