ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1A
Young Munster (6th) v Ballynahinch (4th), Tom Clifford Park
Young Munster and Ballynahinch are both on the rise following back-to-back wins. The victories for John Staunton's charges over Old Belvedere and Cork Con included a 27 point contribution from fullback Ben Martin and some strong scrummaging from the pack. Visitors 'Hinch stormed to a late bonus point against St. Mary's, with head coach Derek Suffern highlighting their improvements: "We got a wee bit tighter in the contact, got our carries going a wee bit lower and I think it paid dividends in the end." Ballynahinch, despite missing a number of key personnel, particularly up front, should still have the strength in depth to win.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1B
Ballymena (1st) v Malone (4th), Eaton Park
Ballymena are back on home soil after taking top spot from Galwegians. It is first plays fourth at Eaton Park and the first of the clubs' two meetings this month - they will also clash in the last four of the First Trust Senior Cup. Andy Graham's in-form Braidmen already have a 12-point buffer on Malone in the table, with Tim Small, who had a stint in Australia with Western District, top-scoring so far with 31 points. Malone should not be discounted, though, particularly after seeing off UL Bohemians 23-10 and with players of the quality of scrumhalf John Creighton and Ulster-capped back rower Conor Joyce involved.
Belfast Harlequins (9th) v Buccaneers (5th), Deramore Park
Having been stunned by Corinthians on Halloween night, mid-table Buccaneers are in serious need of a win away to Belfast Harlequins. The Pirates are craving some consistency after two victories in five outings, with no try-scoring bonus points and the division's worst defensive record at present (111 points against). This clash could well turn out to a place-kicking battle between Alan Gaughan and Eamon Lane. The latter kicked very well as 'Quins beat Shannon to lift themselves off bottom spot and fifth-placed Buccs are in their sights, lying just a point ahead of them.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2A
City of Derry (16th) v Banbridge (9th), Judge's Road
It has been a tough start to the season for City of Derry with four losses in four games. And yet they have managed a try-scoring bonus point and three losing bonus points. A win will come at some point and it could be at Judge's Road on Saturday. It will not be easy though as Banbridge travel for the Ulster derby on the back of a low-scoring draw with Blackrock last weekend. Derry coaches Mark Nicholl and Neil Beddow have a strong playing squad at their disposal with second row Chris Cooper making his first appearance of the season. Captain David Funston is restored in the centre with Andrew Semple returning at out half. The bench will see the return of Richard McCarter and Josh Lewis to cover the backs. Banbridge coach Daniel Soper knows his team will be faced by a fired up Derry team.
NUIM Barnhall (2nd) v Rainey Old Boys (13th), Parsonstown
Hosts NUIM Barnhall kept up their winning ways last weekend with a good victory over Bective at Donnybrook. This Saturday they entertain Rainey Old Boys who lost to another Donnybrook side, Old Wesley, last weekend. A home win has to be on the cards.
Old Wesley (1st) v Queen's University (4th), Donnybrook
A big match at Donnybrook as the unbeaten league leaders host fourth-placed Queen's University, who trail them by just five points. Four games and four wins with two bonus points mean that Wesley are flying and the new 4G pitch is helping their style. A dry track and clean surface may also suit visitors Queen's so expect tries in this game. A win is vital for the students if they are to secure an automatic promotion place. They have an outstanding captain in Ryan Clarke and along with forwards Nigel Simpson and Lorcan Dow and experienced backs including Stuart McIIwaine and Damian Hall the Students are quietly confident they can win this match.
UCC (12th) v Dungannon (14th), the Mardyke
The college side picked up a losing bonus point on the road last weekend but a win on Saturday would kick them back into gear. Dungannon have found their fighting spirit and last weekend they put Seapoint to the sword, winning 35-6. Can the Ulster side keep their dander up this weekend? Ex Ulster Ravens player James McMahon scored an impressive three tries against Seapoint, with Ulster U20 outhalf Jack Milligan contributing 15 points. More of the same will be needed against the Cork students.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2B
Armagh (2nd) Highfield (1st), Palace Grounds
This is the biggest match for the Orchard County side since they returned to AIL rugby. Hosts Armagh are unbeaten this season with four wins from four, but with no bonus points they trail their visitors by a point. Coach Andrew Hughes has a full squad at his disposal and will hope for inspirational performances from scrumhalf Harry Doyle and number 8 Neil Faloon. Highfield have three try-scoring bonus points to their name and come into this game on the back of a 50-point victory over Boyne. An eagerly-awaited top of the table clash at the Palace Grounds, for which a big crowd is expected, and it promises to be a cracker for those at the game.
Kanturk (10th) v Ards (15th), Knocknacolan
The Cork side are scoring the points but they would surely trade their three losing bonus points for a win or two. Their cracking game against Wanderers last weekend being a case in point. Ards are yet to win this season and could struggle on the long trip to Cork this Saturday.
MILLAR McCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS
Ballyclare v Belfast Harlequins
Ballyclare welcome ‘Quins 2nds to the Cloughran and with their cup pedigree are expected to progress. Quins have put together a four match unbeaten run and are more than capable of winning this game.
Instonians v Bangor
Instonians should prove too strong for a game Bangor side at Shaws Bridge. Coach William Leacock has put together a forward unit that has overwhelmed all opposition this season in their unbeaten run in all competitions. Both sides are at full strength for a match that is sure to attract another large crowd to the South Belfast venue.
Omagh v Ballynahinch 2nds
Cup holders Ballynahinch 2nds travel to County Tyrone to play Kukri Qualifying League 2 leaders Omagh, with both sides unbeaten to date this season. Something has to give. Another venue that will have the home side urged on by a large vocal support - can Phil Marshall and his team upset the odds?
Enniskillen v Ballymena 2nds
Surprise quarter finalists Enniskillen have recorded two excellent wins away to Malone 2nds and home to Dromore to make the quarter finals. They are at full strength with Ulster Junior centre Alan Wilkinson adding his experience to the backline. With no injury worries coach Norman Richmond has a full squad at his disposal. Ballymena 2nds, having won at Clogher Valley in the previous round, should travel with confidence to Mullaghmeen.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 4
BHSFP v Cavan
CIVIL Service v Monaghan
Letterkenny v Londonderry YMCA