Clubs have been busy playing friendly fixtures over the past three weeks with some interesting results between Senior and Qualifying One clubs.
Bangor have beaten Instonians 26-12 and CIYMS have won 21-19 at Ards. Clogher Valley have put in two fine performances against senior opponents Rainey Old Boys and Armagh in recent weeks losing 29-17 and 7-5.
ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE
(all kicks off are 2.30pm on Saturday unless otherwise stated)
Banbridge v Malone
(Thursday 29th August, 7.30pm)
The Ulster Senior League kicks off on Thursday 29th August at Rifle Park as Banbridge host Malone. Bann consolidated their position in All Ireland League 2A and will want to build on this progress with a strong showing in the Ulster league.
Armagh v Dungannon
Armagh host Dungannon at the Palace Grounds in a local derby that will not be short of endeavour and commitment. Both teams will be looking to secure the ‘bragging rights’. Dungannon have been busy strengthening their playing squad and coach Paddy Johns will again be looking to build momentum after a strong finish to last season.
Belfast Harlequins v Instonians
Belfast Harlequins host city rivals Instonians at Deramore Park and should secure the league points after an encouraging 19-0 friendly win over Banbridge last Saturday. Ballymena entertain Queen’s University at Eaton Park in what should be an open game between two young sides. Ballymena's new coaching team of Andy Graham, Nicky Wells and Bryan Young have been encouraged by the squads early season performances against Hawick and Malone.
Ballynahinch v City of Derry
Ballynahinch will, as Ulster's top club, want to retain the Stevenson Shield as league champions. City of Derry their opponents will want to go one step further and win the league title this season after securing runners up spot in the last campaign. Ballymacarn Park will provide a stern test for their league credentials.
Ards v Rainey OB
Ards, under their new coaching team of Stuart Porter, Scott Young and Gerry Flynn, will go in as underdogs against the 'high flying' Rainey, who potentially could mount a real challenge for the league after losing out to Ballymena in the First Trust Senior Cup Final last season. Rainey secured promotion to All Ireland League 2A after an unbeaten run in Division 2B so they are a team on the rise.
Ballymena v Queen's University
The Braidmen suffered a disappointing campaign last season but will be looking to bounce back with a strong start this time out. They will face a stern test against Queen's University, as the students are likely to enjoy the hard ground early in the season. Both team will be playing in Ulster Bank League Division 2A this season so this is a good opportunity for them to put down an eraly marker.
KUKRI QUALYING LEAGUE 1
(all kicks off are 2.30pm on Saturday unless otherwise stated)
Saturday 31st August will see ten teams begin the race for that coveted league title. There is not much to choose between the sides with Portadown, CIYMS, Clogher Valley and newly promoted Bangor contenders for the league and a top four finish that guarantees a place in the All Ireland Junior Cup. Donaghadee, Dromore, Ballymoney and Coleraine will have a say in the leagues destination. Cooke and UUC will be looking to improve on their performances from finishing in the bottom three last season.
Bangor v Portadown
The outstanding fixture on the opening day will see 2012/13 league champions Portadown travel to Upritchard Park to play newly promoted Bangor. An encouraging pre-season, some additions to their playing squad and a large home support, should make it a tough afternoon for Portadown. The Ports have recruited well but have lost a number of players for various reasons.
Clogher Valley v Ballymoney
Clogher Valley will welcome Ballymoney to Fivemiletown for another intriguing fixture with the home side the likely winners. An early season tour to Canada and two outstanding performances against Senior opposition in pre-season friendlies will have focused the minds of the players and coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black on bringing more silverware back to the Cran.
UUC v CIYMS
CIYMS should prove too strong for the students of UUC at the Riverside in Coleraine. The Belmont side are keen to build on their early pre-season performances and their runners up place in the league last season.
Donaghadee v Dromore
Donaldson Park will see home side Donaghadee host Dromore in a match that is difficult to call. The ‘Dee men have achieved Cup and top four success in the last two seasons and will want to consolidate their position in this highly competitive league. Dromore have a young squad that has been developing over the past two seasons. Four pre-season wins have sent out a strong message on their intentions this season. The Dee support will be out in large numbers to roar on Paul McKenzie and Stuart Hennessey's team on to an opening day win.
Coleraine v Cooke
The outstanding fixture at Coleraine will see the home team take on a Cooke side that disappointed last season following their runners up position to Clogher Valley in 2011/12. Coleraine have lost several players with the coaching staff having to rebuild during this transitional period. An opening day win is crucial for both teams to build confidence and momentum for the rest of the season.