SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership set for finale

There will be a new name on the Stevenson Shield this weekend, with Malone and Ballynahinch meeting at Ballymacarn Park in what will be a final round decider for the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership. Last weekend, Malone recorded a bonus point home win over Queen’s, while Ballynahinch turned over Banbridge at Rifle Park to set up the winner-takes-all game this Saturday. Approaching the final round, Malone currently sit on top of the Premiership table on 16 points, with Ballynahinch on 13 and Queen’s University on 11. Winners of the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership for the last two seasons, City of Armagh, suffered conceding a last minute try to lose 24-21 at home to Ballymena to confirm their relegation to Division 2 next season. They will be replaced by Rainey OB who won Division 2 with one match to spare after defeating Belfast Harlequins 28-19 at Hatrick Park. Ballynahinch last won the Stevenson Shield in 2014/15 on the back of three consecutive wins, and the club will be looking to re-establish themselves as the number one club in Ulster. Malone will be aiming to bring the title back to the Cregagh Road for the first time since the 1992/93 season. Kick-off at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday afternoon is at 2.30pm. SONI ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP - ROUND 5 DIV 1 Ballymena (5) v Banbridge (4) Ballynahinch (2) v Malone (1) Queens University (3) v City of Armagh (6) DIV 2 Belfast Harlequins (3) v City of Derry (5) Dungannon (2) v Rainey OB (1) Omagh (4) v Bangor (6)