ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1A
Garryowen (10th) v BALLYNAHINCH (9th), Dooradoyle
Intriguing game between the two bottom outfits in the division. Garryowen simply must win if they are to have any chance of getting out of trouble. To be fair, the arrival of Eddie O'Sullivan to help out their coaching staff brought about a big improvement for last Saturday's game against Lansdowne. They put up a real fight before losing 13-9. But the fact remains that they are still without a win and 11 points adrift of Ballynahinch. They are definitely in with a chance of getting that elusive first win. But Ballynahinch should not be underestimated, they have, after all, already beaten Garryowen 18-6 this season.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B
BELFAST HARLEQUINS (5th) v UL Bohemians (3rd), Deramore Park
UL Bohemians must bounce back quickly from their 15-6 home loss to Terenure College last Saturday in order to keep in touch with second placed Corinthians. To be fair, their effort against Terenure was a lot better than many other clubs have managed against the prolific Lakelands Park outfit. But UL Bohs will not have things easy against a Belfast Harlequins outfit which has shown a big improvement recently. Last weekend's 19-18 away victory over Buccaneers was a really good effort. And the fact that they scored three tries will surely boost their confidence.
Dublin University (9th) v DUNGANNON (10th), Sydney Parade
A vital encounter between the two bottom sides in the table. Dungannon are currently last with Dublin University two points ahead of them. The students are still trying to recover from a disastrous opening which saw them go down to a series of defeats, including a 21-6 away loss to Dungannon. But it does seem that they have come on quite a bit. They produced a really decent performance to only lose out 23-22 away to second-placed Corinthians and a repeat of that effort will surely give them a great chance of securing a crucial victory.
MALONE (7th) v Buccaneers (4th), Gibson Park
Malone could represent a real threat to Buccaneers despite the fact that they have only won two of their 10 outings to date. Last weekend's 13-3 away victory over Dungannon represented a crucial success in their battle to avoid relegation. Nathan Brown was very much the hero, scoring all of Malone's points. Worringly, Buccaneers have fallen away in recent games but they still lie in fourth spot in the table. They have already beaten Malone in a tight encounter 23-20 at home earlier in their campaign.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A
Bruff (7th) v BANBRIDGE (11th), Kilballyowen Park
The two clubs that caused the biggest surprises last weekend meet in Kilballyowen this weekend. Bruff got their first win of the season away to Naas while the Bann dented City Of Derry's title chase with a 28-13 win. They'll both have a bounce in their step this weekend but who will take the spoils?
Cashel (9th) v QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY (2nd), Spafields
Cashel edged Ballymena in Eaton Park last weekend and stay steady in 9th place. This weekend they host a Queen's side that won last weekend against Old Wesley and who will want to keep the pressure on Galwegians or pounce if they slip up. Cashel are a hard team to beat but Queens have shown they can build the scores. Should be interesting.
CITY OF DERRY (5th) v Highfield (14th), Judge's Road
City of Derry can have no complaints about last weekend's loss in Banbridge but it did put a spoke in the wheel as they slipped to 5th albeit on points difference. Highfield picked up a valuable four points against Seapoint last weekend and moved out of the bottom two. You'd have to back the home side to bounce back and put in a display this weekend.
Old Wesley (8th) v RAINEY (7th), Donnybrook
Wesley gave Queens a tough test last weekend and were unlucky not to take a losing bonus point from the game. Rainey caused NUIM Barnhall all sorts of problems and they took four points from it. Two mid-table sides with some pep in their step then. A win either way won't be a surprise.
UCC (6th) v BALLYMENA (3rd), The Mardyke
The college side ran 'Wegians close last weekend and took a losing bonus point out of it for their trouble. They are four points behind their visitors on Saturday so there is certainly much to play for. Ballymena will be smarting from their loss to Cashel and will look for an improved performance and points on the road.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B
Greystones (2nd) v ARMAGH (3rd), Dr. Hickey Park
A match with a huge bearing on the promotion and title chase as Greystones host Armagh with only a point between them in the table. Both will be hoping to capitalise on any slip up by Nenagh Ormond if they can. The home side has a point to prove having lost to fourth place Thomond last week. Should be a cracker.
INSTONIANS (15th) v DLSP (8th), Shaw’s Bridge
Instonians know the task that lies ahead as we hit the business end of the league. Win more games and get out of the relegation playoff spot. Mid table 'Salmo saw off Sligo by a couple of points last week and will aim to do the same this weekend. The visitors endured a tough time last season and have learned from that. They should take the win.
Navan (7th) v ARDS (10th), Balreask Old
Navan can at the very least say they have come closest to beating Nenagh so far this season. That draw has them in 7th place just three points ahead of their opponents on Saturday. Ards beat Skerries last weekend and will travel with ambition.