All games kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday 23rd March.
DIVISION 1B
BALLYEMENA (10th) v UCD (2nd), Eaton Park
A very difficult situation that Ballymena find themselves in. Just one win this season and a shattering 51-0 defeat by fellow relegation strugglers Dungannon last Saturday. They currently lie bottom, four points adrift of Bruff, and now some 10 points behind Dungannon in third last spot. The situaiton is unlikely to get any better against a UCD side determined to hold on to second position in the table.
They are, along with Ballynahinch, the form side around just now. Any one of a number of players will provide a threat to Ballymena with Barry Daly adding to his reputation in last week's 19-13 win over Buccaneers.
Bruff (9th) v DUNGANNON (8th), Kilballyowen Park
A massive game for second from bottom Bruff in their continuing relegation struggles. Dungannon's emphatic win over Ballymena means that they are now five points clear of Bruff. Another win would prove a major step in them moving clear of the relegation zone. Despite their lowly league position, they have some decent players.
One of them, Ali Birch, scored a hat-trick of tries in the demolition of Ballymena. Bruff, however, will surely lift their game in front of their own suporters to make this a competitive struggle.
Buccaneers (4th) v BELFAST HARLEQUINS (5th), Dubarry Park
Unfortunately for them, Buccaneers chances of getting second spot in the table may well have disapppeared following last Saturday's 19-13 defeat by UCD. They now lie eight points behind UCD and seven adrift of Dublin University in third spot. Still, they must look to beat Belfast Harlequins and hope somehow that the two student sides slip up.
Buccaneers will be hoping that home advantage proves decisive. Belfast Harlequins, one place behind Buccaneers in fifth spot in the table, represent decent opponents.
Dublin University (3rd) v BALLYNAHINCH (1st), Blackrock College - please note change of venue
Undoubtedly , the match of the day in this division. Third against first and a cracking game in prospect at College Park. Now nine points clear at the top, Ballynahinch look certain to get the automatic promotion spot. The question is which of the two university sides will be involved in the promotion-relegation play-off against the team that finishes second from bottom in Division One A.
Should Dublin University lose here, UCD will be strong favourites. If Dublin Univesity are to upset Ballynahinch, it's going to take quite a performance as the Ulster outfit are in such great form with former Ballymena man Rodger McBurney making a big impact.
MALONE (7th) v Blackrock College (6th), Gibson Park
Not a lot at stake between two sides stuck just below mid table. Blackrock, in fact, are just one point ahead of their Ulster rivals in sixth spot. After their dreadful start to the season, they have improved steadily to move well clear of any relegation problems. Obviously, they are a useful enough side with an excellent goalkicker in Rob Keogh.
It's always hard to know what to expect from Malone. They were hammered 58-3 by Ballynahinch last Saturday but they may well raise their game against a Blackrock side that beat them at Stradbrook earlier this season.
DIVISION 2A
BANBRIDGE (4th) v Seapoint (8th), Rifle Park
There's an outside chance that the Bann could still make the top two but it would require some very big upsets for it to happen. In any other season they would be top two material - seven try bonuses attest to that. Saturday sees Seapoint come calling and they will certainly want to improve on their mid-table standing but the home side could prove that bit stronger despite their big loss to UCC recently.
DLSP (16th) v QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY (11th), Kirwan Park
It has been a long hard season for DLSP but their young side have shown application at every stage. They will be a better side in the long run. Mathematically they could still escape the drop but need all the luck they can get to do so. Queen’s drew with Galwegians last time out and should have the nous to win on Saturday.
Greystones (15th) v CITY OF DERRY (5th), Dr. Hickey Park
'Stones are facing into three tough games in coming weeks starting with this clash on Saturday. City of Derry would have had promotion ambitions at the start of the season. It hasn't panned out but they are still a serious outfit. An away win looks the most likely result and relegation looms for the home side.
DIVISION 2B
ARMAGH (4th) v RAINEY OB (1st), Palace Grounds
This is a contender for match of the day in the Palace Grounds. The home side still have a realistic shot at promotion if they can become the first team to beat Rainey in the league. They have beaten Thomond and Naas in recent weeks but this is the toughest task they will face. The league leaders have scored 6 try bonuses and over 350 points in their title race to date. An Ulster derby with a lot at stake - this should be a cracker.
INSTONIANS (9th) v Suttonians (11th),Shaw’s Bridge
Not a huge amount at stake in league terms, although the visitors could do with the comfort of a few more points as they are only five clear of a relegation playoff. Inst have won two of their last three including an upset against Boyne while the Dublin 13 outfit have lost two out of their last three. A home win on the cards.
Nenagh Ormond (5th) v ARDS (15th),New Ormond Park
Like Boyne and Armagh, the Tipp side are still in with a possible promotion shot and a win on Saturday could see them overtake Armagh in 4th place. Ards are currently in the relegation playoff hotseat - their points difference way below that of Thomond. A home win is the odds on the cards and Ards will sweat on the result of the Clon/Thomond match up.