ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1AÂ
BALLYNAHINCH v LANDSDOWNE
For Ballynahinch this is a must win game at Ballymacarn Park this weekend. After narrow losses away to Young Munster and St. Mary's, 'Hinch will welcome the opportunity to play at home again after a narrow opening day defeat to Cork Constitution. The boys in green will be tested by last season's champions Landsdowne who opened their season with a bonus point win at home to Young Munster last Saturday. The release of Ulster players ...
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1AÂ BALLYNAHINCH v LANDSDOWNE For Ballynahinch this is a must win game at Ballymacarn Park this weekend. After narrow losses away to Young Munster and St. Mary's, 'Hinch will welcome the opportunity to play at home again after a narrow opening day defeat to Cork Constitution. The boys in green will be tested by last season's champions Landsdowne who opened their season with a bonus point win at home to Young Munster last Saturday. The release of Ulster players to strengthen Derek Suffern's team could prove crucial to the outcome of this match. The lack of effort and commitment from the players, urged on by their supporters, will hopefully bring that all important first win.
 ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1B BELFAST HARLEQUINS v BLACKROCK COLLEGE 'Quins have been unlucky in their opening two league games at Deramore Park, losing out to Buccaneers and Terenure after strong first half performances. They also put in a gutsy performance away to UL Bohemians. Blackrock sit mid table with one win. Again 'Quins coach Adam Larkin will look to the release of his Ulster players to bolster his playing squad. Out half Liam McCambridge has proved a valuable addition to the Deramore squad with his reliable kicking. If he is on target on Saturday, the hosts should win. DUNGANNON v CORINTHIANS Stevenson Park will be buzzing this Saturday as Dungannon welcome third placed Galway Corinthians. The Connacht club sit one point behind top sides Terenure and Buccaneers. The Ulster players continue to strengthen the resources available to Paddy Johns. The County Tyrone side will go in as underdogs in this game but are capable of pulling off a win. TERENURE v MALONE Malone will be looking to bounce back from their worst performance of the season when they were outplayed by Limerick side UL Bohemians at Gibson Park on Saturday. The manner of the defeat will give coach Jacque Benade real cause for concern as his young side were out muscled and out thought in all aspects of their game as the Munster men strangled Malone in the contact area. Terenure are sitting top of the league after three wins - two on the road - with 13 points. They ran in six tries in their opening day 36-9 win at Lakelands Park against UL Bohemians. This match will test the resolve and character within the Malone squad to demonstrate their fighting qualities as they avoid getting caught up in a relegation battle with fellow Ulster sides 'Quins and Dungannon.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2A BALLYMENA v OLD WESLEY The Eaton Park side have quickly put last season's relegation worries behind them to sit proudly at the top of the league with North West neighbours City of Derry. Saturday's 12-15 win at Queen's has demonstrated the resolve coach Andy Graham and his team have instilled in the playing squad. Timothy Small's kicking has proved invaluable as the team completed a double against the students in the Ulster Senior league and the UBL. With the club's 2nd XV doing well, there are many players putting their hands up for selection. Old Wesley sit equal third in the league and will provide a stiff test for the Braidmen after their impressive 23-11 win over Barnhall. Ballymena to win. BANBRIDGE v UCC How frustrating a season it has been for Bann coach Daniel Soper and captain Johnny Graham. With three narrow losses in the Ulster Bank League, including two away to Cashel and Seapoint, there is a real opportunity for the Rifle Park team to record their first win of the season. It will be tough against the Cork Students who sit 6th in the league after two wins. A late try by veteran second row Simon McKinstry secured a valuable losing bonus point for Banbridge at Seapoint. With a large support expect the County Down team to secure four points. BECTIVE v CITY OF DERRY The North West side will travel to Donnybrook with confidence after scoring four tries against undefeated Naas on Saturday. Such is the strength in depth of Mark Nicholl's squad, he has been able to rotate his players often and effectively. Bective recorded their first league win at the weekend; a narrow 9-10 result at Bruff. Derry captain David Funston and out half Richard McCarter continue to direct the team on the park. Expect another win for the Judges Road team. GALWEGIANS v QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY The Students will be reeling from their home defeat to Ballymena on Saturday but will face stiff opposition in Galway at Crowley Park from a team who are sitting equal third in the league on nine points. Ritchie McMaster continues to be a prolific goal kicker for the Students who will be hoping for better weather conditions to unleash their talented backline which includes captain Stuart McIIwaine, brother of Ulster player David. This is a difficult game to call; the students need a win to maintain their title challenge. RAINEY v BRUFF Hatrick Park will see a large crowd on Saturday for the visit of Limerick side Bruff. The Munster side sit bottom off the league with no points. Having scored four tries in their 20-38 win at Old Crescent on Saturday, Rainey coach Richard Boyd will be pleased that his forwards scored the tries, highlighting the power they possess. The five points have moved Rainey into joint second place in the league with Queen's on 10 points. Such is the strength of character within the Rainey squad there will be no complacency amongst the players as they push for the top two positions in the league. Saturday will also see the club officially open their new gym facilities, which have been funded by the Department of Clulture, Arts & Leisure.
 ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2A INSTONIANS v GREYSTONES Instonians coach William Leacock will have been disappointed by their narrow 20-18 defeat to undefeated Boyne on Saturday. His young side continue to impress after scoring three tries at the weekend. Kiwi Ryan Aperehama has settled in at Shaw's Bridge and has proved to be a valuable addition to their playing squad. Greystones sit in third place with 12 points after two wins and will provide stiff opposition for their hosts. Inst know nothing less than total commitment for eighty mins will bring them their second win of the campaign. Expect a high scoring match. ARMAGH v RICHMOND After their emphatic four try performance against Tullamore on Saturday:,Armagh coach Andy Hughes must be delighted with three wins from their opening fixtures. Captain and outhalf Richard Reaney continues to convert the points through his reliable boot. Newly promoted Richmond have found the return to senior rugby difficult with no wins so far and just two points to show for their efforts. They will not relish the visit of Armagh to their home ground at Richmond Park in Limerick. From 1-15 the Armagh team has developed a strong work ethic that has seen them perform so strongly this season. Armagh to win. SUNDAYS WELL v ARDS Paul Cox was once again the 'hero' for the Hamilton Park side in their 20-14 win over DLSP, contributing 15 points. Ards know that there is an opportunity for them to secure four more league points in their second visit to Cork this season. Sundays Well have no points from three games and narrowly avoided a relegation play off last season. Despite losing captain Rob McCausland to a ligament injury, Ards have shown they have the ability to win under pressure. Coach Stewart Porter has made his presence felt in turning round the fortunes of the County Down club and he will be confident of getting another win.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1AÂ BALLYNAHINCH v LANDSDOWNE For Ballynahinch this is a must win game at Ballymacarn Park this weekend. After narrow losses away to Young Munster and St. Mary's, 'Hinch will welcome the opportunity to play at home again after a narrow opening day defeat to Cork Constitution. The boys in green will be tested by last season's champions Landsdowne who opened their season with a bonus point win at home to Young Munster last Saturday. The release of Ulster players to strengthen Derek Suffern's team could prove crucial to the outcome of this match. The lack of effort and commitment from the players, urged on by their supporters, will hopefully bring that all important first win.
 ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1B BELFAST HARLEQUINS v BLACKROCK COLLEGE 'Quins have been unlucky in their opening two league games at Deramore Park, losing out to Buccaneers and Terenure after strong first half performances. They also put in a gutsy performance away to UL Bohemians. Blackrock sit mid table with one win. Again 'Quins coach Adam Larkin will look to the release of his Ulster players to bolster his playing squad. Out half Liam McCambridge has proved a valuable addition to the Deramore squad with his reliable kicking. If he is on target on Saturday, the hosts should win. DUNGANNON v CORINTHIANS Stevenson Park will be buzzing this Saturday as Dungannon welcome third placed Galway Corinthians. The Connacht club sit one point behind top sides Terenure and Buccaneers. The Ulster players continue to strengthen the resources available to Paddy Johns. The County Tyrone side will go in as underdogs in this game but are capable of pulling off a win. TERENURE v MALONE Malone will be looking to bounce back from their worst performance of the season when they were outplayed by Limerick side UL Bohemians at Gibson Park on Saturday. The manner of the defeat will give coach Jacque Benade real cause for concern as his young side were out muscled and out thought in all aspects of their game as the Munster men strangled Malone in the contact area. Terenure are sitting top of the league after three wins - two on the road - with 13 points. They ran in six tries in their opening day 36-9 win at Lakelands Park against UL Bohemians. This match will test the resolve and character within the Malone squad to demonstrate their fighting qualities as they avoid getting caught up in a relegation battle with fellow Ulster sides 'Quins and Dungannon.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2A BALLYMENA v OLD WESLEY The Eaton Park side have quickly put last season's relegation worries behind them to sit proudly at the top of the league with North West neighbours City of Derry. Saturday's 12-15 win at Queen's has demonstrated the resolve coach Andy Graham and his team have instilled in the playing squad. Timothy Small's kicking has proved invaluable as the team completed a double against the students in the Ulster Senior league and the UBL. With the club's 2nd XV doing well, there are many players putting their hands up for selection. Old Wesley sit equal third in the league and will provide a stiff test for the Braidmen after their impressive 23-11 win over Barnhall. Ballymena to win. BANBRIDGE v UCC How frustrating a season it has been for Bann coach Daniel Soper and captain Johnny Graham. With three narrow losses in the Ulster Bank League, including two away to Cashel and Seapoint, there is a real opportunity for the Rifle Park team to record their first win of the season. It will be tough against the Cork Students who sit 6th in the league after two wins. A late try by veteran second row Simon McKinstry secured a valuable losing bonus point for Banbridge at Seapoint. With a large support expect the County Down team to secure four points. BECTIVE v CITY OF DERRY The North West side will travel to Donnybrook with confidence after scoring four tries against undefeated Naas on Saturday. Such is the strength in depth of Mark Nicholl's squad, he has been able to rotate his players often and effectively. Bective recorded their first league win at the weekend; a narrow 9-10 result at Bruff. Derry captain David Funston and out half Richard McCarter continue to direct the team on the park. Expect another win for the Judges Road team. GALWEGIANS v QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY The Students will be reeling from their home defeat to Ballymena on Saturday but will face stiff opposition in Galway at Crowley Park from a team who are sitting equal third in the league on nine points. Ritchie McMaster continues to be a prolific goal kicker for the Students who will be hoping for better weather conditions to unleash their talented backline which includes captain Stuart McIIwaine, brother of Ulster player David. This is a difficult game to call; the students need a win to maintain their title challenge. RAINEY v BRUFF Hatrick Park will see a large crowd on Saturday for the visit of Limerick side Bruff. The Munster side sit bottom off the league with no points. Having scored four tries in their 20-38 win at Old Crescent on Saturday, Rainey coach Richard Boyd will be pleased that his forwards scored the tries, highlighting the power they possess. The five points have moved Rainey into joint second place in the league with Queen's on 10 points. Such is the strength of character within the Rainey squad there will be no complacency amongst the players as they push for the top two positions in the league. Saturday will also see the club officially open their new gym facilities, which have been funded by the Department of Clulture, Arts & Leisure.
 ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2A INSTONIANS v GREYSTONES Instonians coach William Leacock will have been disappointed by their narrow 20-18 defeat to undefeated Boyne on Saturday. His young side continue to impress after scoring three tries at the weekend. Kiwi Ryan Aperehama has settled in at Shaw's Bridge and has proved to be a valuable addition to their playing squad. Greystones sit in third place with 12 points after two wins and will provide stiff opposition for their hosts. Inst know nothing less than total commitment for eighty mins will bring them their second win of the campaign. Expect a high scoring match. ARMAGH v RICHMOND After their emphatic four try performance against Tullamore on Saturday:,Armagh coach Andy Hughes must be delighted with three wins from their opening fixtures. Captain and outhalf Richard Reaney continues to convert the points through his reliable boot. Newly promoted Richmond have found the return to senior rugby difficult with no wins so far and just two points to show for their efforts. They will not relish the visit of Armagh to their home ground at Richmond Park in Limerick. From 1-15 the Armagh team has developed a strong work ethic that has seen them perform so strongly this season. Armagh to win. SUNDAYS WELL v ARDS Paul Cox was once again the 'hero' for the Hamilton Park side in their 20-14 win over DLSP, contributing 15 points. Ards know that there is an opportunity for them to secure four more league points in their second visit to Cork this season. Sundays Well have no points from three games and narrowly avoided a relegation play off last season. Despite losing captain Rob McCausland to a ligament injury, Ards have shown they have the ability to win under pressure. Coach Stewart Porter has made his presence felt in turning round the fortunes of the County Down club and he will be confident of getting another win.