DIVISION 1B
BALLYMENA (10th) v Blackrock College (7th), Eaton Park
Something is going to need to happen very quickly if Ballymena are to get out of trouble. Just one win in the entire league to date speaks for itself. Last Saturday's 66-5 humiliation at the hands of leaders Ballynahinch summed up their situation. One very obvious consolation is that Blackrock are not quite Ballynahinch.
Furthermore, Ballymena did get their only victory against them at Stradbrook. But the fact is that Blackrock have improved hugely since then, their latest 31-5 home victory over Dungannon showing just how much they have come on.
Bruff (9th) v BALLYNAHINCH (1st), Kilballyowen Park
You would have to feel for Bruff. As hard as they try they just can't seem to get the victories they need. So, they still lie second from bottom, just four points ahead of Ballymena and one behind Dungannon. Unfortunately, they would appear to face an impossible task against league leaders Ballynahinch.
The Ulster side proved far too good when the sides met at Ballymacarn Park. At least Bruff have home advantage this time but it would be one of ther surprises of the season if they were to turn over the league leaders.
DUNGANNON (8th) v UCD (2nd), Stevenson Park
UCD are very much the form team of the moment having ended Ballynahinch's unbeaten run and then defeated Dublin University last weekend. It's a run which has brought them into second spot in the table but they cannot afford any slip-ups.
On paper, the running ability of the likes of Andrew Boyle, Sam Coughlan-Murray and Barry Daly should prove too much for struggling Dungannon. The worry for the students, however, is that Dungannon are fighting for their lives and will somehow raise their game.
MALONE (6th) v BELFAST HARLEQUINS (5th), Gibson Park
Both teams seem destined to finish around mid-table. But with Malone involved, it usually tends to be pretty entertaining. Their problem is that they have lost one more than they have won in what has been a most erractic campaign.
Belfast Harlequins have done a bit better, and are currently four points ahead of their rivals. The fact that it's a derby game should make it lively. The contribution of the two goalkickers Malone's Josh Pentland and Michael Heaney of Belfast Harlequins is sure to prove crucial.
DIVISION 2A
CITY OF DERRY (6th) v Bective Rangers (13th), Judge's Road
Any thoughts of a late charge from City of Derry may have been scuppered by the loss to Highfield last weekend. That said you never know who might slip up so they can still focus with intent. Bective's two point loss to Corinthians was a good result given the Galway side are 2nd but it still saw Rangers slip to 13th - just three points clear of a possible relegation playoff. If the visitors can bring that level of intensity again they could pull off a great away win but odds still favour the home side.
QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY (11th) v Galwegians (5th), Dub Lane
Queens have beaten Cashel and Old Wesley in recent weeks but they face a tough challenge at home to Galwegians on Saturday. A loss to Seapoint and a draw with UCC may have ended 'Wegians promotion ambitions but like Banbridge they won't give up the ghost just yet. An intriguing game in prospect therefore with a possible away win on the cards.
UCC (3rd) v Banbridge (4th), The Mardyke
Candidate for match of the day in Division 2A as 3rd plays 4th. UCC need to win to keep in the hunt with Corinthians and Terenure - especially given they have a game more played. Banbridge can still catch the top three and a win on Saturday would keep that ambition alive for another weekend. A cracking game in prospect at The Mardyke and a tough one to call.
DIVISION 2B
Boyne (6th) v ARDS (15th), Shamrock Lodge
Boyne can still have promotion ambitions as the team finishing in 3rd will playoff against a Division 2A side. A Boyne win could capitalise on the result from Naas. Ards win over Navan last weekend has given them a real lifeline as they are now level on points with Thomond. Can the Ulster side cause another upset this weekend?
INSTONIANS (9th) v Sunday's Well (11th), Shaws Bridge
Few sides in the bottom half of the table can afford to be complacent and that certainly applies to this fixture. Should Ards, Thomond and Suttonians all pick up a win this weekend then both of these sides could be facing an anxious few weeks if they lose. Home advantage and league form favours Inst. but the Well wil lbe aware of the possible dangers that lie in store.
Navan (7th) v RAINEY (1st), Balreask Old
Going into the last four rounds of competition, Rainey travel to Navan with a healthy six point cushion at the top of Division 2B. The Magherafelt side have 10 wins and a draw from their 11 outings to date and look odds on for promotion. Navan lost to Ards last time out and they will be keen to respond with an improved performance against the league leaders.
Thomond (14th) v ARMAGH (5th), Liam Fitzgerald Park
Relegation threatens Thomond while Armagh can still claim a shot at promotion. A classic tie as we near the business end of the season. A win for Thomond would be a double bonus should Ards lose at Boyne while Armagh's two wins from the last three games sees them pushing hard for 3rd. That old cliche of 'who wants it more' may apply.