Champions Ballymena aim to spoil Quins party

AIB League champions Ballymena are ready to spoil the party arranged by Belfast Harlequins as they both bid to finish in the semi-finals of the competition.

It’s make-or-break for both as they meet in the final game of the league run at Deramore Park this afternoon.

The odds are in favour of Harlequins, who can draw or even lose by a margin not greater than seven, and still ensure their passage. It would also secure a place for Buccaneers in the knock-out stages.

Buccaneers are in action in Ulster, playing Dungannon at Stevenson Park. Progress beyond the league stage is really in their own hands and they would probably get away with a draw.

Although the leagues have not been of major public interest this season, Dolphin will be guaranteed a bumper attendance at Musgrave Park today as they battle relegation.

They face Blackrock College, who have nothing to play for, despite a lofty sixth position.

No less than five teams battle to avoid relegation today and Dolphin are one of those.

Galwegians and St Mary’s (last and third last respectively) battle it out at Crowley Park; Dungannon face Buccs, while Lansdowne face league-leaders Constitution. Only three points separate Galwegians from Dungannon, with Lansdowne, St Mary’s and Dolphin wedged in between.

Dolphin will have their last experience of coach Hamish Adams. He departs at the end of the season but is committed to keeping his side in the top flight.

“The future doesn’t count, it’s all about making sure this team survives at the weekend.”

Adams revealed that Constitution had done their bit to help. “We had a couple of practice games against Con and have done a huge amount of work in training.”

Although Mick Knowles and James Coughlan are injured, Dolphin have enough experienced players to help them through and will take heart from the fact that they have been through successful relegation battles before.

Indeed, it seems to be a perennial event for the club.

Division Two promises more fire, with Old Belvedere, Dublin University, UL Bohemian and UCC still in the battle for promotion.

Belvedere lead by three points but, significantly, the final game is away to the Limerick side, whose rush to return to the top flight collapsed with two losses and a draw in their last four matches.

Dublin University are nicely positioned to make the grade if they can run out convincing winners over Sunday’s Well at College Park. UCC meet Old Crescent at Rosbrien but a big win there could push them into Division One. The calculators could be out in force today.

Sunday’s Well find themselves perilously close to dropping to Division Three, particularly because they have to meet one of the front-runners for the title. They have to win and then hope Waterpark lose their game against Terenure at Lakelands.

Highfield could be celebrating promotion shortly after 4pm today. The Division Three leaders have bounced back from the anonymity of junior rugby and are poised to move into Division Two.

The ’Field are two points ahead of rivals Greystones, who seem certain to pick up full points from a home fixture against lowly Naas.

Highfield face Corinthians and should be good enough to secure the points to give them promotion. But player/coach Steve Ford, who has turned around the club’s fortunes, has asked supporters to put celebrations on hold until the job is done.

Last week, Highfield did themselves a huge favour when they battled successfully against Instonians. The 8-6 win was hard-fought and Ford is under no illusions that his side might have to grind out another win today.

“It could be very tough but we’ve come this far and I hope the lads will keep their composure and just win.

“That will be enough, we’re not looking for big scores or anything, the future is completely in our own hands,” he added.