Ulster Bank League Previews

Today (2.30pm unless stated)

There is a lot riding on this tie for both sides, with UCD just two points outside the play-off places and hosts Ballynahinch a further two points back. If the students can replicate last weekend’s superb performance in defeating leaders Lansdowne, then they stand a good chance of following up on last month’s 31-24 home win over ‘Hinch.

Some of the division’s most potent back-three players will be in action with ‘Hinch’s Ross Adair and Adam Craig looking to get the better of UCD flyers Sam Coghlan-Murray and Adam Byrne.

Division 1A: Cork Constitution (4th) v Terenure College (2nd), Temple Hill

Since beating Terenure College 21-7 away early last month, Cork Constitution have dropped off noticeably with two defeats and a scrappy try-less win over Young Munster last time out.

This rematch is hugely important for both side’s play-off hopes. A win for the Dubliners would strengthen their grip on second spot and that coveted home semi-final berth.

Con have already lost to Lansdowne, Young Munster and St. Mary’s at Temple Hill this season. It is a trend the will want to end.

Division 1A: Young Munster (9th) v Dolphin (10th), Tom Clifford Park

Dolphin may still be bottom of the table, but their form — three wins in four games — suggests they might not be there for too much longer. It all kicked off for them with a gritty 12-11 home win over Young Munster last month.

Munster centre/out-half Rory Scannell has been in tremendous form for Steve Ford’s relegation-battling side, scoring 52 points in his last four outings. Although Tom Clifford Park is noted as a fortress for the Cookies, they are enduring a five-match losing streak at present. Their five losing bonus points is what separates them from Dolphin in the standings.

Division 1B:Buccaneers (5th) v Belfast Harlequins (6th), Dubarry Park

Belfast Harlequins will make the trip to the midlands with increased confidence after hammering Shannon 31-13 at home, although they remain just five points clear of bottom spot.

Former Ireland U20 internationals Michael Heaney and Frankie Taggart have been key figures for ‘Quins of late, and they will need them again to deliver the goods against fifth-placed Buccaneers.

Buccs will miss their Ireland U20 trio, including Cian Romaine (a try scorer against Corinthians last weekend), but home advantage and Alan Gaughan’s boot could be the deciding factors.

Division 1B: Malone (9th) v Ballymena (4th), Gibson Park

Three successive defeats have sent Malone spiralling down to second-from-bottom in the table, and they really need to recapture their best form for this Ulster derby. A repeat of November’s 13-7 away defeat of Ballymena would be ideal. Back then Josh Pentland converted Cory Tipping’s tremendous maul try, adding to two previous penalties, as the Cregagh Red Sox stunned the Eaton Park crowd. Despite last week’s home loss to leaders Galwegians, Ballymena are still in contention for promotion but Andy Graham’s men will have to win their final four games to stand a chance.

Division 1B: Shannon (7th) v Dublin University (3rd), Coonagh

Dublin University’s first setback in a long while saw them lose by a single point to promotion rivals Garryowen, thus ending their 10-match unbeaten run which had lasted since early October.

How they respond to that result will tell much about the character and ambitions of Tony Smeeth’s young side. Notably, winning in Limerick is something they have done before — they were 14-8 winners at Dooradoyle in November. Having lost heavily to Belfast Harlequins, inconsistent Shannon really need to spark at Coonagh. They are just four points off bottom spot and can ill-afford to lose another home game.