All Ireland League Previews

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B:

Ballynahinch (1st) v Dungannon (5th), Ballymacarn Park, Friday Night Lights, Feb 3rd 19:30

A fascinating contest under lights tonight which pits the leaders against the team currently fifth in the table. Remarkably though, fifth placed Dungannon are just two points behind table-toppers Ballynahinch.

Anything can happen in a very tight division. Had Dungannon not gone down to a shock home defeat to UL Bohs last weekend, they could be top of the table.

They have the players, particularly in their back division, to score a lot of tries. But Ballynahinch will be smarting from their defeat to Belfast Harlequins last weekend and will be hoping that home advantage enables them to complete the double against the Ulster rivals.

Ballymena (4th) v Bruff (9th), Eaton Park

Ballymena did themselves a huge favour by beating Buccaneers 8-6 away last weekend. That was quite an achievement and it moved them right back into contention at the top of the table. They will start this as pretty strong favourites, but they did concede 39 points when losing their last home game to Dungannon.

Consequently, a Bruff side desperate for points, must feel are not without a chance. What's more, there wasn't much in it when the two sides met in Limerick, with Ballymena getting home 34-28.

Belfast Harlequins (2nd) v Galwegians (8th), Deramore Park

Belfast Harlequins are the form team over the past few weeks, having travelled to UCD and won 39-22 and then followed it up with a 19-13 home victory over the current leaders Ballynahinch.

All of which means that they are level with Ballynahinch at the top of the table, only trailing them on points difference. Ian Porter is in tremendous goalkicking form, knocking them over from everywhere. But the Connacht outfit are a much better side than their lowly league position indicates and quite capable of making Belfast Harlequins fight hard for victory.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2A:

City of Derry (11th) v De La Salle Palmerston (2nd), Judge's Road

City of Derry won on the road last weekend in Clonakilty to push them into 11th place. Their early season struggles with life in Division 2A may not be over yet though as a high scoring DLSP come calling.

'Salmo relinquished top spot to Dublin University before Christmas but were back to winning ways at home to Malone last Saturday. The visitors will want to keep the pressure on, so expect them go all out to take the points at Judge's Road on Saturday afternoon.

Dublin University (1st) v Malone (5th), College Park

This match could have a big effect on the standings come Saturday evening. Dublin University are ten points ahead but Malone picked up a losing bonus against 'Salmo last weekend and will want a scalp.

This is Malone's third game on the trot against top three sides and having beaten Queen's and picked up a losing bonus against 'Salmo, they are setting down a marker. College Park could see a lively game on Saturday, therefore, but Malone will need to work hard to break down the home side's defence.

Old Crescent (12th) v Instonians (13th), Rosbrien

Contrasting fortunes against Dublin clubs last weekend for Old Crescent and Instonians. The Limerick team lost on the road to Bective, while the Belfast side picked up a valuable win over Seapoint.

Neither side has hit a rich vein of form this season in what is a very tough division and a loss here would have either club looking warily over their shoulders at the likes of Thomond, Midleton and Clonakilty. Instonians look capable of scoring but their defensive lapses see the home side as marginal favourites for this game.

Seapoint (7th) v Queen's University (3rd), Kilbogget Park

Queen's University have rediscovered their try -scoring ways this season and have a massive +115 points difference - the best in the division.

The visitors are just five points behind their student rivals from Trinity and will be hoping that Malone do them a favour on Saturday if they can take the points in their own game.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 2B:

Ards (15th) v Nenagh Ormond (7th), Hamilton Park

Ards picked up their second losing bonus point of the season at home to Sligo last weekend. The Ulster club are really struggling this season and are only ahead of bottom side Wanderers by two points.

Nenagh Ormond were well beaten by a title-chasing Banbridge side last time out in what was only their third loss of the season.

Rainey Old Boys (4th) v Armagh (12th), Hatrick Park

Rainey Old Boys slipped up at home last Saturday and Connemara left with the points. The loss saw the Ulster side fall to fourth spot and they now trail the leaders by 10 points. Armagh were soundly beaten by the all-conquering Cashel in the last round of games, so they will be in no mood to take another beating.

This is an Ulster derby with two teams hungry for their first win in 2012 in the Ulster Bank League. It should be interesting but Rainey must be favourites on form and experience.

Suttonians (11th) v Banbridge (2nd), JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds

This is also the first league game of 2012 for Suttonians and what a challenge to face. Banbridge kicked off 2012 last weekend with a good victory over Nenagh Ormond.

Bann are six points behind the league leaders Cashel so they know they cannot afford to drop any points. Form favours the away team who look set to claim a win on the road on Saturday afternoon.