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Mary's must pop Cork to climb table

(All games Saturday 2.30 unless stated)

DIVISION 1A

Clontarf v Shannon, Castle Avenue

There were four 'Tarf players in the Ireland Clubs international side that defeated English Counties. The club has paid the price, wing Tim McCoy dislocating his shoulder.

Cork Constitution v St Mary's College, Temple Hill

St Mary's coaches Hugh Hogan and James Norton know the champions are not yet out of trouble. They need win number five at one of the most testing venues in the league.

Lansdowne v Garryowen, Aviva Stadium

Coach Mike Ruddock has seen his players carve out a seven-point lead at the top of the table, underpinned by the control of fly-half Craig Ronaldson.

UL Bohemian v Old Belvedere, Annacotty

Coach Andy Dunne will know the value of four points here to put distance between the Black & Whites, in seventh, and the second-from-last Limerick club.

DIVISION 1B

Ballymena v Dublin University, Eaton Park

The gap between Trinity in second and UCD in third is down to two points. Flanker Dominic Gallagher returns after injury.

Ballynahinch v UCD, Ballymacarn Park

This must be the last place College would have wanted to go given 'Hinch's unbeaten record. Jordan Coghlan will start at centre and Jamie Glynn at scrum-half.

Blackrock College v Belfast Harlequins, Stradbrook

Coach Ben Manion will stress as 'Rock conceded 36 points to Buccaneers, but still salvaged a draw in Athlone to make it unbeaten in their last three.

DIVISION 2A

Cashel v DLSP, Spafield

Full-back Michael Nevin and second row Victor Ball are expected to pass fitness tests, while Phil de Barra broke his leg on his first involvement last week.

Corinthians v Terenure College, Corinthian Park

'Nure are sitting very pretty on top of the division with a game to spare on UCC. But they will have their work cut out at Corinthians.

Midleton v Greystones, Towns Park

Coach Reggie Corrigan will have to make a decision between Alan Dempsey, returning from injury, and Conor Savage at openside.

Old Crescent v Bective Rangers, Rosbrien

Rangers coach Kevin Lewis will hammer home the significance of each and every point for a club six points above bottom club Salmo'.

Old Wesley v Queen's University, Donnybrook

Wesley are coming off the back of a morale-sapping defeat to fellow Donnybrook tenants Bective three weeks ago. They need this one.

Seapoint v Highfield, Kilbogget Park

Coach Declan Keegan will go with the same team that led Cashel until a two-try blitz last week.

DIVISION 2B

Skerries v Navan, Holmpatrick, Friday 7.30

The home side are starting to motor, winning their last three to move up to eighth. The Meath club will look to build on their form from a friendly against Wanderers last week, prop Eoin King leading the charge with two tries.

Armagh v NUIM Barnhall, Palace Grounds

Wing Matthew Mellotte, hooker Dewi Harrison, lock Rob Tiernan and flanker Sam Condon are the quartet of changes made by Dennis Bowes.

Instonians v Boyne, Shaws Bridge

Player/coach Craig McGrath has Boyne positioned in fourth playing away to an Instonians that could be caught in mid-table slumber.

Sligo v Naas, Hamilton Park

Player/coach Niall Carson will start on the bench behind what is an unchanged side from last time.

Suttonians v Rainey Old Boys, McDowell Memorial Grounds.

The odds are stacked against the lower mid-table northsiders here as Rainey lead the league with eight wins and a draw.


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