Weekend Club Preview

The semi-finals of the Ulster Bank Bateman Cup are down for decision this weekend, together with a full programme of games in the three sections of Division 2 of the Ulster Bank League.

Bateman Cup holders Cork Constitution face a tricky assignment in their bid for four-in-a-row as they travel to take on Division 1 League leaders UCD at the Belfield Bowl.

In Division 2A of the Ulster Bank League, UCC who are fourth with a game in hand make the long trip north to take on leaders Banbridge at Rifle Park. The County Down side recorded a narrow 26-27 win when these sides met at the Mardyke in November.

The two Tipperary sides are in action against Belfast opposition.

Seventh-placed Nenagh Ormond welcome Malone to the Premier County and the home side will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to avenge November’s 47-10 defeat at Gibson Park.

Cashel travel to Belfast to take on Queens University at Dub Lane. Queens recorded a narrow 26-23 victory when these sides met at the Spafield.

Struggling Thomond are at home to Skerries in a basement clash, with the Limerick side aiming to avenge November’s 28-22 defeat in North Dublin in their quest to avid the drop.

Second-placed Highfield make the long trip to Foyleside to take on Leaders City of Derry in a top of the table clash at Judge’s Road. Highfield ran out 29-24 winners when these sides met at Woodleigh Park.

Sunday’s Well, who are now in third place following their narrow victory over City of Armagh, will be expected to claim all points on offer as they entertain bottom side Seapoint at Irish Independent Park. The Well recorded a 20-7 victory when these sides met in Killiney.

Fourth-placed Bruff are at home to third-placed Wanderers in Division 2C. The County Limerick side will be looking to make the most of home advantage count if they are to record their second win over the Dublin side, who they defeated 21-19 at Merrion Road.

Kanturk are in action against Louth opposition of the second successive weekend. They were narrowly defeated 25-24 by Boyne in Drogheda last time out and will be expected to claim the points against bottom side Dundalk. The Wee County side recorded their only win of the campaign against Kanturk when these sides met at Mill Road in November.

Leaders Old Crescent entertain struggling Sligo and will be expected to record their second victory over the Yeats County side.

Fifth-placed Midleton face a tough assignment as they travel to the Faithful County to take on second-placed Tullamore, with the Offaly side expected to record their second win over the East Cork side.

There is also a full programme of games in the Munster Junior League

In Division 1, second-placed Clonmel will have their work cut out as they travel to West Cork to take on third-paced Bandon at Old Chapel.

Leaders Richmond will be expected to extend their lead as they travel to Tipperary Town to take on struggling Clanwilliam.

Newcastle West face a tricky task as they entertain Muskerry and Old Christians are at home to Skibbereen, who are hovering above the drop zone.

Bottom side St Mary’s entertain Clonakilty and Waterpark welcome Galbally to Ballinakill.

Division 2 leaders Abbeyfeale will be expected to maintain their unbeaten run as they travel to the Premier County to take on Newport.

Second-placed Cobh Pirates are away to Presentation and fellow promotion chasers Kinsale are at home to fourth-placed Thurles.

Ballincollig, who were defeated by Newport in the only game of the New Year so far, are at home to Charleville.

Waterford City make the long trip to the Kingdom to take on Tralee at O’Dowd Park and Mallow, who are still without a win, play Ennis at the 4G UL grounds, who are hovering above the drop zone.

Dungarvan, who are propping up the table, are at home to Castleisland.

Division 3 leaders Youghal will be expected to claim maximum points from their trip to Killarney and open a five-point gap over nearest challengers Crosshaven, who do not play this weekend.

Fermoy will be looking to keep their outside promotion hopes on track as they take on Killorglin at the Showgrounds.

Bantry Bay, who recorded their only win of the campaign against Fethard in November entertain Douglas-Carrigaline and Chorca Dhuibhne play bottom side Scariff in Castleisland on Saturday night.

Carrick-on-Suir are at home to Fethard in a South Tipperary derby with both sides still without a win.