There are six league games being played across Qualifying One, Two and Three this weekend.
Qualifying Two
Grosvenor (6th) entertain Lisburn (5th) at Belmont on Sat.
Two teams who promised much at the beginning of the season and quickly slipped off the pace. In their last league outing at Omagh – Grosvenor put up a spirited performance before losing 19 – 11 to the hosts. Last Sat at Armagh the side won a compelling Conference league game against Armagh seconds 24 – 16 despite being down to eleven players at one stage during the game. Captain Mark Cartmill led by example scoring a try in their win. Injuries have plagued the East Belfast side this season with the 1st team squad having used thirty two players. Coach Peter Lowry will be looking a strong finish to the season by his team. Lisburn have won their last two league games against Strabane and Limavady to restore confidence in the side. When the two sides met at Blaris on the 21st Dec, Grosvenor ran out narrow 6 – 3 winners. Again expect another keenly contested game. Grosvenor to win
Qualifying Three
Holywood v Monaghan
League leaders Holywood will look the two points to maintain their undefeated push for league honours this season. It looks as if the title will be decided at the Glynn on the 1st March when Larne and Holywood meet. This Sat Holywood welcome Monaghan to Kerr Park in the knowledge they defeated their opponents 65 – 15 back in October. Monaghan know league points are vital as they sit second from bottom two pts ahead of the PSNI. Monaghan last won at home to Letterkenny in Dec 12 – 5. They have lost their last two league games to Larne and Donegal. Holywood to win
Letterkenny v Donegal
When the two sides met in November Donegal recorded a hard earned 15 – 10 home win. Pride will ensure this Donegal derby is keenly contested on Sat. Donegal will have been disappointed to have lost a thrilling encounter at home to Newry last Sat 30 – 22. In their last league outing at home two weeks ago, Letterkenny put up a spirited performance in losing 38 -12 to league leaders Holywood. Difficult game to call. Donegal to win
Qualifying Four
Cavan v Armoy
When the two sides met at Lime Park in October Cavan recorded a 20 – 5 win. Cavan sit second in the table and are involved in a contest with near neighbours Virginia to claim second place in the league. In their last league outings, Armoy lost 25 – 5 two weeks ago at BHSFP whilst Cavan defeated the High School at home last Sat 18 – 0. Armoy had to concede their game at Virginia on the 14th Dec. Cavan to win
Civil Service v Ophir
The Mallusk side remain undefeated after ten league games and look unstoppable in their push for league honours. They have defeated nearest challengers Cavan and Virginia in recent weeks. Civil Service will not relish the visit of this free scoring team who have already recorded 18- 0 and 48 -0 wins over them in the league. Service are on a run of five consecutive league defeats and provided Londonderry YMCA with their first league win at Drumahoe last Sat. Ophir to win
Virginia v Londonderry YMCA
Willy Lamrock will have been happy his young YMCA side recorded their first league win at home last Sat to Civil Service by 27 – 10. He will be hoping they can build on this performance when they travel to County Cavan this weekend. Virginia won the corresponding game in the North West back in October by 22 – 13. Virginia were dure to play league leaders Ophir last Sat. This game had to be postponed due to a water logged pitch. Two weeks ago Virginia recorded a 26 – 19 away win at Civil Service. Virginia to win.
