DIVISION ONE
(Saturday 2.30pm unless stated)
Ballymena v Cork Constitution
Eaton Park
The return of Stanley McDowell has bolstered the Ballymena midfield while Australian Peter McIntosh at outhalf continues to be an intelligent presence behind the pack. Last week against Galwegians, Ballymena showed signs that a young team were beginning to get it right, not just because they won but because they also scored their first tries of the campaign, McIntosh providing everything before that.
But Cork Con bring some heavy guns with them to North Antrim. Jim Williams, Donnacha O'Callaghan and John Fogarty are, importantly, all available even if their four international players are not. Cian Mahony, with a dislocated shoulder, also will not make the trip. With one win from three Cork Con havn't had a strong start but the three key players should maker a considerable difference.
Formguide: Ballymena LLW Cork Constitution LWL.
Top try scorer: Ballymena; S McDowell 1, A Maxwell 1. Cork Constitution; D O'Callaghan 2
Top points scorer: Ballymena; P McIntosh 32. Cork Constitution; C Mahony 37.
Referee: T Redmond.
Forecast: Cork Constitution
Blackrock v Young Munster
Stradbrook
BLACKROCK plan to begin the game with their centre and captain Michael Jackson available for the first time this AIL season. That in itself should be a boost to the home side who have occasionally struggled in games for direction.
Last week, however, Shannon experienced just how Blackrock can be with three tries run in for the 19-25 away win. Young Munster are clearly facing difficulties with the worst start to a season in the history of their involvement in the AIL with four opening defeats. They have injury problems as well as representative players missing and several including Jason Hayes, Mick Lynch and Craig Doyle, are probably togging out not fully fit.
It will be a difficult assignment for Young Munster to stop the rot in Stradbrook although this season it appears that anything is liable to happen.
Formguide: Blackrock WLLW Young Munster LLLL.
Top try scorer: Blackrock; G Browne 3. Young Munster; P'O Connell, L Doyle, J Hayes 1 each
Top points scorer: Blackrock; C Kilroy 23. Young Munster; M Lynch 34.
Referee: D Courtney.
Forecast; Blackrock.
Garryowen v Dungannon
Dooradoyle
No John Langford for Garryowen and injuries surrounding a number of other players leaves them possibly weak. It depends on whether Dominic Crotty's hand has recovered sufficiently and whether Connacht coach Steph Nel gives the all clear to Paul Neville.
Conversly Dungannon travel with Ian Humphreys slotting into outhalf for the injured Mark Bradley but welcome the release of Paddy Johns, Aidan Kearney, Jan Cunningham and Kieron Campbell from the Ulster set-up.
Both teams won last week with Garryowen looking to Billy Treacy to kick them into strong positions. He has been doing that very well but with Dungannon's crew toughened by the return of provincial players, it might not be enough.
Formguide: Garryowen WDW Dungannon WLW.
Top try scorer: Garryowen; J O'Sullivan, C Tupinier, P Humphreys, K Keane, R Niland 1 each. Dungannon; D Cunningham 2
Top points scorer: Garryowen; B Treacy 36. Dungannon; M Bradley 25.
Referee: D Tyndall.
Forecast: Visitors to triumph.
