Match Preview

Division 2 A

Malone v Thomond

There was disappointment that Malone couldn't hold on to their lead against Belfast Harlequins in the Senior Cup last Sat before losing in injury time. The positives were the coaches were able to look at several new players with some positional changes. One positive was the performance of winger Adam Liddell who moved into the centre and scored two excellent tries. He retains his place in the centre alongside Nathan Brown in the absence of the unavailable Michael Barker. Injuries continue to rule out Dave Cave, Chris Criffiths and Michael Cartmill. Gary Crawford returns to the front row along with Tristan King and Philip Eadie. Cory Tipping resumes his second row partnership with Richard Millar. Ross Todd returns at 8 alongside Captain Neil Alcorn and Max Porter who replaces the unavailable James McAllister. Vice Captain Josh Pentland is restored at out half alongside Shane Kelly. Forwards coach Paddy Armstrong was pleased with the work of his forwards in the loose last Sat and will look more of the same as they look to set up scoring opportunities for their talented back trio of Andy Bryan's, Mark O'Connor and Rory Campbell. Austen Blackburn, Ben Halliday, Lee Barlow, Jack McMurtry and Ricky McCullagh make up the bench cover.