Match Preview

Malone (2nd) v Blackrock College (6th), Gibson Park

Malone's rise to second in the standings is all the more noteworthy when you consider that four of their six wins to date have been away from home. Among those results was November's 24-18 success at Blackrock, with Ulster prospect Jack Owens scoring a clinching 68th-minute try.

The Cregagh Red Sox got the job done against local rivals Belfast Harlequins last Saturday, prevailing on a 22-12 scoreline despite a performance that was well off their clinical best. Front rowers Dane Fitzpatrick and Dan Kerr crossed for two of the four tries.

Blackrock had their own front row scoring hero in lively hooker Conor Kilcoyne whose brace helped them to lower the colours of front runners Nenagh - 25-20. 'Rock must get rid of their 'away day blues' if they want to challenge for promotion - they are pointless from their four away trips so far this season.