Match Preview

Malone (1st) v Highfield (2nd), Gibson Park

This is set to be a cracker of a contest. Both clubs look like being among the favourites for promotion, Malone setting out their stall with a bonus point win at Nenagh and Highfield doing likewise at home to Blackrock.

Ulster's Jack Owens, Matthew Dalton, Joe Dunleavy and Peter Cooper, who will need to pass a fitness test, have been released to the Cregagh Red Sox this week. Malone head coach Paddy Armstrong knows his forwards, led by captain Ross Todd, will have to match or better the performance delivered by Highfield's big pack.

Having gone so close to promotion last term, 'Field boss Tim Ryan acknowledged that drawn games and not gaining enough bonus points let them down in the end. "I think it's a harder league this year, even more competitive. We'll give it one game at a time and take it from there," he said.