Division one

Ballymena v Galwegians Eaton Park

Big, big game. Though both are very well placed, both will be mindful of a defeat leaving them exposed to the chasing peloton especially Ballymena, who have nothing but games against fellow top-eight sides on the run-in. Quite a contrast too, in that Ballymena play a more fluid game and their backs have been particularly potent of late. Galwegians have been virtually then opposite, their backs struggling for tries. A key to the outcome will be how well the normally renowned Galwegians defence shackles Ballymena's in-form and powerful creator-in-chief Rhys Botha. Galwegians themselves must be a bit shaken by last week's anti-climax and a shake-up seems likely, with Denver Rumney restored to the back-line and, quite probably, Tim Allnutt or Gavin Duffy moved in to outhalf.

Last three seasons: Didn't meet, Galwegians 3 Ballymena 13, didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Ballymena - L W L W W; Galwegians - W W L W L.

Leading try scorers: Ballymena - Russell Nelson 6, Shane Stewart 5, Rhys Botha 4; Galwegians - Gavin Duffy 5, Willie Ruane 4, Tim Allnutt.

Leading points scorers: Ballymena - Neil Doak 79; Galwegians - Eric Elwood 105.

Referee: Dave McHugh (IRFU).

Betting (Paddy Powers): 4/6 Ballymena, 16/1 draw, 11/10 Galwegians. Handicap odds (Galwegians +3pts) - 10/11 Ballymena, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Galwegians.

Forecast: Ballymena to win.

Belfast Harlequins v Clontarf Ormeau Road.

Harlequins' scrum will probably be without Simon Best for a game that almost has a must-win look to it. Their need is undoubtedly the greater given Clontarf are probably grateful enough for an anonymous mid-table run-in after their almost annual last-day acts of escapology. With David O'Brien again likely to play at outhalf in the absence of Richie Murphy (due to impending fatherhood) Clontarf are liable to be as laissez-faire as they were in last week's nine-try romp with Ballymena and could, therefore, be just what Harlequins need.

Last three seasons: didn't meet, didn't, didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Harlequins - L L L L L; Clontarf - L L W L W.

Leading try scorers: Harlequins - Robin Morrow 3, Gerard O'Loan 3; Clontarf - Bobby Baggott 4, Donovan Rossi 3.

Leading points scorers: Harlequins - Paul Hancock 56; Clontarf - Richie Murphy 94.

Referee: Tony Redmond (IRFU).

Betting: 11/10 Harlequins, 16/1 draw, 4/6 Clontarf. Handicap odds (Harlequins + 3): 10/11 Harlequins, 16/1 draw, 10/11 Clontarf.

Forecast: Clontarf to win.

Division Two

UCC v Old Belvedere Mardyke Grounds

Make-or-break day most probably in the three-way tussle for the two Division Two promotion spots, given they all face tricky away games today followed by home games on the final day a fortnight hence. Freefalling UCC must be conscious of their increasingly endangered plight given Derry's surge, but even without Andy Dunne Old Belvedere should take another mighty step toward the top flight.

Last season: UCC 14 Old Belvedere 13.

Five-game formguide: UCC - L L L L L;

Old Belvedere - L W W W W.

Referee: Marshall Kilgore (Ulster).

Forecast: Old Belvedere to win.

City of Derry v Malone Judge's Road

A second five-point haul in four days for City of Derry has moved them to within a couple of points of Greystones and still with a couple of games in hand, one of which, at home to Midleton, has been moved back a week from next Tuesday. A change of coach back to Brian Mooney and Mark McFeeley has worked the oracle and today could see them move out of the relegation zone.

Last season: City of Derry 22 Malone 18.

Five-game formguide: City of Derry - L W L W W; Malone - W L L W W.

Referee: Gareth Doyle (IRFU).

Forecast: City of Derry to win.

UL Bohemians v UCD Thomond Park

Arguably the toughest game for any of the leading trio given UL Bohemians have lost only once at Thomond Park this season and, despite last week's defeat at Midleton, have maintained the best interest and form of the middle rump. UCD, too, have the unnerving memory of last season's unlucky near miss and will be mindful that Carlow could overtake them on points difference if the students don't pick up what would be a very unlikely bonus point.

Last season: Didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: UL Bohemians - W L W W L; UCD - W W W W W.

Referee: Olan Trevor (IRFU).

Forecast: UCD to win.

Greystones v Bective Rangers Dr Hickey Park

A huge match for Greystones, who could be plunged into the relegation zone today unless they beat a Bective side who, ominously for them, can swing from the hip and maintained their form last time out with a 60pointer against Portadown.

Last season: Bective 16 Greystones 12.

Five-game formguide: Greystones - L L L D L; Bective - W W W L W.

Referee: Leo Mayne (IRFU)

Forecast: Greystones to win.

Portadown v Carlow Chambers Park

Portadown appeared to have overcome their mini-crisis but a slip in form has left them a mite precarious looking. Again, though, their opponents have an awful lot more to play for and possibly the most badly needed bonus point anywhere today, and that should show in the scoreline.

Last season: Didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Portadown - W W L L L; Carlow - W W W L W.

Referee: David Keane (IRFU).

Forecast: Carlow to win.

Wanderers v Ballynahinch Lansdowne Road

An academic end-of-season game and Wanderers are possibly due a win.

Last season: Didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Wanderers - L W W L L; Ballynahinch - L L L W D.

Referee: John Sheehan (Munster).

Forecast: Wanderers to win.

Old Wesley v Midleton Donnybrook

Since going toe to toe with the IRFU, a provoked Midleton have taken it out on three opponents and with Wesley already doomed, it's hard to see the sequence ending here.

Last season: Didn't meet.

Five-game formguide: Old Wesley - L L L L L; Midleton - L L W W W.

Referee: Seamus Flannery (Munster).

Forecast: Midleton to win.

Division Three - Instonians v Naas, Shane Park; Skerries v Highfield, Holmpatrick; Corinthians v Suttonians, Corinthian Park; Barnhall v Monkstown, Parsonstown; Dublin University v Bangor, College Park; Richmond v Thomond, Richmond Park; Waterpark v Ballina, Ballinakill; Ards v Banbridge, Hamilton Park.

Junior qualifying round-robin: Lisburn v Connemara, Lisburn; Clonakilty v Navan, Shannon Vale Cross.