Midleton not lacking

To the envy of most All-Ireland League Division One clubs, Midleton hope to attract a crowd of between 2,000 and 3,000 for their crunch game against Ballynahinch at Towns Park this weekend.

With three matches remaining after that the Cork side, who are aiming for a top four place, are rarely short of local support and have gleaned widespread interest from the town and its surrounding hinterland.

Boosted by the fact that both Munster's Jason Holland is available at outhalf, with scrumhalf and captain Damon Ulrich inside him, Midleton will again look to this creative pairing, along with their scrum, which is as close as you get to an un-moveable object in this division.

But Ballynahinch are also optimistic of having a full squad. Several players are being treated, with scrumhalf Johnny Manning, loosehead Ronnie Steel and number eight Brian Wilson nursing injuries. However, they are hopeful of turning out on Saturday.

Andy Ward, having been left out of the Ireland squad, played a full game against Old Wesley behind the scrum in their last match and is again available to Ballynahinch in the backrow.

Carlow, currently in second place a point behind Ballynahinch, look forward to having their influential scrumhalf Leonard Peavoy back in action. Having recovered from a hamstring injury Peavoy comes back in for Damian Ward, whom Carlow had on loan from Naas. Once again Carlow officials have pointed out the importance of earning bonus marks. They trail Ballynahinch on the strength of one bonus point, both teams having played six games and won five.

At the other end of the table Richmond look to a slightly stronger side for their match against Instonians. While the Belfast side are also struggling Richmond hope that Gareth Wallpol, George Costello and Derek Mitchell will come back into their decimated forward squad. Against Midleton two weeks ago Richmond were missing five of their regulars. Bad news though for John Clancy, who is out for about four weeks with knee trouble.

In Division Four Dublin University welcome struggling Ards to College Park. With a perfect record from six matches and one bonus point the students are currently flying. Barnhall face a home tie against Banbridge.