Some might say that Portadown were stuck in limbo last season, sucked into the unglamourous atmosphere of All-Ireland League Division Three. These days, they are showing unmistakable signs of rising to a challenge that - on paper at least - has always seemed within their scope.

With three wins from three games, Portadown have made the start that has previously eluded them. Imports in the robust shape of Rob Weir and Michael Lightbody, both from Queen's, and Bruce Logan, from North, have been key additions to the pack. Behind the scrum, wing Graeme McCluskey is returning to something like his best form and they are at full strength for the visit of lowly Collegians on Saturday.

Ballynahinch's meteoric rise through the ranks shows little sign of abating, though the Down club have had five weeks without a competitive outing. This has led to a trade-off between a possible loss of sharpness and the clean bill of health given to those who had niggling injuries.

Anyway, there will be no room for passengers at Belfield. Hosts UCD have brought in Paddy Hickey-Dwyer for the unfortunate Adam Peavoy, who broke his leg against Highfield last weekend. Other than that the students are unchanged and snugly placed just in behind the leaders. They are still well in the race for promotion and this should be evident in their approach to Saturday's match.

In Division Four, second placed Richmond and leaders Omagh Academicals will be at sturdily matched in Limerick. Winger Barry McCarthy has been ruled out of the home side with a shoulder injury and his replacement will be Irish youth international Ger Duggan who played against Italy last week.

Carlow would be the first to admit that they haven't lived up to the form they showed in the Leinster Championship. There is still time to remedy this and Andrew Kenny is the only absentee from their squad for the trip to Ballina. He may be out for the season.