After being beaten by UCD last weekend, Ballynahinch will look to get back to winning ways in Division Three on Saturday when they entertain NIFC at Ballymacarn Park. Last season this would have been a meeting between clubs separated by two divisions. So much has changed. And so quickly.

NIFC are also on a retrieving mission following their mauling by Highfield's pack. That wobble came at a most inopportune time considering this weekend's assignment. They must take some reassurance from their defeat of Ballynahinch in the Ulster League. However, Ulster flanker Andy Ward was not on duty that day and he will be the driving force in the Ballynahinch forward eight.

Corinthians may turn out to be the surprise package of the division. Billy Davis may be missing from the front row against bottom club Queen's University. If that is the case then New Zealander Paul Gollings will take his place. His brother, Andy, has been nothing short of a revelation thus far and has come on immeasurably since arriving from England. He will be a real threat on the wing.

Paul McDonnell has replaced Kiwi Graham Purvis as the coach at Highfield due to a run of poor results. His first game in charge prompted the end of North's winning sequence. McDonnell had taken control of first team affairs during pre-season until Purvis arrived and now the spotlight falls back on an ex-player who has Highfield's best interests at heart.

Carlow's hiccup against Richmond has decreed that they cannot afford another aberration in search of promotion from Division Four and with Omagh making quite a fist of their first season in the AIL all is set for a cracking encounter between these sides at Thomas Mellon Playing Fields. The Leinster club welcome back James Waddock who has recently returned from New Zealand. He will add punch to their three-quarter attack.