Match Preview

Malone (1st) v Nenagh Ormond (4th), Gibson Park

Malone had to move on quickly from their disappointing finish against Highfield, as the concession of a late converted try prevented the Cregagh Red Sox from sealing top spot with one round still to go. Still, they have a three-point cushion over their nearest rivals and a enviable opportunity to win the league in front of their home support.

Nenagh Ormond will certainly put it up to them, though, as they are in possession of fourth place (on 49 points) and desperate to fight off any late possibility of Armagh (44) pipping them to a play-off berth. The Tipperary outfit could have been challenging for league honours but they lost five of their seven games since the turn of the year.

A much tighter margin is expected than Malone's 37-7 success against Nenagh in September's opening round. Ulster's Jack Owens and Joe Dunleavy, who both started against Highfield, are available again this week along with provincial colleague Matthew Dalton. Peter Cooper and Graham Curtis, a recent Ireland Under-19 debutant at scrum half, remain absent through injury.