In the last round of games before Division Three and Four take an extended Christmas break (until January 17th), leaders Ballynahinch go into the weekend with an unchanged team to face Highfield. Topping the table, Ballynahinch were only the second team in five seasons to go to Thomond Park, as they did last Saturday, and take two points from Bohemians. Understandably, they keep their starting XV.
Bohemians, however, have a number of casualties after that clash and face the possibility of meeting UCD without their two first-choice props - Martin Cahill and Christy Nealon - both of whom were injured last Saturday. Suttonians, who have yet to register a point, will review their kicking for their game against Queen's. Last Saturday, in spite of Suttonians' four tries, their opposition, TCD, still came out in front. Trinity, who field an unchanged side this week, scored their last penalty well into injury time in the match which ended 22-23 to the students.
The north Dublin club, though, are beset by injury. Their inspirational captain and hooker Eamon McKeown is the latest casualty. McKeown fell awkwardly in the weekend's match breaking two bones in his hand. A plate has already gone in and it looks as though he will be sidelined for the rest of the season. His probable replacement is Dara Dowling.
Ards, who face Division Four newcomers Omagh Academicals, make a number of changes to the side that went down 16-18 to Ballina at the weekend.
Trevor McDowell returns from injury to replace Mark Fletcher on the left wing, while lock Gray Presho and flank forward David Thompson remain injured. Back row Alisdair Finlay, who sustained a broken leg in the weekend's game, is likely to be out for some time, while captain Steve Eachus moves from lock to the blind-side. Graham Earl comes in at lock and Nigel Lynch moves from blind-side to open-side.
Ballina have a number of injury problems for their game against Sligo, a team still seeking their first point of the campaign. Brothers Billy and Derek Duffy, who play prop and winger respectively, are both doubtful.
