Fingers are crossed at Ballymacarn Park that the snow and rain fail to materalise as the big re-match against Harlequins approaches. The previous encounter on the 8th December was cancelled by the referee 15 minutes before kick off due to the condition of the pitch.

180 had attended the pre the pre match lunch day and the afternoon turned out to be a bit of an early Christmas party as the assemble crow struggled to put in their Saturday afternoon.

130 are expected for the lunch this Saturday and the build up to this fixture has been going well.

I spoke to coach Derek Suffern this morning who said, " I am pleased with the preparation to date, training went very well during the week and everyone seems to be fit and well, all rearing to go. It will be a big month for the boys with Harlequins at the weekend , followed by Young Munster at home then away to De La Salle and Malone at the end of the month. We need to get off to good start, therefore Saturday will be a massive game and we are really looking forward to it."

Harlequins had an impressive Ulster League victory over Malone at the weekend, but Malone had used the occasion to try players in other positions

They will travel to Ballynahinch at the weekend in confident mood with a number Ulster players on show. Paul Marshall will not be available because of his Ulster duties, but as long as Niall O'Connor and Stuart Philpot don't play any longer that 20 minutes they will be available to start. Darren Cave, Paul McKenzie, Mark Kettyle and Niall Conlon will also start.

Andy Ward will also play, this will be the first time he has played against the Hinch in the AIB League.