Queens University could lead the division going into the break after this weekend, with Cashel and Blackrock College both not in action, while Navan can mount a further charge for promotion.
Ballymena V Queens University, Saturday December 17th, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
In the Ulster derby Queens know a win could see them overtake Blackrock if they fail to get a result, while Ballymena look to find form against a team who have shown they can be toppled.
Two wins in their last five have seen Ballymena move down the table, far from an ideal scenario being down in seventh, but four points at a minimum could see them gain some ground in the table, a boost for morale is needed if they want to finish high in the table.
Queens made up for their defeat to Nenagh by toppling Cashel last weekend, it keeps them in the title picture just three points behind Blackrock, like an animal chasing its prey, they need to stay with them and strike when they get a chance, it could very well be the same as last year, where they went into Christmas on top of the table.
Nenagh Ormond V Navan RFC, Saturday December 17th, New Ormond Park, 2:30pm
Two teams with different outcomes from last weekend meet in a mid table clash in Tipperary, as Navan leapfrogged their opponents last weekend.
Nenagh were unable to build on that win over Queens as they suffered a late defeat to Blackrock, despite dominating for a large part of the game leading 14-0, the second half proved not to be in the end, they have shown their ability this season to get results and it would be an ideal end to the year for them.
Navan will be boosted by the 15-0 win over UL Bohemian at the weekend, as they go in search of a second win in a row, in the hopes of finding that early season form which saw them contesting the top four spots in the table.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.