January and February are traditionally the ‘moving days’ in the main league competitions, senior and junior.
Those looking to stay in contention need to make sure they are there or thereabouts by the end of February and the real business end of the season starts to kick in.
In the All Ireland League Ulster clubs are looking in healthy positions across the board.
Ballynahinch look strongly placed to go on and secure promotion - or a promotion play-off at the very least from Division 1B.
Unbeaten in seven matches the Co Down men know there is still a long way to go, but they have a four point lead already at the top of the table and nine from the rest of the chasing bunch.
Hinch, who now have one hand on the Stevenson Shield for the Ulster Senior League champions, will face a stiff test in Belfast on Saturday when they meet Malone, lying in a strong mid table position.
The big Ulster derby on Saturday is the clash between Ballymena and Dungannon at Eaton Park.
The pair are languishing at the bottom of the table, both on seven points, with just one victory to show for their efforts.
It is not the position either club - once regarded as the strong beds of Ulster club rugby - want to be in, but irrespective of the outcome on Saturday, both are still set to be involved in the relegation dogfight along with Bruff and Blackrock College.
Banbridge carry the flag in Division 2A and will be involved in some interesting contests between now and April in hoping to secure their goal of promotion.
In Division 2B, Rainey are now beginning to see the fruits of their labour in recent seasons - just as Banbridge did last year - start to pay off.
They remain unbeaten in the section and have a five point lead at the top - although the Magherafelt side know there is a lot still to play for.
Armagh are still in the mix even if 10 points behind the leaders. They may be aiming for a top six finish - which is achieve able - but they are also strong enough to finish nearer the top than the middle.
Instonians should do enough to come out of the relegation mire, but Ards are set for a dogfight second half of the season.
If they maintain 14th place they will miss out on the relegation issues - and to be honest Connemara are the likely side to make the automatic drop.
The Kukri Qualifying League has always produced some entertaining rugby at the top end of Junior Rugby.
Portadown this season look the more likely side to finish top and go on to contest the All Ireland Round Robin contest - a place in the senior ranks once again the aim.
CIYMS look set to provide the main challenge to Portadown with the other main contenders, Ballymoney, defending champions, Clogher Valley and Cooke simply not consistent enough.
But they will certainly give the title challengers a hard afternoon’s work.
The great thing about the top section is the qualification for the All Ireland Junior Cup. The top six clubs will be jostling for a place in next season’s first round draw - four qualify.
Ballyclare, Bangor and Enniskillen have opened up a bit of a gap in Section Two and the trio will challenge for the promotion spot in the division.
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