Two consecutive wins before the Christmas break lifted Ballyclare out of the Division 2C relegation places but it remains tight at the bottom.

Mike Orchin-McKeever’s side are seventh, a place ahead of Belfast Harlequins on points difference with the two sides meeting in an Ulster derby at Deramore.

Ballyclare enjoyed a 34-19 success when the sides clashed at The Cloughan in December.

Orchin-McKeever is hoping the break has refreshed his squad for the second half of the season.

placeholder image — Belfast Harlequins will host Ballyclare in a big Ulster derby in Division 2C at Deramore Park. (Photo by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker/Press)

“I think the Christmas break you make out of it what you want, whether you need the break, the rest, the recovery or whether you are happy to keep the momentum going,” he said.

“We definitely needed a break to let the bodies recover from the amount of injuries we had picked up from the opening part of the All Ireland League. It was great to have two wins to take into that break in play.

“I think after nine games I wouldn’t be looking at league tables, I’d still be focused on the next game. I think with four or five games to go in the season you can really do analysis on the league positions and see what is available.

“The reality is anybody can beat anybody and we just focus on the next opportunity which for us is Harlequins.”

Orchin-McKeever says he won’t be tweaking too much from last month’s fixture.

“I think whatever prep you had for game nine is similar enough to review and say this is our prep for game 10,” he added. “It was unfortunate we didn’t get our Ulster Shield final played the day after Boxing Day against Malone – it would have been a nice different fixture to play.

“In the first game Harlequins were very unfortunate against us with the amount of injuries they picked up, which took a toll on their squad. They will definitely come back and be stronger, especially playing at home.

“We picked up a draw there last season which felt a bit strange because you don’t get too many draws in rugby.

“Our preparation will be about us; we know what we expected them to do in the previous game, so we’ll review that again for this week,” said the coach.

“Thankfully we have no fresh injuries, but we have nobody returning. It is great to have Alex Darragh and Joel McBride in the backline and having played several games together now adds to that continuity, and is really strong for us.

“The pack is getting quite settled and we are not losing anybody from there.”

In Division 2A there is a crucial Ulster derby at Eaton Park affecting both ends of the table as Ballymena host Dungannon.

The Braidmen moved up to eighth place after last week’s win in a rearranged fixture with Banbridge but are only a point above the relegation playoff zone.

Dungannon – seeking back-to-back promotions – are second, nine points behind unbeaten leaders Barnhall.

Banbridge, with one win from nine games, are seven points adrift at the foot of the table travel to Greystones.

There is also an Ulster derby in Division 2B as fifth-placed Malone welcome Rainey to Gibson Park. The Magherafelt side are a place and seven points behind their Belfast hosts.

Clogher Valley have moved into the playoff places and travel to mid-table Buccaneers.