High-stakes AIL derby date next test for Malone forward momentum

Both sides have won their opening four games – with Clogher above their hosts on points difference.

“We’re looking forward to it, I suppose this division brings local derbies and also brings at this stage of the season a top-two clash,” said Malone forwards coach Richard Boyd. “Clogher...very good side, well drilled, I knew a lot of their players back when I was at Ulster Juniors and Paul Armstrong is a very good player and he’ll lead them.

"But we're at home and that's going to be massive for us...the home advantage has been helpful to us over this season really and, hopefully, that will put us in good stead for a really competitive Ulster derby at the weekend, it's going to be exciting.

“I think there'll be a big crowd, two teams going toe-to-toe and it's still very early in the season, a long way to go but it gives you a really good barometer where we're actually at in terms of the actual season.”

Malone have already had two Ulster derbies – beating Banbridge on the opening day and last week’s at Boyd’s former club, Rainey.

“I've only been back a few times now, I hold Rainey in high regard,” said Boyd. “I've had a fantastic six years there, enjoyed the time as a player, so it’s lovely going back to see old friends...I thought we were very professional in how we approached it.

“These Ulster derbies are great...generates a bit of a crowd, generates a bit of extra rivalry, there's a bit more oomph in it.

"I'm looking forward to another one this weekend...they're all very tight games.

"The Banbridge game was tight, with the last play we won it.

"And it was tight again last week against Rainey...I expect nothing different against a really good Clogher side.”

Both sides like to play an attractive style of rugby.

“Clogher have really evolved since they've come up from junior rugby, they play some really good rugby, expansive rugby,” said Boyd. “They rely on Paul (Armstrong) sort of guiding them through 10-12 and (Callum) Smyton is obviously a key player for them as well...he's very dangerous, one of the best players I'd say in an All-Ireland League, especially in our league.

"And they have more threats than that.

“They play expansive rugby and it's just going to be how we can deal with that but also trying to put our own foot in the game and our own foot forward in terms of how we're going to play as well.”

Malone’s two home games have yielded bonus point wins.

“The last three or four years have been tough I think for the club,” said Boyd. “Since I've come in it's been good to see us going in the right direction under Josh (Pentland).

“Josh has been doing a great job there, has experience of playing at Malone and now head coach...he’s great to work with.

“I think we're building something pretty special in terms of Gibson Park and home crowd and a buzz about the place.

“Home form is key and also keep momentum going is also massively important in the league.”

There is also a big derby at the Cloughan as Ballyclare host Banbridge, Enniskillen welcome Skerries while Rainey have a Malahide visit.