Armstrong will keep a cool head as Malone aim to retain place at the summit

THEY are sitting top of the pile in 2A after impressively getting through two wins from two, but Malone readily admit that such form so early in the season is absolutely no guarantee of anything to come.

The Gibson Park side are at fourth-placed Cashel and coach Paddy Armstrong knows that a huge challenge awaits them against a team coached by former Ireland back-rower Denis Leamy.

“We’re just looking at Cashel and not worrying about anything else at the minute,” said Armstrong of his squad’s good start. “Cashel are very physical and it is all about matching that and keeping our discipline and making good decisions under pressure.”

Ryan Campbell’s early season form has certainly caught the eye and the winger scored all Malone’s 21 points in last weekend’s home win over Highfield.

Selection-wise, No.8 Ryan Clarke and full-back Jack Owens came through late fitness tests and both take their place for the trip south, while prop Peter Cooper returns at tight-head prop.

Elsewhere in 2A, second-placed Armagh — also having managed to win their two outings — host Corinthians while Queen’s University, in fifth, are at Highfield with new arrival David Dass starting in the back row.

The main event in 2B is the Ulster derby between bottom and still winless side Belfast Harlequins and fifth-placed Rainey Old Boys at Deramore, which will be the Belfast side’s second successive derby after losing to City of Derry last Saturday.

Elsewhere, Dungannon, in fourth, are at home to Old Crescent while eighth-placed City of Derry host Skerries.

In 2C, Bangor hit the first bump in the road last week at Seapoint and are travelling again with Midleton the destination.

The sixth-placed Seasiders don’t have Gareth Millar and have moved Lewis Bret to scrum-half meaning Ross McCloskey, Ulster star Stuart’s younger brother, will play at No.10 while flanker Jamie Clegg makes a welcome return.

Newcomers Omagh, in third after their first two games resulted in a win and a draw, host basement side Bective.

2A: Cashel v Malone, Armagh v Corinthians, Galwegians v Blackrock, Highfield v QUB, Nenagh v Greystones.

2B: Belfast Quins v Rainey, Derry v Skerries, Dungannon v O Crescent, Barnhall v Navan, Wanderers v Sun Well.

2C: Bruff v Sligo, Malahide v Tullamore, Midleton v Bangor, Omagh v Bective, Thomond v Seapoint.