The race for honours in Division 2 of the Billy Henderson Properties League also gets underway this weekend and the race for the single available promotion spot looks set to be keenly contested. Most pundits will see Ardmore and St Johnston as the main challengers but it might not be that simple. The Saints went through their league season unbeaten the last time they contested this division but much may depend on how they react to their experience in the top flight last time. Creevedonnell and The Nedd have been the busiest of the second tier clubs whilst it has been a nightmare winter for both Burndennett and Ballyspallen. Here�s what we might expect in 2011-

ST JOHNSTON
Very much a case of �as you were� for the Donegal side and after their unspectacular exploits in Division 1 in 2010 this is much more their level for the time being. They ran riot in this section the last time they were here and it isn�t difficult to see them setting the standard again now. Bobby Rao stays and that in itself can bring about improvement whilst skipper Andrew Fleming takes charge again as the Saints plot another march towards promotion. They have registered New Zealander Heasley Robson who was excellent in his short stint at the club last time and if he is available that would certainly boost their chances of a second title in three years.

Prediction 1st

CREEVEDONNELL
There was plenty of activity on the Curryfree Road this winter with Charlie Elder leaving to re-join Glendermott and Andrew Clarke heading back to Bready. Both men played a pivotal role in Creevedonnell�s season last time and the loss of Clarke in particular is a blow. That said the books have been balanced somewhat with the addition of former Ireland International Gary Neely and Alan Duddy comes in to rejoin his former Brigade colleagues Nicky Cooke, Richard Philson and Stephen Scroggie. Neely may have lost a yard of pace in recent seasons but will be a big danger at this level and if they avoid a similarly poor start this time around, skipper Scroggie will expect a genuine title challenge.

Prediction 2nd

ARDMORE
Last season�s runners up will look to go one better and once again the Bleachgreen side seems set to stick with what they know. George Brolly assumes the captaincy and will have the services of West Indian Adrian Murphy to assist him in the race for promotion. The usual guard of Paul Brolly, Ciaran Curley, Lee Brolly, Damien Gallagher and Ger McAuley will be called upon to lead the way and if they can add Brian Brolly to the attack that will see to it that Ardmore aren�t far away come the final reckoning.

Prediction 3rd

THE NEDD
Vinny O�Hara takes over the armband for the Kings Lane club and they too have added a few players in the close season. Martin Mehaffey and his brother Dean have joined from Burndennett whilst Jamie Millar comes in from Ballyspallen. The nucleus of the side stays the same with the likes of Alex Steele, Creighton Wilson, Kyle Morrow and brothers Keith and Gareth Burns and that should ensure that The Nedd remain competitive this time around.

Prediction 4th

DRUMMOND
Gordon Cooke seemed intent on a slow rebuilding process last season and their excellent mix of youth and experience seen them win more than they lost last time. The former Ireland International continues to count on the experience of Steve Moore and Craig Hartin as they bring the younger players along whilst the addition of former Ballyspallen pair Clive Rodgers and Graeme Anderson looks like being a big help as well. More improvement can be expected this summer.

Prediction 5th

SION MILLS
After a decent comeback last time it is fair to expect that the youngsters at the Tyrone club will have learned a little and they could surprise a few this season. John Brown looks set to lead by experience and he will have stalwarts Lee McGonagle and Lee Finlay to call on. Ger Porter is also expected to turn out for them and although unlikely to be on the trophy trail it would be no surprise to see another improved showing.

Prediction 6th

KILLYCLOONEY
Another club to have lost their fair share of players over the past few seasons, Killyclooney struggled a little last time on the back of those losses. The jewel in their crown, Graeme McCarter, is sure to be limited in his appearances this year through county and country commitments so there will be no shortage of work for the likes of James Colhoun, Mark Gordon and Ken Colhoun amongst others. Another club with a magnificent youth policy it would be no surprise to see Killyclooney surprise one or two of the big guns this summer.

Prediction 7th

BURNDENNETT
It�s been something of a train wreck close season up at Burndennett; the club losing a host of players that had been the backbone of the first team last season. Mark Roulston has joined Strabane; Williamson is now in Liverpool and Philip Kelly in Australia and with the two Mehaffeys at The Nedd the resources are seriously depleted. Stephen McCay and James Boyle will look to consolidate using some of the younger players at the club but at the moment it looks like being a difficult season.

Prediction 8th