Ballyclare are flying high in Kukri Qualifying League 2
The key fixture this weekend in Kukri Qualifying League 2 is Ballyclare v Omagh at the Cloughan.
With the hosts 9 points clear at the top of the league, it is a must win game for the Tyrone side if they are to maintain their pursuit of the leaders. A win for Omagh could also allow teams like Lisburn, Academy, Randalstown and Carrickfergus back into the hunt.
BALLYCLARE v OMAGH
Once again another big game is down for decision at ...
Ballyclare are flying high in Kukri Qualifying League 2 The key fixture this weekend in Kukri Qualifying League 2 is Ballyclare v Omagh at the Cloughan. With the hosts 9 points clear at the top of the league, it is a must win game for the Tyrone side if they are to maintain their pursuit of the leaders. A win for Omagh could also allow teams like Lisburn, Academy, Randalstown and Carrickfergus back into the hunt. BALLYCLARE v OMAGH Once again another big game is down for decision at Cloughan this weekend. The crowds have been filling the pre-match lunches due to the attractive nature of the games being played. In recent weeks the 'Clare side have shown why they are being labelled as promotion favourites as they have had to dig deep to win games against Grosvenor, Academy and a nail biting derby with neighbours Carrickfergus last Saturday. Injuries have mounted with captain Robert Boyd and number 8 Willy Logan picking up knocks last Saturday. Coach Bob Young has confidence in his playing squad as he has had to rotate players due to unavailability and injuries. Gary Clotworthy in the backs has shown his versatility in recent weeks and along with the experienced Collie Morrow, has become a key member of the backline. Up front Graeme and Jordan McKinstry along with Gary Weatherup have been ever present in the forwards. Omagh recorded an emphatic four try win over Randalstown last Saturday to maintain their promotion push. Coach Phil Marshall and captain Andrew Ferguson know that they can't have a repeat performance of their 42-10 away loss to Ballyclare in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. Three yellow cards during that game did not help their cause. Expect Ballyclare to win but this is like a cup final for Omagh so they'll not make it easy for their hosts. CARRICKFERGUS v ACADEMY An Antrim derby with two teams that are placed mid-table. Carrick pushed league leaders Ballyclare all the way before losing 29-15 last Saturday, while Academy had to hang on at Roughfort to win 23-22 against Grosvenor. Carrick have improved after a slow start to their season. Under player coach Jonny Cullen they have tightened up their defence and have a real match winner in fullback Aaron McKinney. Captain Andy Kinkaid will want his team to continue their progress. RANDALSTOWN v GROSVENOR Coach Gary Longwell was pleased with the performance of his side at Omagh despite their defeat. Randalstown will want to avenge a 15-22 defeat at home to Grosvenor in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, when their inability to convert kicks cost them the game. Grosvenor are a well organised side and have been unlucky not to secure points on their travels to Academy and Ballyclare. Grosvenor to win STRABANE v ENNISKILLEN With ex-Enniskillen player Willy Gibson coaching the North West side their is an added spice to this fixture. Omagh were the last side to visit Strabane and struggled to record a 3-17 win. Strabane have yet to win a league game this season and were beaten 59-9 by Carrickfergus in their last outing. Enniskillen recorded their third win of the season when they defeated Limavady 25-17 at the weekend, a much needed win for Alastair McKee's side. On paper Enniskillen are favourites.
Ballyclare are flying high in Kukri Qualifying League 2 The key fixture this weekend in Kukri Qualifying League 2 is Ballyclare v Omagh at the Cloughan. With the hosts 9 points clear at the top of the league, it is a must win game for the Tyrone side if they are to maintain their pursuit of the leaders. A win for Omagh could also allow teams like Lisburn, Academy, Randalstown and Carrickfergus back into the hunt. BALLYCLARE v OMAGH Once again another big game is down for decision at Cloughan this weekend. The crowds have been filling the pre-match lunches due to the attractive nature of the games being played. In recent weeks the 'Clare side have shown why they are being labelled as promotion favourites as they have had to dig deep to win games against Grosvenor, Academy and a nail biting derby with neighbours Carrickfergus last Saturday. Injuries have mounted with captain Robert Boyd and number 8 Willy Logan picking up knocks last Saturday. Coach Bob Young has confidence in his playing squad as he has had to rotate players due to unavailability and injuries. Gary Clotworthy in the backs has shown his versatility in recent weeks and along with the experienced Collie Morrow, has become a key member of the backline. Up front Graeme and Jordan McKinstry along with Gary Weatherup have been ever present in the forwards. Omagh recorded an emphatic four try win over Randalstown last Saturday to maintain their promotion push. Coach Phil Marshall and captain Andrew Ferguson know that they can't have a repeat performance of their 42-10 away loss to Ballyclare in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. Three yellow cards during that game did not help their cause. Expect Ballyclare to win but this is like a cup final for Omagh so they'll not make it easy for their hosts. CARRICKFERGUS v ACADEMY An Antrim derby with two teams that are placed mid-table. Carrick pushed league leaders Ballyclare all the way before losing 29-15 last Saturday, while Academy had to hang on at Roughfort to win 23-22 against Grosvenor. Carrick have improved after a slow start to their season. Under player coach Jonny Cullen they have tightened up their defence and have a real match winner in fullback Aaron McKinney. Captain Andy Kinkaid will want his team to continue their progress. RANDALSTOWN v GROSVENOR Coach Gary Longwell was pleased with the performance of his side at Omagh despite their defeat. Randalstown will want to avenge a 15-22 defeat at home to Grosvenor in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, when their inability to convert kicks cost them the game. Grosvenor are a well organised side and have been unlucky not to secure points on their travels to Academy and Ballyclare. Grosvenor to win STRABANE v ENNISKILLEN With ex-Enniskillen player Willy Gibson coaching the North West side their is an added spice to this fixture. Omagh were the last side to visit Strabane and struggled to record a 3-17 win. Strabane have yet to win a league game this season and were beaten 59-9 by Carrickfergus in their last outing. Enniskillen recorded their third win of the season when they defeated Limavady 25-17 at the weekend, a much needed win for Alastair McKee's side. On paper Enniskillen are favourites.