Ballynahinch will host Dublin University this Saturday in their final bid to retain their place in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League.
Ulster Bank League Division 1A Play-off Final Preview
Ballynahinch v Dublin University
Can Derek Suffern and his players complete the great escape and keep an Ulster side in Div 1A as Ulster's sole representatives? They face a student side brimming with confidence despite having to grind out a 25 - 20 win over Ballymena last Saturday. Three back-to-back wins for the Ballymacarn Park side over UCD 15 - 10, Garryowen 59 - 5 and Buccaneers 41 - 19 in front of their fanatical supporters will add to another electric atmosphere at the County Down venue on Saturday.
Hinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan along with the coaching staff and players recognise the difficulty of the task facing them this weekend. Both Johnny Madden and Chris Quinn will face late fitness tests on Thursday evening. Otherwise the squad will be similar to recent matches. The Hinch side are renowned for their physicality with the presence of Ulster players Jonny Simpson, Jonny Murphy, Craig Trenier, John Donnan, Conor Joyce, Lorcan Dow and Zack McCall along with Captain Paul Pritchard, James Simpson, Jonny Madden and the experienced Michael Graham in a formidable pack. One other forward who has made the transition from Schools rugby at Wallace last season has been young prop Jonny Blair who continues to make a big impact on the 1st xv squad along with Ben Pentland. The inclusion of Ulster out half Sam Windsor has been key to the turn around of the team in the leadership and direction he gives to his players on the pitch. Ronnie Duncan feels if Sam Windsor had not been ruled out for two months through injury Ballynahinch would have been challenging for a top four finish and the playoffs. Stuart Morrow has been another player who has made a big impact after returning from injury and along with Aaron Cairns, Jordan Gratton, Chris Quinn, David Busby, Davy Nicholson, James McBriar, Chris Gibson and Aaron Ferris provide a real cutting edge to this talented Hinch backline.
All the ingredients are there for a thrilling nail biting encounter. For any rugby supporter and the neutrals who won't be at the Kingspan stadium Ballymacarn Park is the place to be to experience the very best of Ulster club rugby. Good luck Ballynahinch.
Ulster Bank League Division 1A Play-off Final Preview
Ballynahinch v Dublin University
Can Derek Suffern and his players complete the great escape and keep an Ulster side in Div 1A as Ulster's sole representatives? They face a student side brimming with confidence despite having to grind out a 25 - 20 win over Ballymena last Saturday. Three back-to-back wins for the Ballymacarn Park side over UCD 15 - 10, Garryowen 59 - 5 and Buccaneers 41 - 19 in front of their fanatical supporters will add to another electric atmosphere at the County Down venue on Saturday.
Hinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan along with the coaching staff and players recognise the difficulty of the task facing them this weekend. Both Johnny Madden and Chris Quinn will face late fitness tests on Thursday evening. Otherwise the squad will be similar to recent matches. The Hinch side are renowned for their physicality with the presence of Ulster players Jonny Simpson, Jonny Murphy, Craig Trenier, John Donnan, Conor Joyce, Lorcan Dow and Zack McCall along with Captain Paul Pritchard, James Simpson, Jonny Madden and the experienced Michael Graham in a formidable pack. One other forward who has made the transition from Schools rugby at Wallace last season has been young prop Jonny Blair who continues to make a big impact on the 1st xv squad along with Ben Pentland. The inclusion of Ulster out half Sam Windsor has been key to the turn around of the team in the leadership and direction he gives to his players on the pitch. Ronnie Duncan feels if Sam Windsor had not been ruled out for two months through injury Ballynahinch would have been challenging for a top four finish and the playoffs. Stuart Morrow has been another player who has made a big impact after returning from injury and along with Aaron Cairns, Jordan Gratton, Chris Quinn, David Busby, Davy Nicholson, James McBriar, Chris Gibson and Aaron Ferris provide a real cutting edge to this talented Hinch backline.
All the ingredients are there for a thrilling nail biting encounter. For any rugby supporter and the neutrals who won't be at the Kingspan stadium Ballymacarn Park is the place to be to experience the very best of Ulster club rugby. Good luck Ballynahinch.