Both teams are heading into the final in strong positions after both teams winning all three of their group games. City of Armagh defeated Rainey 43-3 in the opening round and went on to have a high-scoring performance against Instonians, coming out on top 12-53 at Shaw's Bridge. In the third round, City of Armagh defeated Banbridge at home 40-21.
Armagh are coming off the back of a strong performance in the AIL last week, defeating Young Munster 31-24 on Saturday away. They are currently seventh in the top division of the All-Ireland League.
Armagh forwards coach said, "We are looking forward to a good test against a very well coached Dungannon side who are flying in their league in the AIL. Both teams are off the back of great wins at the weekend, so fingers crossed the weather allows a great game of rugby for both sets of supporters. An opportunity for silverware is never to be sniffed at and it's a while since Armagh have won the Ulster league, so motivation is high, particularly with a big game for our 2nds in Enniskillen on Saturday followed by a week off."
Dungannon are also heading into the final strong. They kicked off their campaign defeating Division 1A table toppers Ballynahinch 34-14, and had a high-scoring clash with Queen's, emerging victorious 46-14. In the third round Dungannon defeated Malone 10-28.
Dungannon also head into this game off the back of AIL success at the weekend, when they defeated Galwegians 28-27 in a closely contested match. Dungannon are currently second in Division 2B, having won 5 out of 7 matches.
A representative from Dungannon said, “We feel this is a great opportunity for our guys to test themselves against a very strong Armagh outfit who are going well in Division 1A. It’s great to be back in a major final again and just reward for an excellent start to the season.”
Everyone at Ulster Rugby wishes both teams well in what surely will be a thrilling final.
Teams
City of Armagh
(1-8) N Carville, F Fehnert, P Mullen, J Glasgow, J McKinley, S Glasgow, A Willis, J Anderson
(15-9) K Faloon, D Nelson, M Hooks, T McNiece, S Cunningham, R Olsen, L Finlay
Replacements: J Reaney, D Poyntz, J Cunningham, E Crummie, R Taylor
Dungannon RFC
(1-8) A Edgar, D Mikolajczyk, M Stockdale, P Nicholl, C Steenson, M Maguire, D Leyburn, J McMahon
(15-9) B McCaughey, A Kennedy, J Girvan, K Gormley, C Conroy, A McGregor, T Gribben
Replacements: S O’Hafan, J Gamble, L Mccrabbe, A Johnston, Z Holmes