This weekend the action includes five re-arranged matches in Divisions 2A and 2B of the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League.
There are fascinating encounters in the SONI Ulster Senior League, the Kukri Qualifying League, the Powerade Towns Cup, and there are three re-arranged Gordon West Cup games, and some Second XV League fixtures.
Unfortunately the inclement weather continues to impact on fixtures in Ulster, and as always there will be administrative ‘thinking caps’ on to keep the schedule in the Province on track.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2B
Rainey OB v City of Derry
When these two sides met at Judges Road in December City of Derry ran out 32-21 winners, and has gone on to set the pace in the division. Rainey Head coach John Andrews took over again at the club this season, assisted by Ulster centre Luke Marshall, bringing 16 years of experience gathered at Rainey, Dungannon and Ballymena before his return to Magherafelt, and 21 years coaching at Ballymena Academy.
He’s lost none of his appetite for the game, with the youngsters at School providing the energy and motivation to coach the game he enjoys. He felt his players were caught cold in last week's game against Greystones after three weeks without a match. Prior to the defeat at Derry the team had built of action, now a busy series of fixtures may determine if a mid-table finish is possible, but City of Derry poses a tough challenge this Saturday.
As the in-form team in the league Derry, John believes his players gave the leaders far too much respect in the first twenty minutes, but now he hopes his players are in a better place. There is competition for starting places so training went well this week and John feels his players, currently in ninth spot, can compete with any team in the league.
Rainey will be missing No.8 Darren Corrigan for several weeks after he fractured his hand, so the team includes a front-row of Kieran Donaghy, Andrew Shaw and Ronan McCusker, with Ronan McCusker and Peter Stewart in the engine room, while Rory Winters and Jonny Lees are joined by Jody McMurray in the back-row.
Michael Wilson and Gavin Martin continue at half-back, Simon Derby and Damien McMurray are paired at centre, with Nicholas Stirling and Josh McIIroy on the wings and Scott McLean at full-back. The replacements’ bench includes Neil O'Kane, Joe Roe, Bernard Mullen, Caolan Moran and Aiden Pitman.
City of Derry coach Terry McMaster is taking nothing for granted even though with just seven matches remaining his team has opened up a 13-point lead on nearest rivals Sunday's Well. There are imminent Ulster ‘derbies’ against Rainey, Dungannon and Armagh in the next five weeks, each potential banana skins for his side.
Armagh v Seapoint
The teams meet at the third time of asking, and when they met at the Palace Grounds in December Armagh found it difficult to break down the Seapoint defence, though winning 9-0. It’s a widely-held view that this young Armagh squad is consolidating this season, and currently fifth in the table there’s a platform for the future.
Neil Faloon and James Hanna are unavailable, and James Morton is an injury doubt, but Phil Matthews is expected to return to the panel, though Matty Wright, who provides vocal and strong leadership at scrum-half, remains injured.
Armagh had to endure the blight that is uncontested scrums for the final twenty five minutes against Bective Rangers last weekend, but the 8 - 0 win on the 3G pitch at Donnybrook was well-deserved.
Turnouts of 40-plus players at training has given the new coaching team of Alex McCloy, Brian McLaughlin and Willie Faloon real grounds for optimism, and a belief the side can continue to develop.
SONI ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE SECTION ONE
Malone v Ballymena
Leaders Ballymena’s Head Coach Andy Graham has selected a strong squad for the Ulster Championship League game with Malone at Gibson Park, with a front-row of Bryan Young, Adam McBurney, and Chris Cundell with Davy Whann and debutant Ciaran Thompson at lock. Debutant Andrew Knox completes the back-row unit with Dominic Gallagher and Connor Smyth. John Creighton and Richie McMaster are at half-back with Marty Irwin and Kieran Joyce in the centre, while Jordan Foster returns on the wing along with Jonny Rossborough, James Beattie moving to full-back.
POWERADE TOWNS CUP SECOND ROUND
Armagh 2nds v Clogher Valley
The Towns Cup remains one of the most coveted prizes in club rugby, and the clash at the Palace Grounds is intriguing. Last season Armagh 2nds made it to the quarter-finals after defeating Bangor.
Armagh Firsts have a re-arranged AIL game at Seapoint and that may impact on selection for the visit of Clogher Valley, defeated in the final last season by Ballynahinch 2nds. The Fivemiletown club is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season and would like to mark that with another Final appearance at the Kingspan stadium.
The Clogher Valley team for this weekend has a front-row of Philip Moore, Kyle Cobain and Richard Primrose, with Michael Treanor and Eugene McKenna in the second row. Captain David Sharkey is joined by Barry Jon Wilson and No.8 Ryan Wilson in the back-row. Neil Trotter and Aaron Best continue at half-back, and the centre pairing is David Speers and Allister Trenier. Clive Donaldson and Andy Breen are on the wings, Fleming Agnew at full-back.
Philip Hopper and Keith Todd are on the bench, while both PC Falconer and Philip Holmes remain on the injured list.
Ballymoney v Dromore
These are difficult times for all at Kilraughts Road, and Ballymoney Head Coach James Carson is hoping the Towns Cup game with Dromore will help to get the season back on track. Losing the last three league games finds ‘Money in the bottom three of Kukri Qualifying 2, with last week’s 31-0 defeat at Randalstown particularly galling for the coach.
He felt his players lacked enough fight, and that hurts, so he’s expected to make a number of changes to reverse the team’s fortunes. The clubs 2nds have been performing well this season and there is an opportunity for some of the players to step up and push for a starting place on the Firsts. It’s a Cup match and Carson expects his team to go all-out to cause an upset.
Dromore Head Coach Jonny Cullen was disappointed his team let a 10-0 lead slip at home to Ballyclare, missing three penalties in the process. He felt too many mistakes were made in allowing a hardworking Ballyclare team to draw the match 10-10. Dromore hope to summon up the spirit which was displayed in the Junior Cup in an 18-17 at Rugby Avenue.
Ballynahinch 2nd v Ards
Cup-holders Ballynahinch 2nds impressed in the 34-17 win over Qualifying 2 league leaders Carrickfergus in the first round at Ballymacarn Park, and with Ballynahinch having no AIL game this weekend expect the holders to be able to field a very strong team against Ards.
Banbridge 2nds v Portadown
It’s ‘derby day’ at Rifle Park on Saturday, and with Banbridge Firsts having a UCL league game against Belfast Harlequins at Deramore Park on Thursday night Head Coach Daniel Soper is concentrating on resting some players as his priority has to be promotion to Div 1B of the AIL.
His 2nds’ Towns Cup side will be a mixture of young players including Robin Sinton, who’s stepped up from the Under 18s, and AIL stalwart Andy Brown. Much will depend on out-half Robin Thompson who has played several games for the Firsts.
Portadown Head Coach Richard Hedley was pleased with his team’s 22-6 win at CIYMS last week after being forced into some late changes. Ryan Purvis , Daniel Tully and James Carleton were the team's try-scorers with Purvis kicking two conversions and a penalty. Influential second-row Carleton is unavailable and will be replaced by Danny Alexander. Both Malcolm Allister and Johnny Holden are available this week, while Chris Cousens and Johnny McClure will face late fitness tests.
Portadown has won five of the last six games, and that augurs well for the Towns Cup tie.
Bangor v Ballymena 2nds
Both these teams met in the Junior Cup second round at Eaton Park, the North Down side coming out 33-29 winners in a tightly-contested match, and spectators can expect another high-scoring match at Uprichard Park this weekend from teams which like to run the ball.
There was disappointment last week as Bangor let slip a half-time lead at Shaws Bridge to lose the top-of-the-table clash with league champions Instonians 23-17. Bangor has already secured the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, and coach Jason Morgan has made no secret of the ambition to add the Towns’ Cup to the current collection.
Bangor manager Ricky Armstrong is expecting another big game against a strong Ballymena team, aware his players will must be at their best to beat Ballymena 2nds.
Orran McIImurray returns at loose-head, and Philip Whyte is restored at tight-head, while Irish Schools' hooker Conor McEvoy makes his debut. Michael Ferguson returns to the second-row to partner Darren Kelly, David Bradford continues at open-side flanker with Craig Burton moving to the blindside, captain Jamie Clegg wearing the No.8 jersey.
Jason Guthrie and Jason Morgan are at half-back, with Mike Weir partnering Ross McCloskey in the centre, and with regular winger Davy Charles unavailable he’s replaced by Neil Cuthbertson. Mark Widdowson is on the other wing with Adam McCusker at full-back. Rob Gamble and Andrew Jackson take their places on the bench.
Ballymena 2nds have chosen a strong line-up, with a front-row of Chris Allen, James Taggart and Andrew Ferguson, Chris Smyth and Ian Caldwell paired in the second row. Matthew Dick, Oliver Millar and Paddy McGowan make up the breakaway unit. The experienced Glen Baillie is at scrum-half alongside Paul Campbell, with John Nicholl and Paddy James in the centre and Dean Reynolds and Richard McCrudden on the wings, and Rory Drysdale at full-back. Bench cover is provided by Alan Campbell and Ryan Mathison.
Coleraine v Omagh
Coleraine coach Richard Boyd will be looking forward to this Cup-tie with old rivals Omagh at Sandel Lodge, the game enabling the coach to rotate the squad and give some players who have been training hard an opportunity. His team’s main focus is on the league and securing a Qualifying 2 top-two finish, but another good Cup performance will help maintain momentum and confidence.
Omagh coach Phil Marshall was pleased with his players’ 25-5 win at home to Ards last Saturday, and they are all looking forward to the Cup-tie at Coleraine. Several players are unavailable, including James Catterson, Ryan Mitchell, Lee Murphy and Alan Heaney, and with the club fielding four teams this weekend playing resources at the club will be stretched.
The coach welcomes back Steven Lyons to the front row with Mervyn Edgar taking his place on the bench. Jamie Sproule will replace the unavailable James Catterson, and young Adam Beatty and Stewart McCain continue at half-back. Tonga Taleni replaces Alan Heaney in the centre with Davy Ward restored at full-back, and Scott Elliott replaces Kyle Mitchell on the wing. Club Captain Andrew Ferguson returns after six weeks out to take his place on the bench.
The goal for the team this season is to make the top half and challenge for a top-four finish in Qualifying 1, and after reaching the semi-finals of the Junior Cup everyone is looking another good run in the Towns Cup.
Larne v Donaghadee
Head Coach Ryan Milligan is looking forward to his Larne team reaching the next round of the Towns Cup and playing another Kukri Qualifying 1 side after losing narrowly to Clogher Valley in the Junior Cup. Both these teams have already met in the league at the Glynn in October with Larne running out 32-15 winners.
At the minute Milligan is missing Rhys Thomas and Craig Gibson with long-term injuries, but he’s hoping both Ian McIheron and Jonny Hall will be available to play in the centre along with Scott Montgomery on the wing.
He will also welcome back to Larne Matthew Agnew and Colin McKinty who have re-signed for Larne from CIYMS.
Donaghadee Head Coach John West felt his team will have learned lessons from their 29-6 home defeat to Qualifying 2 league leaders Carrickfergus at Donaldson Park last weekend. His players competed with for sixty minutes and put in the effort they’ll need on Saturday. Like his Larne counterpart Donaghadee’s coach does have the biggest playing squad, and he’s expecting few changes from last week's team.
Matthew Johnston is available this week and with the returning Paul Hamilton will add strength to the squad he believes can prolong its Towns Cup adventure.
Lurgan v Enniskillen
Enniskillen coach Norman Richmond is taking a strong side to play Lurgan at Pollack Park, with Matty Maguire and James Ferguson the only two players unavailable for selection. The target for the ‘Skins’ players is a big performance and progress to the next round, and Jamie Johnston returns to the team and his presence gives the Enniskillen pack that ‘go-forward’ impetus from his strong carries. There is a good ‘buzz’ at Mullaghmeen, and a Cup run and a top two finish in Qualifying 2 the primary aims of the season.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE ONE
Instonians v Cooke
After the 23-17 home win over league leaders Bangor last weekend a win and with a bonus point tonight (Friday) against Cooke at Shaws Bridge would see Instonians draw level on points with Bangor with eight matches remaining.
Instonians Head coach William Leacock was delighted with his players’ commitment as they turned around a half-time deficit against Bangor. The coach is expecting a tough game on Friday as Cooke has been playing well lately and will offer a huge challenge at home. Back-row Rory McCurry will face a late fitness test, and Mark Mairs is added to the squad after playing well for the Seconds against Portadown.
Cooke’s Head coach Colin Atkinson felt his team missed a great opportunity to win at Clogher Valley last Saturday, going down 24-22, but he’s confident his players will learn from the experience.
He expects his team to go into the match as huge underdogs, his players relishing that tag. Kyle Mitchell returns to the centre with Ryan Flavelle pushing Matthew Elliott for the scrum-half spot, but otherwise there will be no other changes from the team that started against Clogher Valley.
GORDON WEST CUP FIRST ROUND
BHSFP v UUC
SECOND XV LEAGUE
Belfast Harlequins 2nds v Banbridge 2nds
There are fascinating encounters in the SONI Ulster Senior League, the Kukri Qualifying League, the Powerade Towns Cup, and there are three re-arranged Gordon West Cup games, and some Second XV League fixtures.
Unfortunately the inclement weather continues to impact on fixtures in Ulster, and as always there will be administrative ‘thinking caps’ on to keep the schedule in the Province on track.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2B
Rainey OB v City of Derry
When these two sides met at Judges Road in December City of Derry ran out 32-21 winners, and has gone on to set the pace in the division. Rainey Head coach John Andrews took over again at the club this season, assisted by Ulster centre Luke Marshall, bringing 16 years of experience gathered at Rainey, Dungannon and Ballymena before his return to Magherafelt, and 21 years coaching at Ballymena Academy.
He’s lost none of his appetite for the game, with the youngsters at School providing the energy and motivation to coach the game he enjoys. He felt his players were caught cold in last week's game against Greystones after three weeks without a match. Prior to the defeat at Derry the team had built of action, now a busy series of fixtures may determine if a mid-table finish is possible, but City of Derry poses a tough challenge this Saturday.
As the in-form team in the league Derry, John believes his players gave the leaders far too much respect in the first twenty minutes, but now he hopes his players are in a better place. There is competition for starting places so training went well this week and John feels his players, currently in ninth spot, can compete with any team in the league.
Rainey will be missing No.8 Darren Corrigan for several weeks after he fractured his hand, so the team includes a front-row of Kieran Donaghy, Andrew Shaw and Ronan McCusker, with Ronan McCusker and Peter Stewart in the engine room, while Rory Winters and Jonny Lees are joined by Jody McMurray in the back-row.
Michael Wilson and Gavin Martin continue at half-back, Simon Derby and Damien McMurray are paired at centre, with Nicholas Stirling and Josh McIIroy on the wings and Scott McLean at full-back. The replacements’ bench includes Neil O'Kane, Joe Roe, Bernard Mullen, Caolan Moran and Aiden Pitman.
City of Derry coach Terry McMaster is taking nothing for granted even though with just seven matches remaining his team has opened up a 13-point lead on nearest rivals Sunday's Well. There are imminent Ulster ‘derbies’ against Rainey, Dungannon and Armagh in the next five weeks, each potential banana skins for his side.
Armagh v Seapoint
The teams meet at the third time of asking, and when they met at the Palace Grounds in December Armagh found it difficult to break down the Seapoint defence, though winning 9-0. It’s a widely-held view that this young Armagh squad is consolidating this season, and currently fifth in the table there’s a platform for the future.
Neil Faloon and James Hanna are unavailable, and James Morton is an injury doubt, but Phil Matthews is expected to return to the panel, though Matty Wright, who provides vocal and strong leadership at scrum-half, remains injured.
Armagh had to endure the blight that is uncontested scrums for the final twenty five minutes against Bective Rangers last weekend, but the 8 - 0 win on the 3G pitch at Donnybrook was well-deserved.
Turnouts of 40-plus players at training has given the new coaching team of Alex McCloy, Brian McLaughlin and Willie Faloon real grounds for optimism, and a belief the side can continue to develop.
SONI ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE SECTION ONE
Malone v Ballymena
Leaders Ballymena’s Head Coach Andy Graham has selected a strong squad for the Ulster Championship League game with Malone at Gibson Park, with a front-row of Bryan Young, Adam McBurney, and Chris Cundell with Davy Whann and debutant Ciaran Thompson at lock. Debutant Andrew Knox completes the back-row unit with Dominic Gallagher and Connor Smyth. John Creighton and Richie McMaster are at half-back with Marty Irwin and Kieran Joyce in the centre, while Jordan Foster returns on the wing along with Jonny Rossborough, James Beattie moving to full-back.
POWERADE TOWNS CUP SECOND ROUND
Armagh 2nds v Clogher Valley
The Towns Cup remains one of the most coveted prizes in club rugby, and the clash at the Palace Grounds is intriguing. Last season Armagh 2nds made it to the quarter-finals after defeating Bangor.
Armagh Firsts have a re-arranged AIL game at Seapoint and that may impact on selection for the visit of Clogher Valley, defeated in the final last season by Ballynahinch 2nds. The Fivemiletown club is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season and would like to mark that with another Final appearance at the Kingspan stadium.
The Clogher Valley team for this weekend has a front-row of Philip Moore, Kyle Cobain and Richard Primrose, with Michael Treanor and Eugene McKenna in the second row. Captain David Sharkey is joined by Barry Jon Wilson and No.8 Ryan Wilson in the back-row. Neil Trotter and Aaron Best continue at half-back, and the centre pairing is David Speers and Allister Trenier. Clive Donaldson and Andy Breen are on the wings, Fleming Agnew at full-back.
Philip Hopper and Keith Todd are on the bench, while both PC Falconer and Philip Holmes remain on the injured list.
Ballymoney v Dromore
These are difficult times for all at Kilraughts Road, and Ballymoney Head Coach James Carson is hoping the Towns Cup game with Dromore will help to get the season back on track. Losing the last three league games finds ‘Money in the bottom three of Kukri Qualifying 2, with last week’s 31-0 defeat at Randalstown particularly galling for the coach.
He felt his players lacked enough fight, and that hurts, so he’s expected to make a number of changes to reverse the team’s fortunes. The clubs 2nds have been performing well this season and there is an opportunity for some of the players to step up and push for a starting place on the Firsts. It’s a Cup match and Carson expects his team to go all-out to cause an upset.
Dromore Head Coach Jonny Cullen was disappointed his team let a 10-0 lead slip at home to Ballyclare, missing three penalties in the process. He felt too many mistakes were made in allowing a hardworking Ballyclare team to draw the match 10-10. Dromore hope to summon up the spirit which was displayed in the Junior Cup in an 18-17 at Rugby Avenue.
Ballynahinch 2nd v Ards
Cup-holders Ballynahinch 2nds impressed in the 34-17 win over Qualifying 2 league leaders Carrickfergus in the first round at Ballymacarn Park, and with Ballynahinch having no AIL game this weekend expect the holders to be able to field a very strong team against Ards.
Banbridge 2nds v Portadown
It’s ‘derby day’ at Rifle Park on Saturday, and with Banbridge Firsts having a UCL league game against Belfast Harlequins at Deramore Park on Thursday night Head Coach Daniel Soper is concentrating on resting some players as his priority has to be promotion to Div 1B of the AIL.
His 2nds’ Towns Cup side will be a mixture of young players including Robin Sinton, who’s stepped up from the Under 18s, and AIL stalwart Andy Brown. Much will depend on out-half Robin Thompson who has played several games for the Firsts.
Portadown Head Coach Richard Hedley was pleased with his team’s 22-6 win at CIYMS last week after being forced into some late changes. Ryan Purvis , Daniel Tully and James Carleton were the team's try-scorers with Purvis kicking two conversions and a penalty. Influential second-row Carleton is unavailable and will be replaced by Danny Alexander. Both Malcolm Allister and Johnny Holden are available this week, while Chris Cousens and Johnny McClure will face late fitness tests.
Portadown has won five of the last six games, and that augurs well for the Towns Cup tie.
Bangor v Ballymena 2nds
Both these teams met in the Junior Cup second round at Eaton Park, the North Down side coming out 33-29 winners in a tightly-contested match, and spectators can expect another high-scoring match at Uprichard Park this weekend from teams which like to run the ball.
There was disappointment last week as Bangor let slip a half-time lead at Shaws Bridge to lose the top-of-the-table clash with league champions Instonians 23-17. Bangor has already secured the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, and coach Jason Morgan has made no secret of the ambition to add the Towns’ Cup to the current collection.
Bangor manager Ricky Armstrong is expecting another big game against a strong Ballymena team, aware his players will must be at their best to beat Ballymena 2nds.
Orran McIImurray returns at loose-head, and Philip Whyte is restored at tight-head, while Irish Schools' hooker Conor McEvoy makes his debut. Michael Ferguson returns to the second-row to partner Darren Kelly, David Bradford continues at open-side flanker with Craig Burton moving to the blindside, captain Jamie Clegg wearing the No.8 jersey.
Jason Guthrie and Jason Morgan are at half-back, with Mike Weir partnering Ross McCloskey in the centre, and with regular winger Davy Charles unavailable he’s replaced by Neil Cuthbertson. Mark Widdowson is on the other wing with Adam McCusker at full-back. Rob Gamble and Andrew Jackson take their places on the bench.
Ballymena 2nds have chosen a strong line-up, with a front-row of Chris Allen, James Taggart and Andrew Ferguson, Chris Smyth and Ian Caldwell paired in the second row. Matthew Dick, Oliver Millar and Paddy McGowan make up the breakaway unit. The experienced Glen Baillie is at scrum-half alongside Paul Campbell, with John Nicholl and Paddy James in the centre and Dean Reynolds and Richard McCrudden on the wings, and Rory Drysdale at full-back. Bench cover is provided by Alan Campbell and Ryan Mathison.
Coleraine v Omagh
Coleraine coach Richard Boyd will be looking forward to this Cup-tie with old rivals Omagh at Sandel Lodge, the game enabling the coach to rotate the squad and give some players who have been training hard an opportunity. His team’s main focus is on the league and securing a Qualifying 2 top-two finish, but another good Cup performance will help maintain momentum and confidence.
Omagh coach Phil Marshall was pleased with his players’ 25-5 win at home to Ards last Saturday, and they are all looking forward to the Cup-tie at Coleraine. Several players are unavailable, including James Catterson, Ryan Mitchell, Lee Murphy and Alan Heaney, and with the club fielding four teams this weekend playing resources at the club will be stretched.
The coach welcomes back Steven Lyons to the front row with Mervyn Edgar taking his place on the bench. Jamie Sproule will replace the unavailable James Catterson, and young Adam Beatty and Stewart McCain continue at half-back. Tonga Taleni replaces Alan Heaney in the centre with Davy Ward restored at full-back, and Scott Elliott replaces Kyle Mitchell on the wing. Club Captain Andrew Ferguson returns after six weeks out to take his place on the bench.
The goal for the team this season is to make the top half and challenge for a top-four finish in Qualifying 1, and after reaching the semi-finals of the Junior Cup everyone is looking another good run in the Towns Cup.
Larne v Donaghadee
Head Coach Ryan Milligan is looking forward to his Larne team reaching the next round of the Towns Cup and playing another Kukri Qualifying 1 side after losing narrowly to Clogher Valley in the Junior Cup. Both these teams have already met in the league at the Glynn in October with Larne running out 32-15 winners.
At the minute Milligan is missing Rhys Thomas and Craig Gibson with long-term injuries, but he’s hoping both Ian McIheron and Jonny Hall will be available to play in the centre along with Scott Montgomery on the wing.
He will also welcome back to Larne Matthew Agnew and Colin McKinty who have re-signed for Larne from CIYMS.
Donaghadee Head Coach John West felt his team will have learned lessons from their 29-6 home defeat to Qualifying 2 league leaders Carrickfergus at Donaldson Park last weekend. His players competed with for sixty minutes and put in the effort they’ll need on Saturday. Like his Larne counterpart Donaghadee’s coach does have the biggest playing squad, and he’s expecting few changes from last week's team.
Matthew Johnston is available this week and with the returning Paul Hamilton will add strength to the squad he believes can prolong its Towns Cup adventure.
Lurgan v Enniskillen
Enniskillen coach Norman Richmond is taking a strong side to play Lurgan at Pollack Park, with Matty Maguire and James Ferguson the only two players unavailable for selection. The target for the ‘Skins’ players is a big performance and progress to the next round, and Jamie Johnston returns to the team and his presence gives the Enniskillen pack that ‘go-forward’ impetus from his strong carries. There is a good ‘buzz’ at Mullaghmeen, and a Cup run and a top two finish in Qualifying 2 the primary aims of the season.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE ONE
Instonians v Cooke
After the 23-17 home win over league leaders Bangor last weekend a win and with a bonus point tonight (Friday) against Cooke at Shaws Bridge would see Instonians draw level on points with Bangor with eight matches remaining.
Instonians Head coach William Leacock was delighted with his players’ commitment as they turned around a half-time deficit against Bangor. The coach is expecting a tough game on Friday as Cooke has been playing well lately and will offer a huge challenge at home. Back-row Rory McCurry will face a late fitness test, and Mark Mairs is added to the squad after playing well for the Seconds against Portadown.
Cooke’s Head coach Colin Atkinson felt his team missed a great opportunity to win at Clogher Valley last Saturday, going down 24-22, but he’s confident his players will learn from the experience.
He expects his team to go into the match as huge underdogs, his players relishing that tag. Kyle Mitchell returns to the centre with Ryan Flavelle pushing Matthew Elliott for the scrum-half spot, but otherwise there will be no other changes from the team that started against Clogher Valley.
GORDON WEST CUP FIRST ROUND
BHSFP v UUC
SECOND XV LEAGUE
Belfast Harlequins 2nds v Banbridge 2nds