A preview of the club rugby action in the AIL, All Ireland Junior Cup, Kukri Qualifying League and Conference League taking place this weekend...
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 2A
Banbridge (1st) v Queen’s University (6th)
Head coach Daniel Soper was delighted with his Bann team in their 22 - 6 win at the Dub on Saturday. He is quick to park this result and focus his players on the return match at Rifle Park this weekend. Injury rules out back row forward Dale Carson with Mike Bentley moving from the second row into the back row and Kallan Martin coming off the bench into the second row. Ryan Patterson comes in to take his place on the bench. At half back Josh Cromie and Robin Thompson have impressed in the absence of Lee Steenson and Shandon Scott with Thompson scoring tries in his last two appearances. With all four players available this week the coach will have a difficult selection call to make.
Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young was disappointed with his team’s performance last Saturday with the players aiming to correct that this week. He agreed Banbridge are a good team, strong defensively and dangerous in attack with their players taking their chances very well last week. Both Jonny McPhillips and Robert Lyttle are away with the Ulster A team in the British and Irish Cup with injury ruling out second row Alex Thompson. The coach is expecting to have Captain Josh Atkinson available after injury with influential number 8 Nick Timoney returning from Sevens Duty with Ireland in Dubai. It is expected Alex Kane, Mark Gordon and Hugh Sloan will be added to the squad this weekend. It’s a must win game for Queen’s if they are to be considered promotion contenders in the second half of the season.
Malone (2nd) v Skerries (8th)
In the return fixture at Gibson Park on Saturday, supporters will be looking for both teams to serve up another action packed end to end game of rugby. Head Coach Jarrett Truscott has made a number of changes some positional. Prop Phil Eadie is unavailable and is replaced by Gary Crawford with Lee Barlow coming in at loose head. Cory Tipping returns to the second row to partner James McAllister with Richard Millar joining Captain Neil Alcorn and Number 8 Ross Todd in the back row. The back line will see one change with Rory Campbell replacing the injured Gareth Millar at fullback. Richard McCullough joins Ben Halliday, Johnny Ogilby, Ben McDonnell and Steven Bell on the bench. In that devastating opening forty minutes last Saturday Malone scored five tries and will look to outhalf Josh Pentland to once again impose his influence on the match.
Banbridge v Queen’s
Galway Corinthians v Cashel RFC
Malone v Skerries. Kick off 2pm.
Nenagh Ormond v Naas
Thomond v UCC
Division 2B
Rainey OB (6th) v City of Derry (1st)
With the first of these back to back fixtures involving these two teams having to be postponed last Saturday at Judges Road - the opportunity is now there for Rainey OB to gain the initiative this weekend before the teams return to Judges Road on the 19th December.
Both teams are renowned for their attacking rugby with Rainey defeating second placed Highfield 18 - 13 at Hatrick Park two weeks ago. City of Derry had to dig deep to win 20 -18 against a very physical Seapoint team in their last outing.
Rainey Head Coach John Andrews welcomes back Nicholas Stirling on the wing with Josh McIIroy moving to fullback. Scrumhalf Michael Wilson is unavailable and is replaced by Michael Pyper with Jonny Lees, Neil O'Kane and Stephen Rutledge returning to the squad. His team are looking forward to playing the top team in the league after defeating Highfield.
Rainey stalwart Arnie McLean has been full of praise for the work being done by Head Coach John Andrews, Damien Campbell and Ulster centre Luke Marshall in developing the strength of the 1st XV squad. He singles out several of the younger players including prop Tommy O'Hagan, second rows Ronan McCusker and Conal Murphy along with 18-year-old, number 8 Darren Corrigan as players who have stood out this season along with backs Josh McIIroy and Scott McLean.
City of Derry Head Coach Terry McMaster knows the importance of his team winning these back to back games with Rainey. He has great respect for the work John Andrews and his coaching team are doing at Rainey. Injury continues to rule out winger Neil Brown who is expected to be available in the new year. Both Davy Houston and Craig Huey are available this week with the coach having to decide who starts at outhalf with both Richard McCarter and Neil Burns pushing for the 10 jersey. Hopefully the weather will favour the playing ambitions of both teams.
Armagh (4th) v Seapoint (10th)
In difficult weather conditions at the Palace grounds last weekend, Armagh had to dig deep to defeat a very physical Seapoint team 9 - 0. Head Coach Alex McCloy is aware of the threat Seapoint pose to the team’s promotion ambitions on their home pitch. City of Derry struggled to defeat the bottom team 20 - 18 two weeks ago.
Dungannon v Sundays Well
Head Coach Andy Hughes has put the disappointment of last week's postponed game against Sundays Well at Stevenson Park behind him as he prepares his team for the long trip to Cork this weekend to face Sundays Well in what should have been the return fixture. Both winger Darren Simpson and hooker Karl Egan are unavailable to travel due to work commitments. Prop Philip Fletcher underwent a late fitness test last night. Jake Finlay moves from out half to the wing with John Buckley starting at out half. Daniel Maxwell comes in to replace Karl Egan with Jamie McNeill included on the bench along with Steven Sinnamon, David Leyburn, Peter Gilkinson and James Bates. The coach was pleased with the cameo appearance made by John Buckley in the teams win at Bective Rangers when he came on at out half. The former Dungannon Royal School player looked very assured and played the phases and corners very well as he kept his team going forward. Dungannon are now developing a squad of players with the local lads providing the spine of the team. Player coach Seamus Mallon has had a key role in managing and directing the resurgent Dungannon back line through his presence on the pitch. There is no pressure on the team this weekend in Cork as they push for a top four place. Who would have expected this turnaround at Stevenson Park such has been the progress of the club this season. With 25/30 players turning out to train from the firsts and seconds and 40/50 players turning out from the thirds and fourths there is an encouraging future for this proud club.
Bective Rangers v Greystones
MU Barnhall v Highfield
Rainey OB v City of Derry
Seapoint v Armagh
Sunday's Well v Dungannon
Division 2C
Bruff v Old Crescent. Play Friday 7.45pm
Dundalk v Boyne. Play Friday 7.30pm
Kanturk v Midleton
Navan RFC v Wanderers
Tullamore v Sligo
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP
Instonians v Clogher Valley
Head Coach William Leacock retains the same Instonians team that defeated Ballyclare 21 - 7 in the league last Saturday with both Fraser Wright and David Scott side-lined with injuries. Mike Blackwood, Paddy Bell, Mark Mairs and Josh Lewis come into contention for the match day squad on Saturday. The coach is aware his team face three big games in eight days starting with Clogher Valley on Saturday, followed by Bangor in the Junior Cup Final on Tuesday night and Portadown away in the league, Saturday week.
Clogher Valley coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black will be missing centre PC Falconer and winger Clive Donaldson through injury with prop Richard Primrose unavailable. Fleming Agnew comes on to the wing with Adam Baxter continuing at fullback. Clogher Valley have already defeated Instonians 20 - 8 in the league at the Cran this season. Fourteen of the players in Saturday's 22-man squad have played in the club's last four consecutive appearances in the All Ireland Junior Cup semi finals. The clubs only final appearance was against Enniscorthy in 2013/14 when they narrowly lost 10 - 9.
Enniscorthy v Bangor
Bangor Head Coach Jason Morgan has selected a strong squad with Oran McIlmurray, Andrew Jackson and Philip Whyte starting in the front row with Michael Ferguson and Darren Kelly in the second row. Influential back row forward David Bradford is carrying a slight knock and is rested for the Junior Cup Final on Tuesday night. Captain Jamie Clegg will be joined by Craig Burton and number 8 Curtis Stewart in the back row. Jason Guthrie and Jason Morgan continue at halfback with Desi Fusco and Rob Gamble in the centre. The three quarters is made up of wingers David Charles and Mark Widdowson with Ross McCloskey at fullback. The Bangor bench will consist of James Leary, Paddy Dornan, Freddie Black, Dave Caughey, Mike Weir, Adam McCusker and Glen Burton. 1st XV Manager Ricky Armstrong is hoping the team get away from Wexford with no injuries ahead of the three day turnaround for the Junior Cup Final.
Enniscorthy lost 14 - 12 at Upritchard Park last season in the All Ireland Junior Cup quarter final. They have appeared in two finals winning the 2013/14 final 10 - 9 against Clogher Valley after losing the 2012/13 final 29 - 10 against Tullamore.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE
Qualifying One
Dromore (7th) v Ards (9th)
Dromore Head Coach Jonny Cullen was delighted with his teams 18 - 7 win over Portadown at Barban Hill last Saturday. It was a good performance in difficult conditions as the player’s work rate got them the win. This weekend against Ards is all about building on the win to start getting results. He keeps the same team with all the players deserving to start this weekend.
Ards Director of Rugby Stephen Nutt is aware that these two games coming up against Dromore and CIYMS are potentially season defining for the team and players as they search for their first win. Head Coach David Irwin welcomes back prop Jonny Wylie and winger David Armstrong. The availability of Epi Ratu, Bale Tabaiwalu and John Dowey will add to his selection options for this weekend. Injury continues to rule out Chris McClure, Nathan Graham and Peter Croan.
Ards performed heroically in losing 12 - 3 at Clogher Valley last Sat.
Dromore v Ards
Qualifying Two
Ballymoney (9th) v Lisburn (8th)
New Head Coach James Carson and his two assistants Richard Beggs and former Ulster player Chris Cochrane are having to rely on all their coaching and playing experience to keep former Qualifying One club Ballymoney in Qualifying Two this season. After an encouraging preseason that included wins over Enniskillen and Portadown there was a feeling Ballymoney could be considered serious promotion contenders this season. Unfortunately, injuries to experienced players Jonny Hanna and Neal Mulholland derailed their league progress. The coaches have now inherited a young playing squad aged between 18-22years that will take time to develop. 30 plus players attend training twice a week with the determination to learn and improve their game. James Carson has been delighted with the attitude of the players that is starting to pay dividends in improved performances in recent weeks. Discipline was a problem during the opening months with players keen to get their hands on the ball by going off their feet and using their hands in the rucks. With the team only giving away eight penalties in their last match the coaches are pleased with the responsibility and maturity being shown by the players both in training and on the pitch. He makes no secret that in his first season coaching at Ballymoney it has been a learning curve. The situation he finds himself in at Ballymoney is not dissimilar to his time at Ballymena three years ago when they were struggling. Having the experienced Richard Beggs alongside him has been a bonus with Chris Cochrane bringing all his knowledge from the professional game to their coaching.
As a coaching team they are determined to turn around the fortunes of Ballymoney 1st XV. Captain Peter Irvine along with front row colleague James Blair and number 8 John McFetridge are the leaders within the squad. Both the players and the coaches are aware of the small margins that win and lose games. The coaches are seeing a massive improvement in the teams play with the forwards stamping their authority on games and the players working hard to improve their individual skills. In scrum half Matthew Steele the coaches have witnessed his progress with his attitude and will to win rubbing off on the players around him. Two players Ballymoney missed after picking up early season injuries were back row forwards David Holmes and Callum McDonald who have returned to form a hard working back row unit with John McFetridge. This weekend Ballymoney welcome a Lisburn side who are going through a rebuilding process and have shown the progress they are making after narrowly losing at home to league leaders Carrickfergus 20 -17 and winning away to Donaghadee 20 - 15 last Saturday. Again a crucial game for both sides. Ballymoney welcome back two former Dalriada schoolboys in out half Rory Strang and second row Tim Woods for this game.
Lisburn 1st XV Manager Michael Knowles stresses the importance of the team building on the win at Donaghadee last Saturday and continuing to climb the table as the club and the team build for the future. A lot of new faces have joined the playing squad this season and are slowly bedding in. The trip to Ballymoney against another team relegated from Qualifying One will present a huge challenge for the team and players. There are a number of injury concerns with centre Noel Hooke picking up a knock in training this week. A late fitness test will be made on prop Mark Gilkinson with his brother David unavailable for selection this week.
Two teams who are experiencing significant challenges this season with the appointment of new coaching teams and playing squads. The result of this match on Saturday will go some way to defining their progress in the second half of this season.
Coleraine v Donaghadee
Head Coach Richard Boyd was disappointed with the result and performance of his Coleraine team in their 21 - 6 defeat away to league leaders Carrickfergus. The teams discipline was poor and game management with the wind advantage was a cause for concern. The loss of two key forwards Brian Hughes and Josh Christie was a massive blow and disrupted the teams line out and game plan. His team have been on a great run and will look to get back to winning ways against Donaghadee this weekend.
Donaghadee suffered a 20 -15 defeat at home to Lisburn that has dragged them into the bottom five in Q2 with five points separating these teams. Coach Graham Cloke has a lot of work to do this weekend as the team look for their first away league win.
Enniskillen v Carrickfergus
Head Coach Norman Richmond knew the month of December was crucial for the promotion ambitions of his 1st XV with four league games coming in successive weeks. Four wins and Skins could be considered serious promotion contenders. Their ambitions suffered a serious setback with their 8 - 5 defeat at Academy. Their task this weekend doesn't get any easier with the visit of undefeated Carrickfergus.
Randalstown v Academy
Head Coach Gary Longwell had no complaints after his Randalstown side suffered a narrow 18 - 17 defeat at Larne last weekend. Larne fully deserved the win. This league is very tight and most games could go either way. Randalstown have developed more strength in depth over the past few seasons with injuries and player work commitments making it not easy to get the same fifteen players on the pitch each week. Academy had a great win last week and have consistently been one of the top sides in this league and will travel to Nelisbrook with confidence.
There was relief all round as Academy secured a late 8- 5 win over Enniskillen last Saturday in their bid to maintain their mid table league position. Head Coach Gareth Lynn has had to make a number of changes due to injury. His back line will stay the same with prop Chris Nash returning to the front row with Keith Dobbin replacing his brother Graeme.
A big game for his players at Randalstown. He needs the players to keep the attitude from last week and not become complacent.
Ballymoney v Lisburn
Coleraine v Donaghadee
Enniskillen v Carrickfergus
Randalstown v Academy
CONFERENCE LEAGUE TWO
Ballymena seconds v Larne (Played Thursday, 7.45pm)
Banbridge seconds v Grosvenor
Queens seconds v Malone seconds
QUALIFYING LEAGUE THREE
BHSFP v Civil Service
Holywood v PSNI
Limavady v UUC
Newry v Letterkenny
Ophir v Monaghan
Strabane v Lurgan
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 2A
Banbridge (1st) v Queen’s University (6th)
Head coach Daniel Soper was delighted with his Bann team in their 22 - 6 win at the Dub on Saturday. He is quick to park this result and focus his players on the return match at Rifle Park this weekend. Injury rules out back row forward Dale Carson with Mike Bentley moving from the second row into the back row and Kallan Martin coming off the bench into the second row. Ryan Patterson comes in to take his place on the bench. At half back Josh Cromie and Robin Thompson have impressed in the absence of Lee Steenson and Shandon Scott with Thompson scoring tries in his last two appearances. With all four players available this week the coach will have a difficult selection call to make.
Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young was disappointed with his team’s performance last Saturday with the players aiming to correct that this week. He agreed Banbridge are a good team, strong defensively and dangerous in attack with their players taking their chances very well last week. Both Jonny McPhillips and Robert Lyttle are away with the Ulster A team in the British and Irish Cup with injury ruling out second row Alex Thompson. The coach is expecting to have Captain Josh Atkinson available after injury with influential number 8 Nick Timoney returning from Sevens Duty with Ireland in Dubai. It is expected Alex Kane, Mark Gordon and Hugh Sloan will be added to the squad this weekend. It’s a must win game for Queen’s if they are to be considered promotion contenders in the second half of the season.
Malone (2nd) v Skerries (8th)
In the return fixture at Gibson Park on Saturday, supporters will be looking for both teams to serve up another action packed end to end game of rugby. Head Coach Jarrett Truscott has made a number of changes some positional. Prop Phil Eadie is unavailable and is replaced by Gary Crawford with Lee Barlow coming in at loose head. Cory Tipping returns to the second row to partner James McAllister with Richard Millar joining Captain Neil Alcorn and Number 8 Ross Todd in the back row. The back line will see one change with Rory Campbell replacing the injured Gareth Millar at fullback. Richard McCullough joins Ben Halliday, Johnny Ogilby, Ben McDonnell and Steven Bell on the bench. In that devastating opening forty minutes last Saturday Malone scored five tries and will look to outhalf Josh Pentland to once again impose his influence on the match.
Banbridge v Queen’s
Galway Corinthians v Cashel RFC
Malone v Skerries. Kick off 2pm.
Nenagh Ormond v Naas
Thomond v UCC
Division 2B
Rainey OB (6th) v City of Derry (1st)
With the first of these back to back fixtures involving these two teams having to be postponed last Saturday at Judges Road - the opportunity is now there for Rainey OB to gain the initiative this weekend before the teams return to Judges Road on the 19th December.
Both teams are renowned for their attacking rugby with Rainey defeating second placed Highfield 18 - 13 at Hatrick Park two weeks ago. City of Derry had to dig deep to win 20 -18 against a very physical Seapoint team in their last outing.
Rainey Head Coach John Andrews welcomes back Nicholas Stirling on the wing with Josh McIIroy moving to fullback. Scrumhalf Michael Wilson is unavailable and is replaced by Michael Pyper with Jonny Lees, Neil O'Kane and Stephen Rutledge returning to the squad. His team are looking forward to playing the top team in the league after defeating Highfield.
Rainey stalwart Arnie McLean has been full of praise for the work being done by Head Coach John Andrews, Damien Campbell and Ulster centre Luke Marshall in developing the strength of the 1st XV squad. He singles out several of the younger players including prop Tommy O'Hagan, second rows Ronan McCusker and Conal Murphy along with 18-year-old, number 8 Darren Corrigan as players who have stood out this season along with backs Josh McIIroy and Scott McLean.
City of Derry Head Coach Terry McMaster knows the importance of his team winning these back to back games with Rainey. He has great respect for the work John Andrews and his coaching team are doing at Rainey. Injury continues to rule out winger Neil Brown who is expected to be available in the new year. Both Davy Houston and Craig Huey are available this week with the coach having to decide who starts at outhalf with both Richard McCarter and Neil Burns pushing for the 10 jersey. Hopefully the weather will favour the playing ambitions of both teams.
Armagh (4th) v Seapoint (10th)
In difficult weather conditions at the Palace grounds last weekend, Armagh had to dig deep to defeat a very physical Seapoint team 9 - 0. Head Coach Alex McCloy is aware of the threat Seapoint pose to the team’s promotion ambitions on their home pitch. City of Derry struggled to defeat the bottom team 20 - 18 two weeks ago.
Dungannon v Sundays Well
Head Coach Andy Hughes has put the disappointment of last week's postponed game against Sundays Well at Stevenson Park behind him as he prepares his team for the long trip to Cork this weekend to face Sundays Well in what should have been the return fixture. Both winger Darren Simpson and hooker Karl Egan are unavailable to travel due to work commitments. Prop Philip Fletcher underwent a late fitness test last night. Jake Finlay moves from out half to the wing with John Buckley starting at out half. Daniel Maxwell comes in to replace Karl Egan with Jamie McNeill included on the bench along with Steven Sinnamon, David Leyburn, Peter Gilkinson and James Bates. The coach was pleased with the cameo appearance made by John Buckley in the teams win at Bective Rangers when he came on at out half. The former Dungannon Royal School player looked very assured and played the phases and corners very well as he kept his team going forward. Dungannon are now developing a squad of players with the local lads providing the spine of the team. Player coach Seamus Mallon has had a key role in managing and directing the resurgent Dungannon back line through his presence on the pitch. There is no pressure on the team this weekend in Cork as they push for a top four place. Who would have expected this turnaround at Stevenson Park such has been the progress of the club this season. With 25/30 players turning out to train from the firsts and seconds and 40/50 players turning out from the thirds and fourths there is an encouraging future for this proud club.
Bective Rangers v Greystones
MU Barnhall v Highfield
Rainey OB v City of Derry
Seapoint v Armagh
Sunday's Well v Dungannon
Division 2C
Bruff v Old Crescent. Play Friday 7.45pm
Dundalk v Boyne. Play Friday 7.30pm
Kanturk v Midleton
Navan RFC v Wanderers
Tullamore v Sligo
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP
Instonians v Clogher Valley
Head Coach William Leacock retains the same Instonians team that defeated Ballyclare 21 - 7 in the league last Saturday with both Fraser Wright and David Scott side-lined with injuries. Mike Blackwood, Paddy Bell, Mark Mairs and Josh Lewis come into contention for the match day squad on Saturday. The coach is aware his team face three big games in eight days starting with Clogher Valley on Saturday, followed by Bangor in the Junior Cup Final on Tuesday night and Portadown away in the league, Saturday week.
Clogher Valley coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black will be missing centre PC Falconer and winger Clive Donaldson through injury with prop Richard Primrose unavailable. Fleming Agnew comes on to the wing with Adam Baxter continuing at fullback. Clogher Valley have already defeated Instonians 20 - 8 in the league at the Cran this season. Fourteen of the players in Saturday's 22-man squad have played in the club's last four consecutive appearances in the All Ireland Junior Cup semi finals. The clubs only final appearance was against Enniscorthy in 2013/14 when they narrowly lost 10 - 9.
Enniscorthy v Bangor
Bangor Head Coach Jason Morgan has selected a strong squad with Oran McIlmurray, Andrew Jackson and Philip Whyte starting in the front row with Michael Ferguson and Darren Kelly in the second row. Influential back row forward David Bradford is carrying a slight knock and is rested for the Junior Cup Final on Tuesday night. Captain Jamie Clegg will be joined by Craig Burton and number 8 Curtis Stewart in the back row. Jason Guthrie and Jason Morgan continue at halfback with Desi Fusco and Rob Gamble in the centre. The three quarters is made up of wingers David Charles and Mark Widdowson with Ross McCloskey at fullback. The Bangor bench will consist of James Leary, Paddy Dornan, Freddie Black, Dave Caughey, Mike Weir, Adam McCusker and Glen Burton. 1st XV Manager Ricky Armstrong is hoping the team get away from Wexford with no injuries ahead of the three day turnaround for the Junior Cup Final.
Enniscorthy lost 14 - 12 at Upritchard Park last season in the All Ireland Junior Cup quarter final. They have appeared in two finals winning the 2013/14 final 10 - 9 against Clogher Valley after losing the 2012/13 final 29 - 10 against Tullamore.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE
Qualifying One
Dromore (7th) v Ards (9th)
Dromore Head Coach Jonny Cullen was delighted with his teams 18 - 7 win over Portadown at Barban Hill last Saturday. It was a good performance in difficult conditions as the player’s work rate got them the win. This weekend against Ards is all about building on the win to start getting results. He keeps the same team with all the players deserving to start this weekend.
Ards Director of Rugby Stephen Nutt is aware that these two games coming up against Dromore and CIYMS are potentially season defining for the team and players as they search for their first win. Head Coach David Irwin welcomes back prop Jonny Wylie and winger David Armstrong. The availability of Epi Ratu, Bale Tabaiwalu and John Dowey will add to his selection options for this weekend. Injury continues to rule out Chris McClure, Nathan Graham and Peter Croan.
Ards performed heroically in losing 12 - 3 at Clogher Valley last Sat.
Dromore v Ards
Qualifying Two
Ballymoney (9th) v Lisburn (8th)
New Head Coach James Carson and his two assistants Richard Beggs and former Ulster player Chris Cochrane are having to rely on all their coaching and playing experience to keep former Qualifying One club Ballymoney in Qualifying Two this season. After an encouraging preseason that included wins over Enniskillen and Portadown there was a feeling Ballymoney could be considered serious promotion contenders this season. Unfortunately, injuries to experienced players Jonny Hanna and Neal Mulholland derailed their league progress. The coaches have now inherited a young playing squad aged between 18-22years that will take time to develop. 30 plus players attend training twice a week with the determination to learn and improve their game. James Carson has been delighted with the attitude of the players that is starting to pay dividends in improved performances in recent weeks. Discipline was a problem during the opening months with players keen to get their hands on the ball by going off their feet and using their hands in the rucks. With the team only giving away eight penalties in their last match the coaches are pleased with the responsibility and maturity being shown by the players both in training and on the pitch. He makes no secret that in his first season coaching at Ballymoney it has been a learning curve. The situation he finds himself in at Ballymoney is not dissimilar to his time at Ballymena three years ago when they were struggling. Having the experienced Richard Beggs alongside him has been a bonus with Chris Cochrane bringing all his knowledge from the professional game to their coaching.
As a coaching team they are determined to turn around the fortunes of Ballymoney 1st XV. Captain Peter Irvine along with front row colleague James Blair and number 8 John McFetridge are the leaders within the squad. Both the players and the coaches are aware of the small margins that win and lose games. The coaches are seeing a massive improvement in the teams play with the forwards stamping their authority on games and the players working hard to improve their individual skills. In scrum half Matthew Steele the coaches have witnessed his progress with his attitude and will to win rubbing off on the players around him. Two players Ballymoney missed after picking up early season injuries were back row forwards David Holmes and Callum McDonald who have returned to form a hard working back row unit with John McFetridge. This weekend Ballymoney welcome a Lisburn side who are going through a rebuilding process and have shown the progress they are making after narrowly losing at home to league leaders Carrickfergus 20 -17 and winning away to Donaghadee 20 - 15 last Saturday. Again a crucial game for both sides. Ballymoney welcome back two former Dalriada schoolboys in out half Rory Strang and second row Tim Woods for this game.
Lisburn 1st XV Manager Michael Knowles stresses the importance of the team building on the win at Donaghadee last Saturday and continuing to climb the table as the club and the team build for the future. A lot of new faces have joined the playing squad this season and are slowly bedding in. The trip to Ballymoney against another team relegated from Qualifying One will present a huge challenge for the team and players. There are a number of injury concerns with centre Noel Hooke picking up a knock in training this week. A late fitness test will be made on prop Mark Gilkinson with his brother David unavailable for selection this week.
Two teams who are experiencing significant challenges this season with the appointment of new coaching teams and playing squads. The result of this match on Saturday will go some way to defining their progress in the second half of this season.
Coleraine v Donaghadee
Head Coach Richard Boyd was disappointed with the result and performance of his Coleraine team in their 21 - 6 defeat away to league leaders Carrickfergus. The teams discipline was poor and game management with the wind advantage was a cause for concern. The loss of two key forwards Brian Hughes and Josh Christie was a massive blow and disrupted the teams line out and game plan. His team have been on a great run and will look to get back to winning ways against Donaghadee this weekend.
Donaghadee suffered a 20 -15 defeat at home to Lisburn that has dragged them into the bottom five in Q2 with five points separating these teams. Coach Graham Cloke has a lot of work to do this weekend as the team look for their first away league win.
Enniskillen v Carrickfergus
Head Coach Norman Richmond knew the month of December was crucial for the promotion ambitions of his 1st XV with four league games coming in successive weeks. Four wins and Skins could be considered serious promotion contenders. Their ambitions suffered a serious setback with their 8 - 5 defeat at Academy. Their task this weekend doesn't get any easier with the visit of undefeated Carrickfergus.
Randalstown v Academy
Head Coach Gary Longwell had no complaints after his Randalstown side suffered a narrow 18 - 17 defeat at Larne last weekend. Larne fully deserved the win. This league is very tight and most games could go either way. Randalstown have developed more strength in depth over the past few seasons with injuries and player work commitments making it not easy to get the same fifteen players on the pitch each week. Academy had a great win last week and have consistently been one of the top sides in this league and will travel to Nelisbrook with confidence.
There was relief all round as Academy secured a late 8- 5 win over Enniskillen last Saturday in their bid to maintain their mid table league position. Head Coach Gareth Lynn has had to make a number of changes due to injury. His back line will stay the same with prop Chris Nash returning to the front row with Keith Dobbin replacing his brother Graeme.
A big game for his players at Randalstown. He needs the players to keep the attitude from last week and not become complacent.
Ballymoney v Lisburn
Coleraine v Donaghadee
Enniskillen v Carrickfergus
Randalstown v Academy
CONFERENCE LEAGUE TWO
Ballymena seconds v Larne (Played Thursday, 7.45pm)
Banbridge seconds v Grosvenor
Queens seconds v Malone seconds
QUALIFYING LEAGUE THREE
BHSFP v Civil Service
Holywood v PSNI
Limavady v UUC
Newry v Letterkenny
Ophir v Monaghan
Strabane v Lurgan