A preview of Saturday's club rugby action including AIL Division 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C; Towns Cup, McCrea Cup and Gordon West Cup Quarter Finals; Kukri Qualifying League One and Two and Second XV League fixtures...
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
With five games remaining in Section 1 and four in Section 2 we are seeing teams positioning themselves with promotion and relegation issues to be decided along with teams aspiring to make and avoid the playoffs. In Section 1, Ballynahinch remain in 10th place in Division 1A. Recent results show just three points separating Ballynahinch, Terenure College and Galwegians in the bottom three places. Can Ballynahinch secure the much needed points to avoid automatic relegation. In Division 1B, Ballymena have slipped down to 3rd place after successive defeats against St Mary's and Buccaneers. Eight points separate St Mary's, Dublin University and Ballymena with both St Mary's and Ballymena having to play the Dublin students. Belfast Harlequins remain bottom in 10th place, eleven points adrift of 9th place UL Bohemians.
In Section 2, Banbridge remain favourites to win Division 2A and secure promotion to Division 1B. Malone have bounced back from three defeats to win at Thomond and retain their fourth place position in 2A. They are in a tussle with UCC, Cashel and Nenagh to finish in the top four and make the playoffs. Queen’s University have struggled this season and appear to have missed out on a playoff place with four games remaining.
In Division 2B, City of Derry, despite suffering back to back defeats remain favourites to win the league and secure promotion to 2A. They have retained a ten-point advantage over second place Sundays Well with four games remaining. Armagh were looking strong for a top four finish but have struggled in 2016. Dungannon, after suffering two defeats before Xmas, have bounced back to defeat City of Derry and Sundays Well in their last two AIL games. They along with mid-Ulster neighbours Rainey OB will be seeking a strong finish to their AIL campaign as they look to put distance between themselves and 9th place Bective Rangers.
DIVISION 1A
Ballynahinch v Young Munster
Head Coach Derek Suffern is awaiting news on what players will be released by Ulster today. The team suffered a comprehensive defeat in their 36 - 3 defeat at home to Cork Constitution two weeks ago. Their task does not get any easier as they face a Young Munster side chasing a top four finish and the playoffs for the Division 1A title. They have won their last three AIL games and along with Garryowen and Cork Constitution are leading a Munster revival as they look to wrestle the title from Leinster teams Clontarf and UCD. When Ballynahinch and Young Munster met at Ballymacarn Park in October Young Munster ran out 34-29 winners in a high scoring match.
FIXTURES
Terenure College (9th) v UCD (1st). (Play Fri, 19.2.16, kick Off 7.30pm)
Cork Constitution (5th) v Clontarf (2nd)
Galwegians (8th) v Garryowen (4th)
Lansdowne (6th) v Old Belvedere (7th)
Young Munster (3rd) v Ballynahinch (10th)
DIVISION 1B
Ballymena v Blackrock College
Head Coach Andy Graham is looking for a response from his players after back to back AIL defeats against St Mary's and Buccaneers. He felt his players were unlucky not to get the win against St Mary's. He feels that if his players play as well as they did against St Mary's they can get a result at Stradbrook against Blackrock College. They now face a block of three AIL games they need to win to finish in the top two. His team for this weekend subject to the release of his Ulster players include Andy Warwick, James Taggart and Chris Cundell in the front row with Mark Foster and and Connor Smyth in the second row. Clive Ross, Willy McKay and Stephen Mulholland make up the back row. Dave Shanahan and Richie McMaster will be at 9 and 10 with Marty Irwin and Paddy James in the centre. Jordan Foster and James Beattie are on the wings with Rodger McBurney at full back. The Bench replacements include Michael Lagan, Andrew Ferguson, Dominic Gallagher, Andrew McGrath and Glen Baillie. Injuries rule out David Whann, Matthew Harkness, Michael Shiells, Paddy McGowan, Matty Rea and Ross Kane. Adam McBurney is with the Ireland U20 squad while centre, Callum Patterson is rested. When these two teams met at Eaton Park in October, Ballymena ran out comfortable 43-13 winners.
Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin
The Deramore side remain without a win on the road and suffered a 40 - 0 defeat away to Shannon on their last trip down South. Their only win in the AIL this season came against Blackrock College in January 12-10.
FIXTURES
Shannon (6th) v UL Bohemians (9th). (Play Friday, 19.2.16, kick off 7.35pm)
Blackrock College (7th) v Ballymena (3rd)
Dolphin (8th) v Belfast Harlequins (10th)
Dublin Uni (2nd) v Old Wesley (4th)
St Mary's College (1st) v Buccaneers (5th)
DIVISION 2A
Malone v UCC
Head Coach Jarrett Truscott is looking a big finish from his team to their AIL campaign. This weekend coming up is important for the top six teams as they face each other in crucial matches. Banbridge face a difficult trip to Nenagh. Naas play Cashel and Malone play third placed, UCC. His players are taking it one game at a time with nine points separating the top four with twenty points to play for. Banbridge have the bottom two sides Thomond and Galway Corinthians in their remaining four games and remain favourites to win promotion. His team for this weekend includes front row of Ben Halliday, Tristan King and Philip Eadie with Cory Tipping and James McAllister in the second row. Richard Millar returns to the back row along with Captain Neil Alcorn and number 8 Ross Todd. Shane Kelly and Josh Pentland continue at 9 and 10 with Michael Cartmill and Adam Liddell in the centre. Jack McMurtry and Michael Barker are on the wings with Mark O'Connor at full back. The Malone bench includes Dave Cave, Lee Barlow, Chris Davis, Nathan Brown and Gareth Millar. Injury rules out Gary Crawford, Rory Campbell and Ben McDonnell. When these two sides met in Cork in October UCC won 33 - 21.
Banbridge v Nenagh Ormond
Head Coach Daniel Soper is aware his Bann side face one of their biggest challenges in the league this season when they travel to New Ormond Park on Saturday. Both James McCrum and John Porter return after being unavailable for the Skerries match. Hooker Fraser Mulholland received a head injury in this match and will follow concussion protocols before returning to play. The coach is aware it is going to be a tight finish to the league and every week will be crucial, none more so than the game at Nenagh. When these two sides met at Rifle Park in October Banbridge won 27 - 13.
Queen’s University v Skerries
Skerries are fighting to avoid finishing in the bottom two and will provide stiff opposition for Queen’s at Holmpatrick this weekend. In their last home game, the students lost 17 - 0 to promotion chasing Naas. When these two teams met in October at the Dub, Skerries won 20 - 19.
FIXTURES
Malone (4th) v UCC (3rd)
Naas (2nd) v Cashel RFC (5th)
Nenagh Ormond (6th) v Banbridge (1st)
Skerries (8th) v Queens Uni (7th)
Thomond (9th) v Galway Corinthians (10th)
DIVISION 2B
Armagh v City of Derry
Another Ulster derby for league leaders City of Derry. In their last Ulster derby they surprisingly lost at home to Dungannon 9 - 7 two weeks ago. Armagh have had a poor start to 2016 without a win in their last three AIL games. Their home form in the AIL has been indifferent losing games to MU Barnhall, Sundays Well and Highfield. They are eleven points behind fourth place, Greystones with four games remaining. In their last AIL game they lost 21 - 10 at Rainey OB two weeks ago. When these two sides met at Judges Road in October, City of Derry ran out 35 - 17 winners. Armagh also lost 40 -18 at Judges Road in the 1st round of the First Trust Senior Cup. Can City of Derry complete a third win over Armagh at the Palace Grounds on Saturday?
City of Derry Head Coach Terry McMaster was left disappointed by his teams loss at home to Dungannon. Poor decision making had cost them the match. The attitude of the coach is you take every point going. He felt his team only needed to get their noses in front against Dungannon to have won the match. The coach welcomes back influential scrumhalf Andrew Semple after being injured against Highfield. In his absence, Derry have only won one of their last three AIL games. Unfortunately, second row Adam Bratton picked up an injury in the same match that could rule him out for the remainder of the season. The coach is concentrating on his own team with their ten-point lead and four games remaining. The league title is within their own grasp. He is longing for calm/dry conditions this weekend as his players want to play rugby. Recent experiences have taught the players how to deal with the good days and the bad days. His players are looking forward to playing at Armagh and are wary of the threat they pose. Their coach Brian McLaughlin will have his Armagh team well set up.
Dungannon v Highfield
Head Coach Andy Hughes was delighted with his players performance in their recent wins over Sundays Well and City of Derry. Can they make it three in a row when they welcome Cork visitors Highfield to Stevenson Park this weekend? The coach felt something clicked into place after their recent work in training. The last two weeks have been great for the club, with the confidence and momentum the players have created. The attitude amongst the players has to be that every point and every minute on the pitch is critical until the final whistle with players having to remain focused. The three tries they conceded in their last two matches were down to lapses in concentration when penalties were awarded against the team. Dungannon have virtually a full strength squad available this weekend. Assistant coach Seamus Mallon has been the cornerstone of the backs using his experience and leadership to guide a relatively young and inexperienced backline. The players have moved away from their conservative approach to playing with more freedom in the backs. The only change to last weeks starting XV, will see Jake Finlay return at ten to replace John Buckley who drops down to the bench after making his debut last week against Sundays Well. Steven Sinnamon takes his place on the bench along with Jamie McNeill, JJ Kane, John Buckley and James Bates. Injury rules out Andrew Mills. There is a positive environment within the Dungannon club as the 1sts, 2nds and 3rds all won last weekend.
FIXTURES
Seapoint (10th) v Greystones (4th)
Armagh (5th) v City of Derry (1st)
Bective Rangers (9th) v MU Barnhall (6th)
Dungannon (7th) v Highfield (3rd)
DIVISION 2C
Boyne (8th) v Old Crescent (1st)
Dundalk RFC (10th) v Wanderers (3rd)
Kanturk RFC (7th) v Bruff (4th)
Midleton (6th) v Sligo (9th)
Navan RFC (5th) v Tullamore (2nd)
POWERADE TOWNS CUP QUARTER FINALS
Only two quarter finals were decided last Saturday with Clogher Valley defeating Portadown 21 - 17 and Omagh requiring extra time to win 12 - 3 at Ballymoney. Both the Enniskillen v Ballynahinch seconds and Donaghadee v Bangor games had to be postponed due to unplayable pitches. Both these games will be played this weekend. The draw for the semi finals will take place at the KIngspan Stadium on Monday 22nd February.
Bangor v Donaghadee
This match was originally down to be played at Donaldson Park last Saturday. An unplayable surface forced its postponement. Sadly, another pitch inspection on Wednesday forced the postponement of the rearranged game. With two postponements the game has now been switched to Upritchard Park this Saturday. Bangor Head Coach Jason retains the same squad from last Saturday.
Donaghadee Head Coach John West will be forced to make one change with the departure of second row Jack Cooke to Australia. He welcomes back into the squad Stuart Hutchison, Richard Martindale, Matty Martin, Kyle Morrow and Tommy Scullion to bolster his playing options. Winger Andy McGrugan returns to the squad after being unavailable due to work commitments. Training has gone well this week despite the postponements of their last four arranged games. The coach has pointed out the invaluable work Strength and Conditioning coach Paddy McGratton has been doing all season to keep his players fit with his specific warm downs and stretching programmes.
Enniskillen v Ballynahinch 2nd XV
Once again the Mullaghmeen pitch in Enniskillen will hopefully come through a week’s rest to stage this eagerly anticipated cup tie. Ballynahinch seconds were convincing winners at the same venue when these two teams met last season.
Ennniskillen Head Coach Norman Richmond views this match as another test for his players against current Towns Cup holders Ballynahinch seconds. When Norman took on the role last season after assisting previous coach Alasdair McKee he did not expect to be performing a second season in the role. Norman had taken on the role of Club President this season for two years from the departing Pat Cassidy. Player power influenced his decision to remain on and combine both roles. When he originally took on the coaching role there was a need to change the culture on the playing side. One of the areas that concerned Norman was the fitness levels of the players that he quickly addressed in pre-season. The team continues to make progress and has ambitions to play in Q1 next season. It is Norman's intention to step down as Head Coach at the end of the season to concentrate on his Presidential role in his second season. As President, Norman has been keen to spread the rugby message in Fermanagh by working closely with their Community Development Officer Gareth Beatty to develop rugby in the non-playing sections of the community. With over 150 children attending mini rugby on a Saturday mornings, Norman has used these opportunities to speak with the parents to talk about the rugby club and spread the message on the role of Enniskillen RFC in the wider Fermanagh community. The response has been positive with greater engagement in the club’s rugby activities.
For the game with Ballynahinch this weekend Enniskillen will be missing Jamie Johnston, Ryan Cathcart and Mark O'Shea due to a stag weekend. The coach has selected a strong side with Gavin Warrington, Stephen Welsh and Stephen Fox in the front row. David Buchanan and Kaine Holden are in the second row with Jack Harte, Richie Johnston and Ricky Lee in the back row. Nicky Finlay and Adam Lendrum are at 9 and 10. Captain Wilkinson and Matty Maguire are in the centre with Zac Charlton and James Ferguson on the wings with Ashley Finlay at full back. Michael Cadden and Stevie Neill are on the bench.
Ballynahinch coach, Chris Parker is also looking forward to this match. Last season Ballynahinch probably put in their best performance of the season in defeating Enniskillen apart from the Cup Final win over Clogher Valley. The coach is well aware that the Towns Cup is viewed as the Holy Grail around Ballynahinch RFC. Many of the club officials were members of teams that regularly won this Cup before the club went Senior.
This year’s Towns Cup squad contains ten of last year’s winning team. New additions to the squad include Paddy Wright, Ryan Wilson, Ben Pentland and Ben Cullen who have come in from Down High, Wallace High and the club’s youth section. In addition, Allister Gordon has come through the club’s lower teams along with Lisburn second row Stuart Evans.
The team for the trip to Enniskillen will include front row Ben Cullen, Ben Pentland and Allister Gordon with Andy Simpson and Matthew Connolly in the second row. Keith Dickson, Conor Phillips and Gareth Gill at number 8 make up a powerful back row. Chris Gibson and Justin Rea are at 9 and 10 with Davy Nicholson and Davy Harris in the centre. Aaron Ferris is on one wing with the other wing position yet to be filled with Paddy Wright at full back. Stuart Evans will take his place on the bench along with one other replacement to be named. The experienced James McBriar will undergo a late fitness test to see if he is fit to play. The coach is happy he has a good mix of experience and youth in the team. In the past players like Chris Stevenson, John Gunson and Davy Harris have provided that much needed experience.
FIXTURES
Bangor v Donaghadee
Enniskillen v Ballynahinch seconds
McCREA CUP QUARTER FINAL
Academy v Belfast Harlequins 2nd XV
Head Coach Gareth Lynn is concerned that the Roughfort pitches will not be fit to host the postponed game between these two sides from last weekend. He is hoping to select his team from - front row Chris Nash, Ricky Press and Adam Martin with Clarke Cooper and Richard Henderson in the second row. Steven Biggar, Kyle Dobbin and Keith Dobbin will make up the back row. Gavin Braiden and Chris Cooper will be at 9 and 10 with Jordan Buchanan and Andy Eggleton in the centre. Ben Cave and Steven Fawcett will be on the wings with Simon Beattie at full back. The bench replacements are David Kenny and Troy Wilson. Winger Norman Carson is unavailable this weekend as he is getting married. We send our congratulations to the happy couple! Academy are coming off the back of four straight league wins and will have ambitions of making the semi finals.
The draw was made for the McCrea Cup semi finals this week:
Cooke v Queen’s 2 XV
Academy/ Belfast Harlequins 2 XV v Malone 2 XV
Games to be played on 12th March
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Ballyclare v Omagh
A crucial game for both these sides as they pursue a top four finish and a place in next season’s AIL Junior Cup. Ballyclare lost 15 - 7 at Clogher Valley two weeks ago in their last outing. In their last home game they defeated struggling CIYMS by 38 points to 3. Can Head Coach, Mike McKeever steer his side to completing the double over Omagh after defeating them at their home venue in October?
Omagh Head Coach Phil Marshall has set his team the goal of finishing in the top four after making their third Cup semi final in two seasons. Injuries and unavailability may have had an impact on selection but the coach has been able to bring players up from the clubs strong second XV to keep momentum going this season. His players had to dig deep at Ballymoney to come through 12 - 3 after extra time in the quarter finals of the Towns Cup. The team have two games in hand, sitting in fourth place, Portadown are only three points ahead of Omagh. This weekend he welcomes back Yonga Taleni and Ryan Mitchell in the backs with both Alan Heaney and Lee Murphy unavailable. Injury has ruled out Captain Mark Smyth with a fractured cheekbone with hooker Adam Pollock still out. The coach selects a new front row of Kyle Alexander, Mark Brown and Lee Pollock with Mervyn Edgar dropping down to the bench. Johnny Sproule and Mark Catterson continue in the second row with Stewart Allen, Richard Harpur and Dean Porter in the back row. All the ingredients are there for a very competitive game between these two sides on Saturday.
CIYMS v Dromore
Head Coach Gareth Fry is still seeking that elusive first league win. His team suffered a 40 - 5 loss at home to Instonians last Wednesday night and were knocked out of the McCrea Cup by Malone seconds 26 - 9 last Saturday.
Dromore Head Coach Jonny Cullen has set his players a target to win their remaining five league games and finish in the top half. Last season they finished fourth and qualified for the AIL Junior Cup. His team were very unlucky not to defeat Bangor at home two weeks ago with Bangor requiring a late score to win 7 -3. He feels the performance has given the team a massive confidence boost for the remaining matches. For the game at CIYMS he welcomes back Robert Greer and Gareth Fitzpatrick in the forwards with Stuart Sloan getting a start in the front row. The backline remains the same.
Instonians v Clogher Valley
Both these teams have already met each other twice this season. Clogher Valley inflicted Instonians only league defeat winning 20 - 8 at the Cran in September. Instonians reversed that result when they defeated Clogher Valley 30 - 20 in the semi final of the AIL Junior Cup at Shaw’s Bridge before Xmas. Instonians remain level on fifty points with Bangor having played two games more than Clogher Valley. If the County Tyrone side are to win the league they have to win this match on Saturday to close the gap with Bangor still having to travel to Clogher Valley.
Instonians Head Coach, William Leacock acknowledges games with Clogher Valley home or away are always tough. He is concerned that the volume of games his players have played lately are taking their toll on his squad. Instonians had to concede their McCrea Cup match with Queen’s seconds due to injuries. He will wait to finalise the selection of his 1st and 2nd XV for this weekend. His team have played 26 matches so far this season with six league games remaining. Rory McCurry, Conor Gallagher, Josh Lyness and Joe Fryers have joined the squads ever growing injury list after the games against Enniscorthy and CIYMS.
Clogher Valley coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black have virtually a full strength squad at their disposal. The team had to rely on all their experience to come back from 12 - 0 down at half time and 17 - 14 down in the second half to defeat Portadown 21 - 14 in the Towns Cup quarter final last weekend. Philip Holme is ruled out through injury with Neil Trotter and Aaron Best continuing at 9 and 10. Mark McKenna retains his place in the second row with Philip Hopper and Nathan Orr on the bench.
Portadown v Ards
It was a case of so far, so close as Portadown twice conceded leads away at Clogher Valley last weekend to lose 21 - 14 in the Towns Cup. Silverware was a goal of Head Coach Richard Hedley this season. He was very disappointed on Saturday to see his team score three tries and still lose. He admired the Clogher team who never gave up and used their rolling maul to great effect. The focus for the players is to retain their fourth place and qualify for the AIL Junior Cup next season. The coach felt in the firm, dry conditions his team showed their potential for scoring tries. There will be a few late fitness tests for this weekend on props Mark Neilly and Matthew Wilson with Mark Henderson unavailable. Both Andrew Chambers and Neil Irwin are added to the backs.
Ards Director of Rugby, Stephen Nutt is looking to the same squad that lost narrowly to Cooke 8 - 3 to avenge the narrow defeat his team suffered at home to Portadown earlier in the season with training going well this week. Nathan Graham is not available due to a knee injury with prop Colin McClure facing a late fitness test.
When these two teams met at Hamilton Park in October Portadown ran out narrow 27 - 21 winners.
FIXTURES
Ballyclare (5th) v Omagh (7th)
Bangor (2nd) v Cooke (6th). Postponed Cup tie
CIYMS (10th) v Dromore (8th)
Instonians (1st) v Clogher Valley (3rd)
Portadown (4th) v Ards (9th)
Bangor (2nd) v Omagh (7th). (Play Tuesday, 23.2.16, Kick off 8pm)
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
Larne v Carrickfergus
Both these teams have already met twice this season. Larne won the Junior Cup first round match at the Tom Simms Memorial Grounds 20 - 18 in September. A week later, Carrickfergus reversed the result in the league winning 22 - 18 at the same venue. Larne in their last home match two weeks ago defeated Lisburn 32 - 19. Carrick lost a top place in Q2 when they suffered a 11 - 3 defeat at home to Academy two weeks ago. This result saw Coleraine move top of the league with Carrick having a game in hand.
Carrick Head Coach Neil Hanna had to deal with his young daughter being admitted to hospital. In his absence Carrick lost their home league match to Academy 11 - 3. Thankfully all is well in the Hanna family and Neil has returned to take charge of the playing side once again at Carrick.
What disappointed the coach was that Academy wanted the win more than his Carrick players. He agrees it has been hard lifting the players for every match lately. Every team they have played against since Xmas has treated their game with Carrick as a Cup Final. He is taking nothing away from Academy, they played the conditions really well and fully deserved the win. He would go as far to say performances have not been great in the last few games…
“Larne will be well up for this match. We can't allow ourselves to be sucked into a blood and guts derby. We have to stick to the game plan and deliver under pressure on the day,” comments Hanna. The coach has a few injury worries with Captain Ross Marsden ruled out with a fractured and dislocated toe. Andy McKeen will come in his place. Saturday will be a big challenge for the players but there is nowhere better to go to get back to winning ways after the Academy defeat.
Randalstown v Lisburn
Again these two sides have already met twice this season. Randalstown won 17 - 6 at Lisburn in August. In the first round of the Junior Cup played at Nelisbrook Park in September Lisburn won 30 - 5. In their last league game Randalstown won 31 - 0 at home to Ballymoney. Lisburn picked up a much needed 25 - 22 win over Grosvenor two weeks ago.
Randalstown Head Coach, Gary Longwell has assembled a young playing squad at Randalstown this season with a bright future. With a promising U18 squad in the club he is expecting to add several of these players to his 1st XV squad next season.
Lisburn 1st XV Manager, Michael Knowles was delighted his team came out winners in their narrow win over Grosvenor. For this weekend injuries will rule out Falemaka Vave, Jonny Davis and Captain Tom Fraser. Both David Gilkinson and Jake Bebbington are expected to return after missing the Grosvenor game. Lisburn are looking forward to the challenge of Randalstown. In their two meetings Lisburn have found Randalstown to be a very efficient side who punish mistakes and do the basics extremely well. With six games to go Lisburn are in a scrap at the wrong end of the table with four of these matches at home. The goal of the coaches and players is to see the team move away from the bottom two places and climb the league table.
FIXTURES
Academy (6th) v Ballymoney (9th). Postponed Cup tie
Enniskillen v Coleraine. Postponed cup tie
Grosvenor (10th) v Donaghadee (7th). Postponed Cup tie
Larne (4th) v Carrickfergus (2nd)
Randalstown (5th) v Lisburn (8th)
GORDON WEST CUP QUARTER FINALS
FIXTURES
Lurgan v Civil Service
PSNI v Newry
Holywood v Ophir
UUC v Limavady
SECOND XV LEAGUE
FIXTURES
Ballymena v Banbridge
Ballynahinch v Queen's. Postponed cup tie
Belfast Harlequins v Malone. Postponed Cup tie
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
With five games remaining in Section 1 and four in Section 2 we are seeing teams positioning themselves with promotion and relegation issues to be decided along with teams aspiring to make and avoid the playoffs. In Section 1, Ballynahinch remain in 10th place in Division 1A. Recent results show just three points separating Ballynahinch, Terenure College and Galwegians in the bottom three places. Can Ballynahinch secure the much needed points to avoid automatic relegation. In Division 1B, Ballymena have slipped down to 3rd place after successive defeats against St Mary's and Buccaneers. Eight points separate St Mary's, Dublin University and Ballymena with both St Mary's and Ballymena having to play the Dublin students. Belfast Harlequins remain bottom in 10th place, eleven points adrift of 9th place UL Bohemians.
In Section 2, Banbridge remain favourites to win Division 2A and secure promotion to Division 1B. Malone have bounced back from three defeats to win at Thomond and retain their fourth place position in 2A. They are in a tussle with UCC, Cashel and Nenagh to finish in the top four and make the playoffs. Queen’s University have struggled this season and appear to have missed out on a playoff place with four games remaining.
In Division 2B, City of Derry, despite suffering back to back defeats remain favourites to win the league and secure promotion to 2A. They have retained a ten-point advantage over second place Sundays Well with four games remaining. Armagh were looking strong for a top four finish but have struggled in 2016. Dungannon, after suffering two defeats before Xmas, have bounced back to defeat City of Derry and Sundays Well in their last two AIL games. They along with mid-Ulster neighbours Rainey OB will be seeking a strong finish to their AIL campaign as they look to put distance between themselves and 9th place Bective Rangers.
DIVISION 1A
Ballynahinch v Young Munster
Head Coach Derek Suffern is awaiting news on what players will be released by Ulster today. The team suffered a comprehensive defeat in their 36 - 3 defeat at home to Cork Constitution two weeks ago. Their task does not get any easier as they face a Young Munster side chasing a top four finish and the playoffs for the Division 1A title. They have won their last three AIL games and along with Garryowen and Cork Constitution are leading a Munster revival as they look to wrestle the title from Leinster teams Clontarf and UCD. When Ballynahinch and Young Munster met at Ballymacarn Park in October Young Munster ran out 34-29 winners in a high scoring match.
FIXTURES
Terenure College (9th) v UCD (1st). (Play Fri, 19.2.16, kick Off 7.30pm)
Cork Constitution (5th) v Clontarf (2nd)
Galwegians (8th) v Garryowen (4th)
Lansdowne (6th) v Old Belvedere (7th)
Young Munster (3rd) v Ballynahinch (10th)
DIVISION 1B
Ballymena v Blackrock College
Head Coach Andy Graham is looking for a response from his players after back to back AIL defeats against St Mary's and Buccaneers. He felt his players were unlucky not to get the win against St Mary's. He feels that if his players play as well as they did against St Mary's they can get a result at Stradbrook against Blackrock College. They now face a block of three AIL games they need to win to finish in the top two. His team for this weekend subject to the release of his Ulster players include Andy Warwick, James Taggart and Chris Cundell in the front row with Mark Foster and and Connor Smyth in the second row. Clive Ross, Willy McKay and Stephen Mulholland make up the back row. Dave Shanahan and Richie McMaster will be at 9 and 10 with Marty Irwin and Paddy James in the centre. Jordan Foster and James Beattie are on the wings with Rodger McBurney at full back. The Bench replacements include Michael Lagan, Andrew Ferguson, Dominic Gallagher, Andrew McGrath and Glen Baillie. Injuries rule out David Whann, Matthew Harkness, Michael Shiells, Paddy McGowan, Matty Rea and Ross Kane. Adam McBurney is with the Ireland U20 squad while centre, Callum Patterson is rested. When these two teams met at Eaton Park in October, Ballymena ran out comfortable 43-13 winners.
Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin
The Deramore side remain without a win on the road and suffered a 40 - 0 defeat away to Shannon on their last trip down South. Their only win in the AIL this season came against Blackrock College in January 12-10.
FIXTURES
Shannon (6th) v UL Bohemians (9th). (Play Friday, 19.2.16, kick off 7.35pm)
Blackrock College (7th) v Ballymena (3rd)
Dolphin (8th) v Belfast Harlequins (10th)
Dublin Uni (2nd) v Old Wesley (4th)
St Mary's College (1st) v Buccaneers (5th)
DIVISION 2A
Malone v UCC
Head Coach Jarrett Truscott is looking a big finish from his team to their AIL campaign. This weekend coming up is important for the top six teams as they face each other in crucial matches. Banbridge face a difficult trip to Nenagh. Naas play Cashel and Malone play third placed, UCC. His players are taking it one game at a time with nine points separating the top four with twenty points to play for. Banbridge have the bottom two sides Thomond and Galway Corinthians in their remaining four games and remain favourites to win promotion. His team for this weekend includes front row of Ben Halliday, Tristan King and Philip Eadie with Cory Tipping and James McAllister in the second row. Richard Millar returns to the back row along with Captain Neil Alcorn and number 8 Ross Todd. Shane Kelly and Josh Pentland continue at 9 and 10 with Michael Cartmill and Adam Liddell in the centre. Jack McMurtry and Michael Barker are on the wings with Mark O'Connor at full back. The Malone bench includes Dave Cave, Lee Barlow, Chris Davis, Nathan Brown and Gareth Millar. Injury rules out Gary Crawford, Rory Campbell and Ben McDonnell. When these two sides met in Cork in October UCC won 33 - 21.
Banbridge v Nenagh Ormond
Head Coach Daniel Soper is aware his Bann side face one of their biggest challenges in the league this season when they travel to New Ormond Park on Saturday. Both James McCrum and John Porter return after being unavailable for the Skerries match. Hooker Fraser Mulholland received a head injury in this match and will follow concussion protocols before returning to play. The coach is aware it is going to be a tight finish to the league and every week will be crucial, none more so than the game at Nenagh. When these two sides met at Rifle Park in October Banbridge won 27 - 13.
Queen’s University v Skerries
Skerries are fighting to avoid finishing in the bottom two and will provide stiff opposition for Queen’s at Holmpatrick this weekend. In their last home game, the students lost 17 - 0 to promotion chasing Naas. When these two teams met in October at the Dub, Skerries won 20 - 19.
FIXTURES
Malone (4th) v UCC (3rd)
Naas (2nd) v Cashel RFC (5th)
Nenagh Ormond (6th) v Banbridge (1st)
Skerries (8th) v Queens Uni (7th)
Thomond (9th) v Galway Corinthians (10th)
DIVISION 2B
Armagh v City of Derry
Another Ulster derby for league leaders City of Derry. In their last Ulster derby they surprisingly lost at home to Dungannon 9 - 7 two weeks ago. Armagh have had a poor start to 2016 without a win in their last three AIL games. Their home form in the AIL has been indifferent losing games to MU Barnhall, Sundays Well and Highfield. They are eleven points behind fourth place, Greystones with four games remaining. In their last AIL game they lost 21 - 10 at Rainey OB two weeks ago. When these two sides met at Judges Road in October, City of Derry ran out 35 - 17 winners. Armagh also lost 40 -18 at Judges Road in the 1st round of the First Trust Senior Cup. Can City of Derry complete a third win over Armagh at the Palace Grounds on Saturday?
City of Derry Head Coach Terry McMaster was left disappointed by his teams loss at home to Dungannon. Poor decision making had cost them the match. The attitude of the coach is you take every point going. He felt his team only needed to get their noses in front against Dungannon to have won the match. The coach welcomes back influential scrumhalf Andrew Semple after being injured against Highfield. In his absence, Derry have only won one of their last three AIL games. Unfortunately, second row Adam Bratton picked up an injury in the same match that could rule him out for the remainder of the season. The coach is concentrating on his own team with their ten-point lead and four games remaining. The league title is within their own grasp. He is longing for calm/dry conditions this weekend as his players want to play rugby. Recent experiences have taught the players how to deal with the good days and the bad days. His players are looking forward to playing at Armagh and are wary of the threat they pose. Their coach Brian McLaughlin will have his Armagh team well set up.
Dungannon v Highfield
Head Coach Andy Hughes was delighted with his players performance in their recent wins over Sundays Well and City of Derry. Can they make it three in a row when they welcome Cork visitors Highfield to Stevenson Park this weekend? The coach felt something clicked into place after their recent work in training. The last two weeks have been great for the club, with the confidence and momentum the players have created. The attitude amongst the players has to be that every point and every minute on the pitch is critical until the final whistle with players having to remain focused. The three tries they conceded in their last two matches were down to lapses in concentration when penalties were awarded against the team. Dungannon have virtually a full strength squad available this weekend. Assistant coach Seamus Mallon has been the cornerstone of the backs using his experience and leadership to guide a relatively young and inexperienced backline. The players have moved away from their conservative approach to playing with more freedom in the backs. The only change to last weeks starting XV, will see Jake Finlay return at ten to replace John Buckley who drops down to the bench after making his debut last week against Sundays Well. Steven Sinnamon takes his place on the bench along with Jamie McNeill, JJ Kane, John Buckley and James Bates. Injury rules out Andrew Mills. There is a positive environment within the Dungannon club as the 1sts, 2nds and 3rds all won last weekend.
FIXTURES
Seapoint (10th) v Greystones (4th)
Armagh (5th) v City of Derry (1st)
Bective Rangers (9th) v MU Barnhall (6th)
Dungannon (7th) v Highfield (3rd)
DIVISION 2C
Boyne (8th) v Old Crescent (1st)
Dundalk RFC (10th) v Wanderers (3rd)
Kanturk RFC (7th) v Bruff (4th)
Midleton (6th) v Sligo (9th)
Navan RFC (5th) v Tullamore (2nd)
POWERADE TOWNS CUP QUARTER FINALS
Only two quarter finals were decided last Saturday with Clogher Valley defeating Portadown 21 - 17 and Omagh requiring extra time to win 12 - 3 at Ballymoney. Both the Enniskillen v Ballynahinch seconds and Donaghadee v Bangor games had to be postponed due to unplayable pitches. Both these games will be played this weekend. The draw for the semi finals will take place at the KIngspan Stadium on Monday 22nd February.
Bangor v Donaghadee
This match was originally down to be played at Donaldson Park last Saturday. An unplayable surface forced its postponement. Sadly, another pitch inspection on Wednesday forced the postponement of the rearranged game. With two postponements the game has now been switched to Upritchard Park this Saturday. Bangor Head Coach Jason retains the same squad from last Saturday.
Donaghadee Head Coach John West will be forced to make one change with the departure of second row Jack Cooke to Australia. He welcomes back into the squad Stuart Hutchison, Richard Martindale, Matty Martin, Kyle Morrow and Tommy Scullion to bolster his playing options. Winger Andy McGrugan returns to the squad after being unavailable due to work commitments. Training has gone well this week despite the postponements of their last four arranged games. The coach has pointed out the invaluable work Strength and Conditioning coach Paddy McGratton has been doing all season to keep his players fit with his specific warm downs and stretching programmes.
Enniskillen v Ballynahinch 2nd XV
Once again the Mullaghmeen pitch in Enniskillen will hopefully come through a week’s rest to stage this eagerly anticipated cup tie. Ballynahinch seconds were convincing winners at the same venue when these two teams met last season.
Ennniskillen Head Coach Norman Richmond views this match as another test for his players against current Towns Cup holders Ballynahinch seconds. When Norman took on the role last season after assisting previous coach Alasdair McKee he did not expect to be performing a second season in the role. Norman had taken on the role of Club President this season for two years from the departing Pat Cassidy. Player power influenced his decision to remain on and combine both roles. When he originally took on the coaching role there was a need to change the culture on the playing side. One of the areas that concerned Norman was the fitness levels of the players that he quickly addressed in pre-season. The team continues to make progress and has ambitions to play in Q1 next season. It is Norman's intention to step down as Head Coach at the end of the season to concentrate on his Presidential role in his second season. As President, Norman has been keen to spread the rugby message in Fermanagh by working closely with their Community Development Officer Gareth Beatty to develop rugby in the non-playing sections of the community. With over 150 children attending mini rugby on a Saturday mornings, Norman has used these opportunities to speak with the parents to talk about the rugby club and spread the message on the role of Enniskillen RFC in the wider Fermanagh community. The response has been positive with greater engagement in the club’s rugby activities.
For the game with Ballynahinch this weekend Enniskillen will be missing Jamie Johnston, Ryan Cathcart and Mark O'Shea due to a stag weekend. The coach has selected a strong side with Gavin Warrington, Stephen Welsh and Stephen Fox in the front row. David Buchanan and Kaine Holden are in the second row with Jack Harte, Richie Johnston and Ricky Lee in the back row. Nicky Finlay and Adam Lendrum are at 9 and 10. Captain Wilkinson and Matty Maguire are in the centre with Zac Charlton and James Ferguson on the wings with Ashley Finlay at full back. Michael Cadden and Stevie Neill are on the bench.
Ballynahinch coach, Chris Parker is also looking forward to this match. Last season Ballynahinch probably put in their best performance of the season in defeating Enniskillen apart from the Cup Final win over Clogher Valley. The coach is well aware that the Towns Cup is viewed as the Holy Grail around Ballynahinch RFC. Many of the club officials were members of teams that regularly won this Cup before the club went Senior.
This year’s Towns Cup squad contains ten of last year’s winning team. New additions to the squad include Paddy Wright, Ryan Wilson, Ben Pentland and Ben Cullen who have come in from Down High, Wallace High and the club’s youth section. In addition, Allister Gordon has come through the club’s lower teams along with Lisburn second row Stuart Evans.
The team for the trip to Enniskillen will include front row Ben Cullen, Ben Pentland and Allister Gordon with Andy Simpson and Matthew Connolly in the second row. Keith Dickson, Conor Phillips and Gareth Gill at number 8 make up a powerful back row. Chris Gibson and Justin Rea are at 9 and 10 with Davy Nicholson and Davy Harris in the centre. Aaron Ferris is on one wing with the other wing position yet to be filled with Paddy Wright at full back. Stuart Evans will take his place on the bench along with one other replacement to be named. The experienced James McBriar will undergo a late fitness test to see if he is fit to play. The coach is happy he has a good mix of experience and youth in the team. In the past players like Chris Stevenson, John Gunson and Davy Harris have provided that much needed experience.
FIXTURES
Bangor v Donaghadee
Enniskillen v Ballynahinch seconds
McCREA CUP QUARTER FINAL
Academy v Belfast Harlequins 2nd XV
Head Coach Gareth Lynn is concerned that the Roughfort pitches will not be fit to host the postponed game between these two sides from last weekend. He is hoping to select his team from - front row Chris Nash, Ricky Press and Adam Martin with Clarke Cooper and Richard Henderson in the second row. Steven Biggar, Kyle Dobbin and Keith Dobbin will make up the back row. Gavin Braiden and Chris Cooper will be at 9 and 10 with Jordan Buchanan and Andy Eggleton in the centre. Ben Cave and Steven Fawcett will be on the wings with Simon Beattie at full back. The bench replacements are David Kenny and Troy Wilson. Winger Norman Carson is unavailable this weekend as he is getting married. We send our congratulations to the happy couple! Academy are coming off the back of four straight league wins and will have ambitions of making the semi finals.
The draw was made for the McCrea Cup semi finals this week:
Cooke v Queen’s 2 XV
Academy/ Belfast Harlequins 2 XV v Malone 2 XV
Games to be played on 12th March
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Ballyclare v Omagh
A crucial game for both these sides as they pursue a top four finish and a place in next season’s AIL Junior Cup. Ballyclare lost 15 - 7 at Clogher Valley two weeks ago in their last outing. In their last home game they defeated struggling CIYMS by 38 points to 3. Can Head Coach, Mike McKeever steer his side to completing the double over Omagh after defeating them at their home venue in October?
Omagh Head Coach Phil Marshall has set his team the goal of finishing in the top four after making their third Cup semi final in two seasons. Injuries and unavailability may have had an impact on selection but the coach has been able to bring players up from the clubs strong second XV to keep momentum going this season. His players had to dig deep at Ballymoney to come through 12 - 3 after extra time in the quarter finals of the Towns Cup. The team have two games in hand, sitting in fourth place, Portadown are only three points ahead of Omagh. This weekend he welcomes back Yonga Taleni and Ryan Mitchell in the backs with both Alan Heaney and Lee Murphy unavailable. Injury has ruled out Captain Mark Smyth with a fractured cheekbone with hooker Adam Pollock still out. The coach selects a new front row of Kyle Alexander, Mark Brown and Lee Pollock with Mervyn Edgar dropping down to the bench. Johnny Sproule and Mark Catterson continue in the second row with Stewart Allen, Richard Harpur and Dean Porter in the back row. All the ingredients are there for a very competitive game between these two sides on Saturday.
CIYMS v Dromore
Head Coach Gareth Fry is still seeking that elusive first league win. His team suffered a 40 - 5 loss at home to Instonians last Wednesday night and were knocked out of the McCrea Cup by Malone seconds 26 - 9 last Saturday.
Dromore Head Coach Jonny Cullen has set his players a target to win their remaining five league games and finish in the top half. Last season they finished fourth and qualified for the AIL Junior Cup. His team were very unlucky not to defeat Bangor at home two weeks ago with Bangor requiring a late score to win 7 -3. He feels the performance has given the team a massive confidence boost for the remaining matches. For the game at CIYMS he welcomes back Robert Greer and Gareth Fitzpatrick in the forwards with Stuart Sloan getting a start in the front row. The backline remains the same.
Instonians v Clogher Valley
Both these teams have already met each other twice this season. Clogher Valley inflicted Instonians only league defeat winning 20 - 8 at the Cran in September. Instonians reversed that result when they defeated Clogher Valley 30 - 20 in the semi final of the AIL Junior Cup at Shaw’s Bridge before Xmas. Instonians remain level on fifty points with Bangor having played two games more than Clogher Valley. If the County Tyrone side are to win the league they have to win this match on Saturday to close the gap with Bangor still having to travel to Clogher Valley.
Instonians Head Coach, William Leacock acknowledges games with Clogher Valley home or away are always tough. He is concerned that the volume of games his players have played lately are taking their toll on his squad. Instonians had to concede their McCrea Cup match with Queen’s seconds due to injuries. He will wait to finalise the selection of his 1st and 2nd XV for this weekend. His team have played 26 matches so far this season with six league games remaining. Rory McCurry, Conor Gallagher, Josh Lyness and Joe Fryers have joined the squads ever growing injury list after the games against Enniscorthy and CIYMS.
Clogher Valley coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black have virtually a full strength squad at their disposal. The team had to rely on all their experience to come back from 12 - 0 down at half time and 17 - 14 down in the second half to defeat Portadown 21 - 14 in the Towns Cup quarter final last weekend. Philip Holme is ruled out through injury with Neil Trotter and Aaron Best continuing at 9 and 10. Mark McKenna retains his place in the second row with Philip Hopper and Nathan Orr on the bench.
Portadown v Ards
It was a case of so far, so close as Portadown twice conceded leads away at Clogher Valley last weekend to lose 21 - 14 in the Towns Cup. Silverware was a goal of Head Coach Richard Hedley this season. He was very disappointed on Saturday to see his team score three tries and still lose. He admired the Clogher team who never gave up and used their rolling maul to great effect. The focus for the players is to retain their fourth place and qualify for the AIL Junior Cup next season. The coach felt in the firm, dry conditions his team showed their potential for scoring tries. There will be a few late fitness tests for this weekend on props Mark Neilly and Matthew Wilson with Mark Henderson unavailable. Both Andrew Chambers and Neil Irwin are added to the backs.
Ards Director of Rugby, Stephen Nutt is looking to the same squad that lost narrowly to Cooke 8 - 3 to avenge the narrow defeat his team suffered at home to Portadown earlier in the season with training going well this week. Nathan Graham is not available due to a knee injury with prop Colin McClure facing a late fitness test.
When these two teams met at Hamilton Park in October Portadown ran out narrow 27 - 21 winners.
FIXTURES
Ballyclare (5th) v Omagh (7th)
Bangor (2nd) v Cooke (6th). Postponed Cup tie
CIYMS (10th) v Dromore (8th)
Instonians (1st) v Clogher Valley (3rd)
Portadown (4th) v Ards (9th)
Bangor (2nd) v Omagh (7th). (Play Tuesday, 23.2.16, Kick off 8pm)
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
Larne v Carrickfergus
Both these teams have already met twice this season. Larne won the Junior Cup first round match at the Tom Simms Memorial Grounds 20 - 18 in September. A week later, Carrickfergus reversed the result in the league winning 22 - 18 at the same venue. Larne in their last home match two weeks ago defeated Lisburn 32 - 19. Carrick lost a top place in Q2 when they suffered a 11 - 3 defeat at home to Academy two weeks ago. This result saw Coleraine move top of the league with Carrick having a game in hand.
Carrick Head Coach Neil Hanna had to deal with his young daughter being admitted to hospital. In his absence Carrick lost their home league match to Academy 11 - 3. Thankfully all is well in the Hanna family and Neil has returned to take charge of the playing side once again at Carrick.
What disappointed the coach was that Academy wanted the win more than his Carrick players. He agrees it has been hard lifting the players for every match lately. Every team they have played against since Xmas has treated their game with Carrick as a Cup Final. He is taking nothing away from Academy, they played the conditions really well and fully deserved the win. He would go as far to say performances have not been great in the last few games…
“Larne will be well up for this match. We can't allow ourselves to be sucked into a blood and guts derby. We have to stick to the game plan and deliver under pressure on the day,” comments Hanna. The coach has a few injury worries with Captain Ross Marsden ruled out with a fractured and dislocated toe. Andy McKeen will come in his place. Saturday will be a big challenge for the players but there is nowhere better to go to get back to winning ways after the Academy defeat.
Randalstown v Lisburn
Again these two sides have already met twice this season. Randalstown won 17 - 6 at Lisburn in August. In the first round of the Junior Cup played at Nelisbrook Park in September Lisburn won 30 - 5. In their last league game Randalstown won 31 - 0 at home to Ballymoney. Lisburn picked up a much needed 25 - 22 win over Grosvenor two weeks ago.
Randalstown Head Coach, Gary Longwell has assembled a young playing squad at Randalstown this season with a bright future. With a promising U18 squad in the club he is expecting to add several of these players to his 1st XV squad next season.
Lisburn 1st XV Manager, Michael Knowles was delighted his team came out winners in their narrow win over Grosvenor. For this weekend injuries will rule out Falemaka Vave, Jonny Davis and Captain Tom Fraser. Both David Gilkinson and Jake Bebbington are expected to return after missing the Grosvenor game. Lisburn are looking forward to the challenge of Randalstown. In their two meetings Lisburn have found Randalstown to be a very efficient side who punish mistakes and do the basics extremely well. With six games to go Lisburn are in a scrap at the wrong end of the table with four of these matches at home. The goal of the coaches and players is to see the team move away from the bottom two places and climb the league table.
FIXTURES
Academy (6th) v Ballymoney (9th). Postponed Cup tie
Enniskillen v Coleraine. Postponed cup tie
Grosvenor (10th) v Donaghadee (7th). Postponed Cup tie
Larne (4th) v Carrickfergus (2nd)
Randalstown (5th) v Lisburn (8th)
GORDON WEST CUP QUARTER FINALS
FIXTURES
Lurgan v Civil Service
PSNI v Newry
Holywood v Ophir
UUC v Limavady
SECOND XV LEAGUE
FIXTURES
Ballymena v Banbridge
Ballynahinch v Queen's. Postponed cup tie
Belfast Harlequins v Malone. Postponed Cup tie