Preview of this Saturday's First Trust Senior Cup semi-final replay, Ulster Senior League Section One and Two, Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup, Kukri Conference League One and Two and also Kukri Qualifying League Two and Three...
FIRST TRUST SENIOR CUP - SEMI-FINAL REPLAY
Ballynahinch v Belfast Harlequins
The All Ireland league may be the priority for both these teams, but you can rest assured all forty players involved in both playing squads would savour an appearance in a Cup final at the Kingspan stadium. Ballynahinch are the current holders and will not want to give up their possession of this trophy. For Belfast Harlequins Head coach Adam Larkin there were many positives to be taken from his teams display. His forwards matched the experienced Hinch pack and their inexperienced backline stood firm against a talented Ballynahinch backline. He was able to start the match with experienced forwards Neil McComb and Frankie Taggart on the bench giving the talented Josh Davidson and Matthew Fisher their opportunity. Fisher joined the Quins club from Carrickfergus after impressing for the Ulster under 20s at the beginning of the season. Director of Rugby DC Gillespie is hoping his team will carry their performance into the replay. Another Ulster U20 player - former Sullivan Upper prop Peter Cooper returned from injury to put his name into the hat for selection this weekend after starring for the 'Quins 2nds in their narrow 17-10 Conference League defeat at home to Instonians. Returning Ulster hooker Paul Jackson was another player who put in a big performance against the Hinch. Winger Andrew McPhillips also gained some game time and along with the injured full back - Brendan Monahan and Ulster scrum half Connor Young will come into contention for selection. The availability of Ulster A centre Mark Best would add much needed experience to the Quins backline. What proved to be an absorbing contest was the battle between the two respective opensides Ollie Loughead for 'Quins and 'Hinch Captain Paul Pritchard. The underrated Loughead certainly did not allow Pritchard to have his own way at the breakdown. Possession and who controls it will certainly determine the outcome of this replay.
Ballynahinch Head coach Derek Suffern is expected to only make a small number of changes with Lorcan Dow added to the squad. This fixture is sure to attract a large support from both clubs to Ballymacarn Park on Saturday.
ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE SECTION ONE
Armagh v Ballymena
Both these teams recorded convincing bonus point wins in their opening matches against Malone and Ballynahinch. Armagh coach Alex McCloy is starting with his strongest squad as they face a crucial block of AIL games before Christmas in their pursuit of promotion. Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham has also selected a strong playing squad with all the ingredients for a fiesty encounter at the Palace Grounds. The Palace grounds has built a reputation in recent seasons as a tough venue for visiting teams in front of their large partisan supporters. Both teams have AIL ambitions with players fighting for starting places in the upcoming UBL matches. Ballymena will start with Ulster props Michael Lagan and Ross Kane alongside James Taggart with the experienced David Whann and Conor Smyth in the second row. He retains the backrow of Michael Shiels, William McKay and Matthew Rea that started against Queen's. Glen Baillie continues to impress at scrum half after scoring two tries against Queen's and a vital try in the 15-14 win at Buccaneers. He is joined by Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy player outhalf Andrew Magrath. Paddy James continues in the centre after playing a full eighty minutes in his return to the firsts alongside Marty Irwin. The threequarters remain unchanged with Jonny Rossborough and Jordan Foster on the wings and James Beattie at fullback. Their bench includes Chris Cundell, Andrew Ferguson, Oliver Millar, Richie McMaster and Rodger McBurney.
Armagh Head coach is aware his team haven't played in a couple of weeks with the players needing to get up to match speed. Ballymena will be a massive challenge for his players as they are arguably the best club side in Ulster. The next few weeks are massive for the players as these upcoming matches will define their season in terms of whether the team can push on and challenge for promotion.
City of Derry v Malone
Interesting match for coaches Terry McMaster and Jarrett Truscott as they look to consolidate their position at the top of Div 2A and B in the AIL with three important fixtures coming up before the Christmas break. City of Derry coach Terry McMaster is keen for his players to get the AIL defeat to Highfield out of the players systems.The team wanted a match last Sat and are looking forward to the Malone game. He intends to make a small number of changes with the club's 2nd XV playing an important league game at home to Omagh seconds. The coach is keen to maintain the momentum within the playing squad with thirty plus players turning out at training on a Tuesday and Thursday night. The clubs Youth structure continues to develop players with Cory Logan, Jack Beattie and Tiernan Thornton coming through into the 1st XV squad. The aim for the club is to continue strengthening the playing squad with additions from neighbouring clubs Omagh and Limavady making a big impact in the All Ireland League.
Malone Head coach Jarrett Truscott has taken the opportunity to rest several players including Captain Neil Alcorn, Richard Millar, Cory Tipping, Ross Todd, David Halliday, Richard McCullagh and Shane Kelly along with regulars Adam Liddell, Tristan King and Josh Pentland who take their place on the bench. Ben Halliday will start in the front row alongside Philip Eadie and Gary Crawford with a new second row pairing of Matthew Doak and Peter Ireland. James McAllister takes over the Captaincy and is joined in the back row by Ben McDonnell and Stephen Adams. Jack McMurtry and Mark O'Connor start at nine and ten with Nathan Brown and Michael Cartmill in the centre. Phil Martin and Michael Barker are on the wings with Rory Campbell at fullback. The Malone bench will include Tristan King, Austen Blackburn, Max Porter, Josh Pentland and Adam Liddell.
ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE SECTION TWO
Dungannon v Queen's University
There is a real buzz at Stevenson Park that the club has turned the corner after a difficult few seasons. This weekend we will see the club fielding four adult teams with encouraging progress being made with Youth and Schools development in the Dungannon area. Head coach Andy Hughes will be without the unavailable James Bates and Mark Riddell for the visit of Queen's Uni on Saturday. In their absence he will be putting out his strongest squad with the bench players being given more game time. He is convinced the club is making progress and the players and staff at the club are getting the rewards for their efforts. The match on Saturday is important to get the players up to speed before playing Bective in the UBL next Saturday. Queen's will provide a stern test for his team in particular their defensive formations. Young players coming through are John Buckley, Matthew Callvert and Jamie McNeill who represent the future for Dungannon rugby club.
Queen's Head coach Bob Young witnessed his front row pick up two more injuries from the Senior Cup match at Ballymena last Saturday to leave six props unavailable for selection this weekend. When asked about the injury situation with his front row players He was honest in making it clear his forwards could not match the challenge of a strong Ballymena scrum. Age is always an issue with University players in the front row due to immaturity/physicality with props getting better with experience and years in the front row.
For this weekend he is putting out a mixed team with injuries and unavailabilities along with Ulster A and Ireland Sevens commitment restricting his options. Five players will be missing from the team that started against Ballymena. He is looking for his fringe/ 2nd XV players to take their opportunities against Dungannon ahead of the next week's UBL encounter with Malone.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP
Clogher Valley v Clonmel
There is something about the strength in character and mentality in this Clogher Valley squad. With the club celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season there is one trophy missing from the cabinet at the Cran in Fivemiletown. That is the All Ireland Junior Cup. They travel to face current Munster Junior league leaders Clonmel who have been the number one Junior club in Munster in recent seasons. The task many say is beyond this Clogher team. Bangor had to travel to Clonmel last season in their opening match of the All Ireland Junior Cup. The North Down side showed real character to win their match with the last play of the game. Clogher will need all their experience to win this match. They have an outstanding forward unit that is lead by inspirational Captain David Sharkey and number 8 Ryan Wilson who has scored eight tries in his last four matches. Halfbacks Aaron Best and Philip Holme have a key role to manage their team to victory in this game. Clogher pick from a strong squad with the only absentee being centre PC Faulkner who has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks.
Bangor v Monkstown
Two former AIL clubs go head to head at Upritchard Park in this contest. Like Clogher Valley and Instonians the playing resources within their squads has had to be carefully managed as these clubs compete on three fronts for league and Cup honours. Head coach Jason Morgan has selected an initial squad of twenty three players that will be reduced to twenty after training tonight. He is hoping the influential Curtis Stewart comes through a late fitness test on a calf injury with winger mark Widdowson returning after injury. The coach has had to deal with the expectations the players have set themselves with a great buzz around the playing squad. He accepts it is difficult to focus on one game at a time as their progress in the other competitions makes it difficult to keep focused on the match ahead. Coaches start to think about the different playing scenarios that could arise. Is it better to rest a player for a week with a view to keep him fresh for the following week. These are the decisions coaches are facing each week. He is happy that the coaches and players are totally focused on Monkstown and the challenges they will bring for his team this weekend. The playing squad are happy to be involved in each competition. They know they have to keep working hard and stay committed and they will win silverware.
Bangor 1st XV Manager Ricky Armstrong has indicated that eight players will miss out from inclusion this weekend after playing for the firsts in their 36-34 Conference league win over Ballynahinch seconds last Saturday, such is the strength in depth of the Bangor squad. Lets hope the Bangor public make the effort to get along to Upritchard Park and get behind their team on Saturday.
Instonians v St. Senan's
The Shaw's Bridge side were able to overcome Limerick side Newcastle West away in the first round. They face another Munster side in the quarter finals this weekend. That in itself brings a number of challenges for Instonians Head coach William Leacock and his assistants Mark McDowell and Keith Crossan. Munster sides are renowned for their physicality and weather conditions may determine that the Instonians pack will have to step up to meet this challenge.
Like Bangor and Clogher Valley, Instonians are competing on three fronts with the Instonians players looking forward to the games coming up over the next four weeks. Head coach William Leacock has to manage the players expectations with the focus very much on Saturday's game. He has two select two squads of twenty players for this weekends match and the Junior Cup semi final at home to Omagh on Saturday week. Injuries continue to rule out Fraser Wright,David Scott, Ben Scott, Zach Finlay and Josh Lewis. The coach welcomes back Robert Whitten, Paddy Bell and Michael Blackwood to his squad this weekend. He is aware that St. Senan's will be a huge test for his young playing squad. They will be up against a big physical Munster side who pushed Munster league leaders Clonmel all the way last Sunday before losing 14-8. The experience is there within the Instonians squad to progress to the semi finals after winning the Qualifying One league and the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup last season. They know all about the physicality of playing these Southern sides having played the Provincial winners in the AIL Round Robin tournament before narrowly missing out to winners Dundalk.
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE ONE
Ballynahinch 2nds v Portadown
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE TWO
Coleraine v Academy
Head coach Richard Boyd will use his teams 16-0 win at league leaders Larne last Saturday as a springboard to maintain the pressure on current league leaders and promotion favourites Carrickfergus. With the possibility of a second team being promoted either by a playoff or in the case of an Ulster team being promoted via the Round Robin playoffs to Div 2C of the UBL. The result of the playoff match will be declared void with both teams promoted to Q1. So there is everything to play for involving the chasing pack in this league. What pleased the coach in their win at Larne was their discipline in giving away only five penalties. In the difficult weather conditions the forwards stood up to the challenge of the Larne forwards. In all it was a good day for the Coleraine club with all three teams winning. PRO Milne Rowntree agrees that the coaches have developed strength in depth with competition for places reflected by the numbers at training. What has also pleased the club is the increasing support they are getting at their home matches.
Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn has almost a full squad at his disposal. He retains the same team that defeated Lisburn 22-7 last Saturday with outhalf Chris Cooper kicking 17 points. Academy are aware that only five points separate the bottom five teams and every point is crucial in avoiding finishing in the bottom two places. The coach knows his players face a hard game against a Coleraine that is starting to build some momentum.
Donaghadee v Ballymoney
Donaldson Park is never an easy venue for visiting teams. With teams fighting for every point the partisan home supporters will need to turn out in large numbers to get behind their team. Head coach Graham Cloke witnessed his players put up a stiff challenge against league leaders Carrickfergus last sat before losing 25-13. With injuries ruling out influential number 8 Jack Cooke along with scrum half Chade Gelderman from a training match at Ards, this performance will instil the belief in the team and players that they can compete with any team in this league.
The coach is still without the injured Captain Nigel Barker who is now joined by Richard Martindale, Matt Brown and Jack Cooke with Sam Ingham unavailable for selection this weekend. He is hoping scrum half Chade Gelderman and centre Andy Todd will return this week.
Both these teams sit at the wrong end of the table with Donaghadee winning 2/4 and Ballymoney 2/6 in the league. Ballymoney promised much after a strong pre season. Injuries to several experienced players including Jonny Hanna, Neal Mulholland, James Cleland and John Richmond have had a big impact on team selection this season. Head coach James Carson has been faced with selecting inexperienced players. Off the team that played Banbridge seconds in the Conference league last Saturday - 11 were aged 21 years or under. Ballymoney have lost their last three league games and need a morale boosting win. They welcome back David Holmes and Callum McDonald to their forward pack for this weekend.
Enniskillen v Larne
Two teams with ambitions to be in the promotion mix at the end of the season. Larne's ambitions suffered a setback after losing 16-0 at home to Coleraine last Saturday. A defeat for them this weekend would seriously impact on their promotion ambitions. Head coach Ryan Milligan has the task of lifting his players after an indifferent performance last Sat. Maintaining your discipline and keeping fifteen players on the park is crucial in this league. Larne are carrying a few injuries and won't finalise their selection until after training on Thursday night.
Enniskillen Head coach Norman Richmond was frustrated by the absence of league action for several weeks. His players having to dig deep to grind out a 10-3 win away to struggling Grosvenor last Saturday. Highlight of this match was the wonderful solo try score by Enniskillen winger Ashley Finlay. Two recent additions to the playing squad Richie Johnston and Mattie Maguire will be able to add their AIL experience to the team. Number 8 Ricky Lee is unavailable for selection with either Michael Cadden/John Courtney replacing him. Nick Finlay subject to a fitness test is expected to replace Ricky Connor at scrum half. The coach is convinced his team have the players to place themselves in the promotion chase with several big league games coming up over the next six weeks.
Lisburn v Carrickfergus
There was disappointment for the young Lisburn squad as they suffered a 22-7 defeat at Academy last Saturday. This loss leaves then sitting in 10th place with 1/4 in their league matches. It is very much a season of transition for Head coach Neil Hinds at Lisburn. His objective is to keep Lisburn in Q2 with several teams pursuing the same goal.
Carickfergus have reclaimed the top spot in Q2 with 5/5. Head coach Neil Hanna knows of the expectations within this proud club this season. He is also very aware that his players face a Lisburn team looking to bounce back from a few close results. Carrick won't be taking them lightly and are planning for a tight game - especially given the weather forecast for this weekend. Once again the coach has a full squad to select from.
Randalstown v Grosvenor
Hard to believe that Randalstown played their last league match on the 19th September when they defeated Ballymoney 25-15. At that stage they were sitting top of Q2 after four league matches. Eight weeks later they sit in fourth place - nine points behind league leaders Carrickfergus with one game in hand. Head coach Gary Longwell agrees that it has been a long break that has made things difficult for the team and players. Back in September the team had built up some momentum after four league games. The players have been frustrated watching other teams play regularly - whilst all his players can do is train. Gary Longwell can't speak highly enough about the club and the players and officials. For a town of 7,000 people with no rugby playing school the coach feels the team are doing well to compete in a great league against some excellent teams. The Randalstown squad is made up mainly of players who have come through the clubs excellent Youth system. Grosvenor maybe struggling in Q2 with one win from their opening eight matches, but the view of their opponents is that Grosvenor are a better team than their current league position. Head coach Alasdair McKee knows he has the talent within the squad to reverse their present run. Gary Longwell and his players know this is a must win game if they are to maintain their promotion challenge.
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE TWO
Ballymena 2nds v Malone 2nds
Banbridge 2nds v Queens 2nds
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE THREE
BHSFP v Newry
Holywood v Civil Service
Ophir v Letterkenny
PSNI v Lurgan
Strabane v Limavady
UUC v Monaghan
FIRST TRUST SENIOR CUP - SEMI-FINAL REPLAY
Ballynahinch v Belfast Harlequins
The All Ireland league may be the priority for both these teams, but you can rest assured all forty players involved in both playing squads would savour an appearance in a Cup final at the Kingspan stadium. Ballynahinch are the current holders and will not want to give up their possession of this trophy. For Belfast Harlequins Head coach Adam Larkin there were many positives to be taken from his teams display. His forwards matched the experienced Hinch pack and their inexperienced backline stood firm against a talented Ballynahinch backline. He was able to start the match with experienced forwards Neil McComb and Frankie Taggart on the bench giving the talented Josh Davidson and Matthew Fisher their opportunity. Fisher joined the Quins club from Carrickfergus after impressing for the Ulster under 20s at the beginning of the season. Director of Rugby DC Gillespie is hoping his team will carry their performance into the replay. Another Ulster U20 player - former Sullivan Upper prop Peter Cooper returned from injury to put his name into the hat for selection this weekend after starring for the 'Quins 2nds in their narrow 17-10 Conference League defeat at home to Instonians. Returning Ulster hooker Paul Jackson was another player who put in a big performance against the Hinch. Winger Andrew McPhillips also gained some game time and along with the injured full back - Brendan Monahan and Ulster scrum half Connor Young will come into contention for selection. The availability of Ulster A centre Mark Best would add much needed experience to the Quins backline. What proved to be an absorbing contest was the battle between the two respective opensides Ollie Loughead for 'Quins and 'Hinch Captain Paul Pritchard. The underrated Loughead certainly did not allow Pritchard to have his own way at the breakdown. Possession and who controls it will certainly determine the outcome of this replay.
Ballynahinch Head coach Derek Suffern is expected to only make a small number of changes with Lorcan Dow added to the squad. This fixture is sure to attract a large support from both clubs to Ballymacarn Park on Saturday.
ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE SECTION ONE
Armagh v Ballymena
Both these teams recorded convincing bonus point wins in their opening matches against Malone and Ballynahinch. Armagh coach Alex McCloy is starting with his strongest squad as they face a crucial block of AIL games before Christmas in their pursuit of promotion. Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham has also selected a strong playing squad with all the ingredients for a fiesty encounter at the Palace Grounds. The Palace grounds has built a reputation in recent seasons as a tough venue for visiting teams in front of their large partisan supporters. Both teams have AIL ambitions with players fighting for starting places in the upcoming UBL matches. Ballymena will start with Ulster props Michael Lagan and Ross Kane alongside James Taggart with the experienced David Whann and Conor Smyth in the second row. He retains the backrow of Michael Shiels, William McKay and Matthew Rea that started against Queen's. Glen Baillie continues to impress at scrum half after scoring two tries against Queen's and a vital try in the 15-14 win at Buccaneers. He is joined by Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy player outhalf Andrew Magrath. Paddy James continues in the centre after playing a full eighty minutes in his return to the firsts alongside Marty Irwin. The threequarters remain unchanged with Jonny Rossborough and Jordan Foster on the wings and James Beattie at fullback. Their bench includes Chris Cundell, Andrew Ferguson, Oliver Millar, Richie McMaster and Rodger McBurney.
Armagh Head coach is aware his team haven't played in a couple of weeks with the players needing to get up to match speed. Ballymena will be a massive challenge for his players as they are arguably the best club side in Ulster. The next few weeks are massive for the players as these upcoming matches will define their season in terms of whether the team can push on and challenge for promotion.
City of Derry v Malone
Interesting match for coaches Terry McMaster and Jarrett Truscott as they look to consolidate their position at the top of Div 2A and B in the AIL with three important fixtures coming up before the Christmas break. City of Derry coach Terry McMaster is keen for his players to get the AIL defeat to Highfield out of the players systems.The team wanted a match last Sat and are looking forward to the Malone game. He intends to make a small number of changes with the club's 2nd XV playing an important league game at home to Omagh seconds. The coach is keen to maintain the momentum within the playing squad with thirty plus players turning out at training on a Tuesday and Thursday night. The clubs Youth structure continues to develop players with Cory Logan, Jack Beattie and Tiernan Thornton coming through into the 1st XV squad. The aim for the club is to continue strengthening the playing squad with additions from neighbouring clubs Omagh and Limavady making a big impact in the All Ireland League.
Malone Head coach Jarrett Truscott has taken the opportunity to rest several players including Captain Neil Alcorn, Richard Millar, Cory Tipping, Ross Todd, David Halliday, Richard McCullagh and Shane Kelly along with regulars Adam Liddell, Tristan King and Josh Pentland who take their place on the bench. Ben Halliday will start in the front row alongside Philip Eadie and Gary Crawford with a new second row pairing of Matthew Doak and Peter Ireland. James McAllister takes over the Captaincy and is joined in the back row by Ben McDonnell and Stephen Adams. Jack McMurtry and Mark O'Connor start at nine and ten with Nathan Brown and Michael Cartmill in the centre. Phil Martin and Michael Barker are on the wings with Rory Campbell at fullback. The Malone bench will include Tristan King, Austen Blackburn, Max Porter, Josh Pentland and Adam Liddell.
ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE SECTION TWO
Dungannon v Queen's University
There is a real buzz at Stevenson Park that the club has turned the corner after a difficult few seasons. This weekend we will see the club fielding four adult teams with encouraging progress being made with Youth and Schools development in the Dungannon area. Head coach Andy Hughes will be without the unavailable James Bates and Mark Riddell for the visit of Queen's Uni on Saturday. In their absence he will be putting out his strongest squad with the bench players being given more game time. He is convinced the club is making progress and the players and staff at the club are getting the rewards for their efforts. The match on Saturday is important to get the players up to speed before playing Bective in the UBL next Saturday. Queen's will provide a stern test for his team in particular their defensive formations. Young players coming through are John Buckley, Matthew Callvert and Jamie McNeill who represent the future for Dungannon rugby club.
Queen's Head coach Bob Young witnessed his front row pick up two more injuries from the Senior Cup match at Ballymena last Saturday to leave six props unavailable for selection this weekend. When asked about the injury situation with his front row players He was honest in making it clear his forwards could not match the challenge of a strong Ballymena scrum. Age is always an issue with University players in the front row due to immaturity/physicality with props getting better with experience and years in the front row.
For this weekend he is putting out a mixed team with injuries and unavailabilities along with Ulster A and Ireland Sevens commitment restricting his options. Five players will be missing from the team that started against Ballymena. He is looking for his fringe/ 2nd XV players to take their opportunities against Dungannon ahead of the next week's UBL encounter with Malone.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP
Clogher Valley v Clonmel
There is something about the strength in character and mentality in this Clogher Valley squad. With the club celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season there is one trophy missing from the cabinet at the Cran in Fivemiletown. That is the All Ireland Junior Cup. They travel to face current Munster Junior league leaders Clonmel who have been the number one Junior club in Munster in recent seasons. The task many say is beyond this Clogher team. Bangor had to travel to Clonmel last season in their opening match of the All Ireland Junior Cup. The North Down side showed real character to win their match with the last play of the game. Clogher will need all their experience to win this match. They have an outstanding forward unit that is lead by inspirational Captain David Sharkey and number 8 Ryan Wilson who has scored eight tries in his last four matches. Halfbacks Aaron Best and Philip Holme have a key role to manage their team to victory in this game. Clogher pick from a strong squad with the only absentee being centre PC Faulkner who has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks.
Bangor v Monkstown
Two former AIL clubs go head to head at Upritchard Park in this contest. Like Clogher Valley and Instonians the playing resources within their squads has had to be carefully managed as these clubs compete on three fronts for league and Cup honours. Head coach Jason Morgan has selected an initial squad of twenty three players that will be reduced to twenty after training tonight. He is hoping the influential Curtis Stewart comes through a late fitness test on a calf injury with winger mark Widdowson returning after injury. The coach has had to deal with the expectations the players have set themselves with a great buzz around the playing squad. He accepts it is difficult to focus on one game at a time as their progress in the other competitions makes it difficult to keep focused on the match ahead. Coaches start to think about the different playing scenarios that could arise. Is it better to rest a player for a week with a view to keep him fresh for the following week. These are the decisions coaches are facing each week. He is happy that the coaches and players are totally focused on Monkstown and the challenges they will bring for his team this weekend. The playing squad are happy to be involved in each competition. They know they have to keep working hard and stay committed and they will win silverware.
Bangor 1st XV Manager Ricky Armstrong has indicated that eight players will miss out from inclusion this weekend after playing for the firsts in their 36-34 Conference league win over Ballynahinch seconds last Saturday, such is the strength in depth of the Bangor squad. Lets hope the Bangor public make the effort to get along to Upritchard Park and get behind their team on Saturday.
Instonians v St. Senan's
The Shaw's Bridge side were able to overcome Limerick side Newcastle West away in the first round. They face another Munster side in the quarter finals this weekend. That in itself brings a number of challenges for Instonians Head coach William Leacock and his assistants Mark McDowell and Keith Crossan. Munster sides are renowned for their physicality and weather conditions may determine that the Instonians pack will have to step up to meet this challenge.
Like Bangor and Clogher Valley, Instonians are competing on three fronts with the Instonians players looking forward to the games coming up over the next four weeks. Head coach William Leacock has to manage the players expectations with the focus very much on Saturday's game. He has two select two squads of twenty players for this weekends match and the Junior Cup semi final at home to Omagh on Saturday week. Injuries continue to rule out Fraser Wright,David Scott, Ben Scott, Zach Finlay and Josh Lewis. The coach welcomes back Robert Whitten, Paddy Bell and Michael Blackwood to his squad this weekend. He is aware that St. Senan's will be a huge test for his young playing squad. They will be up against a big physical Munster side who pushed Munster league leaders Clonmel all the way last Sunday before losing 14-8. The experience is there within the Instonians squad to progress to the semi finals after winning the Qualifying One league and the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup last season. They know all about the physicality of playing these Southern sides having played the Provincial winners in the AIL Round Robin tournament before narrowly missing out to winners Dundalk.
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE ONE
Ballynahinch 2nds v Portadown
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE TWO
Coleraine v Academy
Head coach Richard Boyd will use his teams 16-0 win at league leaders Larne last Saturday as a springboard to maintain the pressure on current league leaders and promotion favourites Carrickfergus. With the possibility of a second team being promoted either by a playoff or in the case of an Ulster team being promoted via the Round Robin playoffs to Div 2C of the UBL. The result of the playoff match will be declared void with both teams promoted to Q1. So there is everything to play for involving the chasing pack in this league. What pleased the coach in their win at Larne was their discipline in giving away only five penalties. In the difficult weather conditions the forwards stood up to the challenge of the Larne forwards. In all it was a good day for the Coleraine club with all three teams winning. PRO Milne Rowntree agrees that the coaches have developed strength in depth with competition for places reflected by the numbers at training. What has also pleased the club is the increasing support they are getting at their home matches.
Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn has almost a full squad at his disposal. He retains the same team that defeated Lisburn 22-7 last Saturday with outhalf Chris Cooper kicking 17 points. Academy are aware that only five points separate the bottom five teams and every point is crucial in avoiding finishing in the bottom two places. The coach knows his players face a hard game against a Coleraine that is starting to build some momentum.
Donaghadee v Ballymoney
Donaldson Park is never an easy venue for visiting teams. With teams fighting for every point the partisan home supporters will need to turn out in large numbers to get behind their team. Head coach Graham Cloke witnessed his players put up a stiff challenge against league leaders Carrickfergus last sat before losing 25-13. With injuries ruling out influential number 8 Jack Cooke along with scrum half Chade Gelderman from a training match at Ards, this performance will instil the belief in the team and players that they can compete with any team in this league.
The coach is still without the injured Captain Nigel Barker who is now joined by Richard Martindale, Matt Brown and Jack Cooke with Sam Ingham unavailable for selection this weekend. He is hoping scrum half Chade Gelderman and centre Andy Todd will return this week.
Both these teams sit at the wrong end of the table with Donaghadee winning 2/4 and Ballymoney 2/6 in the league. Ballymoney promised much after a strong pre season. Injuries to several experienced players including Jonny Hanna, Neal Mulholland, James Cleland and John Richmond have had a big impact on team selection this season. Head coach James Carson has been faced with selecting inexperienced players. Off the team that played Banbridge seconds in the Conference league last Saturday - 11 were aged 21 years or under. Ballymoney have lost their last three league games and need a morale boosting win. They welcome back David Holmes and Callum McDonald to their forward pack for this weekend.
Enniskillen v Larne
Two teams with ambitions to be in the promotion mix at the end of the season. Larne's ambitions suffered a setback after losing 16-0 at home to Coleraine last Saturday. A defeat for them this weekend would seriously impact on their promotion ambitions. Head coach Ryan Milligan has the task of lifting his players after an indifferent performance last Sat. Maintaining your discipline and keeping fifteen players on the park is crucial in this league. Larne are carrying a few injuries and won't finalise their selection until after training on Thursday night.
Enniskillen Head coach Norman Richmond was frustrated by the absence of league action for several weeks. His players having to dig deep to grind out a 10-3 win away to struggling Grosvenor last Saturday. Highlight of this match was the wonderful solo try score by Enniskillen winger Ashley Finlay. Two recent additions to the playing squad Richie Johnston and Mattie Maguire will be able to add their AIL experience to the team. Number 8 Ricky Lee is unavailable for selection with either Michael Cadden/John Courtney replacing him. Nick Finlay subject to a fitness test is expected to replace Ricky Connor at scrum half. The coach is convinced his team have the players to place themselves in the promotion chase with several big league games coming up over the next six weeks.
Lisburn v Carrickfergus
There was disappointment for the young Lisburn squad as they suffered a 22-7 defeat at Academy last Saturday. This loss leaves then sitting in 10th place with 1/4 in their league matches. It is very much a season of transition for Head coach Neil Hinds at Lisburn. His objective is to keep Lisburn in Q2 with several teams pursuing the same goal.
Carickfergus have reclaimed the top spot in Q2 with 5/5. Head coach Neil Hanna knows of the expectations within this proud club this season. He is also very aware that his players face a Lisburn team looking to bounce back from a few close results. Carrick won't be taking them lightly and are planning for a tight game - especially given the weather forecast for this weekend. Once again the coach has a full squad to select from.
Randalstown v Grosvenor
Hard to believe that Randalstown played their last league match on the 19th September when they defeated Ballymoney 25-15. At that stage they were sitting top of Q2 after four league matches. Eight weeks later they sit in fourth place - nine points behind league leaders Carrickfergus with one game in hand. Head coach Gary Longwell agrees that it has been a long break that has made things difficult for the team and players. Back in September the team had built up some momentum after four league games. The players have been frustrated watching other teams play regularly - whilst all his players can do is train. Gary Longwell can't speak highly enough about the club and the players and officials. For a town of 7,000 people with no rugby playing school the coach feels the team are doing well to compete in a great league against some excellent teams. The Randalstown squad is made up mainly of players who have come through the clubs excellent Youth system. Grosvenor maybe struggling in Q2 with one win from their opening eight matches, but the view of their opponents is that Grosvenor are a better team than their current league position. Head coach Alasdair McKee knows he has the talent within the squad to reverse their present run. Gary Longwell and his players know this is a must win game if they are to maintain their promotion challenge.
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE TWO
Ballymena 2nds v Malone 2nds
Banbridge 2nds v Queens 2nds
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE THREE
BHSFP v Newry
Holywood v Civil Service
Ophir v Letterkenny
PSNI v Lurgan
Strabane v Limavady
UUC v Monaghan