This weekend there's a full programme of Ulster Bank All Ireland league, Powerade Towns' Cup, Kukri Qualifying league and Gordon West Cup action...
The season is now approaching a decisive sage on all fronts, and there is a feast of entertainment in the club game until the end of April.
Last Saturday the Powerade Towns’ Cup produced some great games, and this week the draw was made for the quarter-finals.
It’s difficult to pick a favourite, but at Upritchard Park there’ll be delight that the side is still on track for a second Cup Final appearance of the season. And the North Down ‘quarter’ at Donaghadee is sure to draw a big crowd.
Ballymoney entertains Omagh in what promises to be an uncompromising tie, while at Mullaghmeen Enniskillen would delight in lowering the colours of Ballynahinch 2nds, but Armagh 2nds must wait to see who emerges as its opponents, Clogher Valley and Portadown hoping to resolve their last 16 clash this Saturday at the Palace Grounds (1.30 p.m.)
POWERADE TOWNS' CUP QUARTER FINALS
Ballymoney v Omagh
Enniskillen v Ballynahinch 2nds
Donaghadee v Bangor
Armagh 2nds or Clogher Valley v Portadown
Ties to be played on Saturday, 13 February
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
In Division 1A Ballynahinch remains in 10th with seven games remaining, and travels to Dublin this weekend to play ninth-placed Terenure College which holds a five-point advantage. ‘Hinch has yet to record a win away from home this season, so Saturday’s is a ‘must win’ game for Derek Suffern and his team.
In Division 1B Ballymena knows Buccaneers will provide stiff opposition at Eaton Park after winning at Dublin University, and in just over a week league leaders St Mary's visit, so it’s two big weeks coming up if Ballymena is to secure automatic promotion and avoid the play-offs.
Belfast Harlequins are seven points behind ninth-placed UL Bohemians but buoyed by the 12-10 home win over Blackrock Adam Larkin’s side will journey to Thomond Park and hoping to pick up another win against Shannon.
In Division 2A Banbridge remain favourites to win automatic promotion to Division 1B, and with six matches remaining there are six points to spare over second-placed Naas. Both these teams meet at Forenaughts with Banbridge looking to extend its five-match unbeaten run in the AIL.
Malone has started 2016 disappointingly, losing the opening two AIL matches and dropping to fourth in the table. The target for the East Belfast side is a Top Four finish to and a place in the play-offs.
Queen’s University, after two wins, is now back in contention for a solid finish and the play-offs.
In Divison 2B City of Derry has built up a commanding sixteen-point lead over Highfield with six matches remaining. Like Banbridge the side remains the favourite for promotion to Division 2A.
Armagh will be disappointed to drop points at Seapoint last Saturday in a 6 - 6 draw, slipping to fifth place, three points behind Greystones in the push for a play-off place.
Dungannon and Rainey OB meet at Stevenson Park in what appears to be a ‘must win’ game for both sides, with the team finishing ninth facing a play-off to stay in Division 2B.
Division 1A
Terenure College v Ballynahinch
These are anxious times for the County Down club as it fights for Division 1A survival. Visiting Terenure College was promoted to Division 1A last season from a second-placed finish, but like Ballynahinch needed league points.
Defeat for Ballynahinch this weekend would probably make its position untenable with just seven matches remaining, but it has selected a strong team with a front-row of Jonny Simpson, Jonny Murphy and Craig Trenier.
The experienced Mike Graham joins James Simpson in the second-row with David McGuigan, captain Paul Pritchard and Conor Joyce forming the back row. Paul Rowley and Justin Rea are at half-back, with Jordan Gratton and Robin Harte in the midfield, and Chris Quinn and Aaron Cairns are on the wings and Manihera Eden at full-back. The bench includes Jonny Blair, Zack McCall, Lorcan Dow, David Busby and Will Stewart.
Sam Windsor, John Donnan and Peter Browne are required by Ulster at Treviso this weekend, but ‘Hinch knows that when the sides met at Ballymacarn in November the Dublin side prevailed by 30-6.
FIXTURES
Cork Constitution v Young Munster
Galwegians v Clontarf
Garryowen v Old Belvedere
Lansdowne v UCD
Terenure College v Ballynahinch
Division 1B
Ballymena v Buccaneers
Ballymena coach Andy Graham is aware that his squad will only have four players released by Ulster for the return fixture with Buccaneers at Eaton Park, and when these two teams last met Ballymena ran out narrow 15-14 winners.
In their last AIL game Buccaneers caused an upset beating third-placed Dublin University by a single point at College Park. The Ballymena team includes Michael Lagan, James Taggart and Chris Cundell in the front-row, David Whann and Connor Smyth are in the second-row, while Stephen Mulholland is joined in the back-row by Willy McKay and No.8 James Gallagher. John Creighton and Richie McMaster continue at half-back, and the returning Kieran Joyce partners skipper Marty Irwin in the centre. Jonny Rossborugh and James Beattie are on the wings with Rodger McBurney at full-back, and the bench includes Bryan Young, Andrew Ferguson, Dominic Gallagher, Andrew McGrath and Glen Baillie.
Injuries rule out Ross Kane, Matty Rea, Callum Patterson, Matthew Harkness, Michael Shiels and Paddy McGowan, while Ulster ‘A’ requires Alan O'Connor, Bronson Ross, David Shanahan and Clive Ross, and hooker Adam McBurney is on Ireland Under 20 duty.
Graham knows the two home games against Buccaneers and league leaders St Mary’s, on Saturday week, will define his team’s season and wants his players put in a performance full of quality. Their objective is to win the game and keep the pressure on leaders St Mary's, and the coach, pleased with the attitude and belief of the panel in the win at UL Bohemians, wants more of the same this weekend.
Belfast Harlequins v Shannon
Thomond Park is never an easy venue for visiting teams, and ‘Quins’ need league points in all the remaining seven matches, so this is a critical game.
The Belfast side showed real character in its first AIL game of the year beating Blackrock College 12-10 at Deramore Park two weeks ago. Injuries, unavailability and a lack of have undermined ambitions this season, and when these sides met at Deramore Park in November ‘Quins’ went down comprehensively by 32-10. Director of Rugby DC Gillespie is expecting the team to be along familiar lines, though injuries continue to impact on selection.
The club welcomes back a number of players this week, including former captain Danny Annett and Rory Blake Knox who have returned from working abroad. The only Ulster players available are Connor Young and Paul Jackson, while Jacob Stockdale is included in the Ireland Under 20 squad for the Six Nations, and injury rules out centre Mark Best and back-rower Frankie Taggart.
FIXTURES
Ballymena v Buccaneers
Blackrock College v Old Wesley
Dublin University v Dolphin
Shannon v Belfast Harlequins
St Mary's v UL Bohemians
Division 2A
Malone v Cashel
Two defeats against Nenagh Ormond and Queen’s have seen the Belfast side slip to fourth place, so coach Jarrett Truscott made wholesale changes for the UCL match with Ballymena last week, securing a very creditable 10-10 draw.
Saturday’s front-row is Lee Barlow, Tristan King and Gary Crawford, Cory Tipping partners James McAllister in the second-row, while skipper Neil Alcorn returns to the back-row alongside Jonny Ogilby and No.8 Ross Todd. Shane Kelly and Josh Pentland continue as the half-back pairing, Michael Cartmill retains his place in the centre beside Adam Liddell. Jack McMurtry and Michael Barker are on the wings with Mark O'Connor at full-back.
Injuries rule out front-row forwards Philip Eadie, Chris Griffiths and David Halliday, and winger Rory Campbell, and lock Richard Millar is unavailable for the next two AIL games. Coaches and players know how important the remaining six AIL games are if the team is to remain in contention for a play-off place. When the teams met at Cashel in October Malone won 29 - 18.
Banbridge v Naas
Banbridge coach Daniel Soper's motto is to ‘take it one game at a time’, and with a six-point lead, and six matches remaining, the momentum was maintained with the manner of the defeat of Division 1B side Belfast Harlequins 22-7 at Deramore Park on Thursday of last week in the UCL and to top its section.
This weekend the side travels to Naas to take on another side with promotion ambitions and Soper, who regards complacency as a lurking danger, awaits fitness updates on several players before finalising his line-up. These include Andrew Morrison, Josh Cromie, Kallan Martin, Clark McAllister and Miles O'Hagan. ‘Bann’ won 11-0 when the sides met at Rifle Park in October.
Queen’s University v UCC
It’s another difficult game for Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young and his players, both teams hoping to make the play-offs. Injuries and unavailability continue to impact on selection, with both Ulster Academy players Robert Lyttle and Jonny McPhillips included in the Ireland Under 20 squad for the Six Nations campaign. There are injury concerns over the availability of Jack Milligan, Nick Timoney, Saul Herdman and captain Josh Atkinson, while Young hopes to include both Liam Free and Alex Thompson in his starting XV. When these teams met at ‘the Dub’ in October they played out a thrilling 34 - 34 draw.
FIXTURES
Nenagh Ormond v Thomond Friday, 7.30pm
Malone v Cashel
Naas v Banbridge
Skerries v Galway Corinthians
UCC v Queens University
Division 2B
Armagh v MU Barnhall
Five points separate four teams battling it out for a top-four finish and the play-offs. Armagh slipped up last weekend in drawing 6-6 at tenth-placed Seapoint, so City of Derry remains a clear favourite to win the league given its sixteen-point advantage over second Highfield.
Barnhall will be difficult opponents as they fight it out with Bective, Dungannon and Rainey to avoid finishing in ninth spot and in a relegation play-off situation.
Armagh coaches Alex McCloy, Brian McLaughlin and Willie Faloon have worked hard this season to develop this young squad which has ambitions to play in Division 2A. In October Armagh prevailed 29-15 at Barnhall – an omen perhaps?
Dungannon v Rainey OB
Dungannon’s Head Coach Andy Hughes was disappointed his team lost the last two AIL games against Bective Rangers and Barnhall who with Rainey, are fighting to avoid finishing ninth in the division. With bottom side Seapoint thirteen points adrift of ninth-placed Rainey, with seven games remaining both Ulster sides need to start picking up points.
The coach says his side has put pressure on itself with the last two performances, that players need to get back to playing with confidence and trusting the team’s patterns. The squad knows it isn’t playing to its potential at the minute, but it also knows it has the ability to turn things around.
Selection for Saturday has not been finalised, but JJ Kane, Gerard Treanor, Peter Gilkinson, Jonathan Toal and Karl Egan are all ruled out. There are also concerns over the availability of skipper James McMahon, Philip Fletcher and Ross McCaughey.
Rainey Head Coach John Andrews was delighted with the performance in the 19-12 defeat at home to leaders City of Derry last weekend, but like Dungannon Rainey needs points to overtake Leinster sides Bective Rangers and MU Barnhall. He retains the same squad from last weekend, and perhaps it augurs well that Rainey recorded a 23 - 13 win at Hatrick Park when the two sides met in October.
City of Derry v Greystones
When these two sides met at Judges Road in October City of Derry won 20 -17, but just now Head Coach Terry McMaster is pleased his City of Derry side has opened up a 16-point lead over Highfield with just six matches remaining. Nevertheless, he’ll ensure the players are totally focussed on each game and is demanding nothing less than six wins from six games to finish the season in style.
FIXTURES
Armagh v MU Barn hall
Duncannon v Rainey OB
Greystones v City of Derry
Seapoint v Highfield
Sundays Well v Bective Rangers
Division 2C
Boyne v Tullamore
Dundalk v Sligo
Kanturk v Navan
Midleton v Bruff
Wanderers v Old Crescent
POWERADE TOWNS' CUP
Armagh 2nds v Clogher Valley (kick-off 1-30p.m.)
Postponed from last weekend this Towns’ Cup 2nd Round tie will start early to avoid a clash with Armagh’s AIL game with Barnhall.
Clogher Valley has selected the following side: the forward unit is made up of Philip Moore, Kyle Cobain, Richard Primrose, Michael Treanor, Eugene McKenna, David Sharkey (capt), Barry Jon Wilson and No.8 Ryan Wilson. The half-backs are Neil Trotter and Aaron Best, with David Speers and Allister Trenier in the centre. Clive Donaldson and Andy Breen are on the wings with Fleming Agnew at full-back. Both Philip Hopper and PC Falconer take their places on the bench.
DEFINING WEEKS IN KIKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE
Instonians won the Shaws Bridge Qualifying One ‘derby’ with neighbours Cooke on Friday night of last week by 22-3 to pick up a bonus point and draw level with leaders Bangor on 41 pts. Both teams have eight games remaining with every point crucial in the run-in.
There is also a contest to finish in the top four involving Clogher Valley, Portadown, Ballyclare and Omagh. Ards and CIYMS remain in ninth and tenth places, ninth spot meaning a relegation/promotion play-off against the runners-up in Qualifying Two. Ards is eleven points behind eighth-placed Cooke, and has a seven-point advantage over CIYMS.
In Qualifying Two Carrick remains top with a four-point advantage, and a game in hand, over second-placed Coleraine. Enniskillen and Randalstown can potentially push Coleraine for second place and both teams meet at Nelisbrook Park this weekend.
At the bottom of Qualifying Two Ballymoney, Lisburn and Grosvenor have much work to do to avoid finishing in the dreaded ninth and tenth places, the latter automatically relegated, the ninth-placed team facing a play-off with the team finishing second in Qualifying Three.
In Qualifying Three Limavady has opened up a twenty-point lead over UUC, and one point separates the students and third-placed PSNI as they battle for the play-off place against the ninth-placed side in Qualifying Two.
KUKRI QUALIFYING ONE
Ballyclare v CIYMS
When these two sides met at Belmont in October Ballyclare won 14-12 with the Cloughan side now chasing a top four finish and qualification for the AIL Junior Cup next season. Last season CIYMS made the semi-finals of the AIL Junior Cup, losing in a replay to eventual winners Dundalk.
When new Head Coach Gareth Fry came in there was an anticipation that CIYMS would push on and challenge for league honours this season, but despite strengthening the playing squad the team and coaches have failed to play their way out of potential relegation to Qualifying Two.
Bangor v Ards
Yet another eagerly-anticipated derby involving the two North Down neighbours at Upritchard Park, and when the two sides met at Hamilton Park in October Bangor ran out 35-10 winners to claim ‘bragging rights’.
The fortunes of both teams couldn't differ more, as Bangor sits top of Qualifying One alongside league champions Instonians. The Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup has been secured already by a Bangor side which has progressed to the quarter-finals of the Towns’ Cup. Ards they have struggled after being relegated from the All Ireland League last season and sits in ninth and faces the prospect of a play-off with the runners-up in Qualifying Two to prolong its stay in top Junior tier.
Bangor has, like Ards, experienced ‘highs and lows’ in recent years and the pair were once dominant sides in Ulster Senior rugby in the 70s/80s. Bangor has been rebuilding over recent seasons under player-coach Jason Morgan and has ambitions to return to Senior rugby, and Ards faces a future rebuilding and strengthening its playing base.
With the league being so close between Bangor and Instonians every game between now and the end of the season will be treated as a Cup Final - and Clogher Valley is not out-of-the-running. This week Bangor is largely unchanged from the side which defeated Ballymena Seconds in the Towns’ Cup last weekend. Andrew Jackson returns to the front-row alongside Orran McIImurray and Philip Whyte, with the second-row combination coming from two of Michael Ferguson, Darren Kelly and David Caughey. Captain Jamie Clegg is joined in the back row by Craig Burton and David Bradford, Jason Guthrie and out-half Morgan continue at half-back, with Rob Gamble and Mike Weir in the centre.
Davy Charles and Mark Widdowson are on the wings with Adam McCusker at full-back. Ross McCloskey will take his place on the bench this week, while Desi Fusco and Curtis Stewart remain on the injured list but are close to full fitness.
Ards Head Coach David Irwin says it has been a challenging and frustrating season to date, but enjoyable and rewarding too. The team has produced some exciting rugby which he’s confident will bring the success and rewards the players and members crave.
Looking forward to this weekend and the clash with great rivals Bangor the Ards team go to Upritchard Park aiming to win, though based on current form this will not be easy. A significant improvement on the previous encounter this season is the minimum requirement for the coach who’s demanding his players compete for the full 80 minutes.
Cooke v Omagh
Omagh convincingly won 27-3 when the two sides met at the Thomas Mellon pitches in October, three points separating the two sides in the league with Omagh having two games in hand.
Omagh Head Coach Phil Marshall and his players have been left frustrated, playing only three matches in the last seven weeks. Back-to-back wins against Coleraine and Ards as they push for a top four finish, and further progress in the Towns Cup, offers real grounds for optimism while Cooke has an outside chance of making the top four and will be looking a win on Saturday.
Cooke Head Coach Colin Atkinson was disappointed and frustrated with how his team performed in their 22-3 defeat against neighbours Instonians at Shaws Bridge on Friday night of last week.
Captain Philip Cartmill went off early with a broken nose but felt his team didn't take their chances to get points on the board. For the game against Omagh there are two changes, Ian Anderson replacing Cartmill in the centre, Ryan Flavelle starts at scrum-half and Matthew Elliott rotating to the bench.
Omagh Hooker Adam Pollock was hospitalised in the Towns’ Cup win at Coleraine last week and is ruled out for several weeks. Head coach Phil Marshall is expecting a tough game at Shaws Bridge, but injuries and unavailability rule out backs Alan Heaney, Lee Murphy and Ryan Mitchell, Adam Beatty and Yonga Taleni retaining their place in the backs. In the forwards Mark Brown comes in at hooker with James Catterson returning in the second-row and Andrew Ferguson in the back-row. Both Kyle Alexander and Richard Harpur take their place on the bench.
Instonians v Dromore
Instonians’ Head Coach William Leacock was pleased with the effort put in by his players in their 22-3 win over Cooke last weekend, and thought his team played well in the first half but didn't take its chances. Lost to injury were Fraser Wright and Josh Lewis at half-time, two forwards going into the back-line. He felt his players ‘dug deep’ to grind out the bonus point win.
Matt Dawson, Richard McCarthy, Josh Cregan and David Scott are added to the squad this weekend, with yet another ‘must win’ game.
Dromore coach Jonny Cullen was once again disappointed his team let slip a lead to lose 25-24 at Ballymoney last weekend in the Towns’ Cup. He’s looking for his experienced players to show level heads and more composure to secure wins and retains the same team from last weekend, Andrew Black returning to the front-row. When these two sides met at Barban Hill in October Instonians were 39 -13 winners.
FIXTURES
Ballyclare v CIYMS
Bangor v Ards
Cooke v Omagh
Instonians v Dromore
Portadown v Clogher Valley Postponed.
KUKRI QULAIFYING TWO
Academy v Donaghadee
These two teams have found form, and Academy is coming off the back of three wins over Coleraine, Enniskillen and Randalstown. Influential out-half Chris Cooper is ruled out through injury, the coach retaining the same team selected to play Lisburn.
Donaghadee has won three out of its last four games under new Head Coach John West who makes one change from the team that won 26-20 at Larne in the Towns’ Cup, Conn Crawford replacing the unavailable Matty Johnston.
When these two teams met at Donaldson Park in October Donaghadee required a last-minute try by Jack Cooke to win 13-10.
Ballymoney v Carrickfergus
Despite being 21-8 down at half-time in its Towns’ Cup tie with Qualifying One opponents Dromore Ballymoney staged a dramatic fightback to win 25-24, and Head Coach Jimmy Carson is hoping this will act as a springboard for the remaining matches as the players look to move away from the bottom of the table.
Carson made a number of changes to his team last week and will reward the players who came in by keeping the same team for the visit of league leaders Carrickfergus. No doubt there will be a buzz about Kilraughts Road this weekend.
Carrick Head Coach Neil Hanna is aware of the threat posed by a resurgent Ballymoney, and regards it as never an easy place to play. Hanna feels it is a case of his pack standing up to the ‘Money’ forwards in the set-piece. Loose-head David McKeen is unavailable and will be replaced by Adam Gibney. Once again the coach selects from a full-strength squad. When these teams met at the Tom Simms Memorial Field in October Carrick ran out 23-3 winners.
Larne v Lisburn
Larne coach Ryan Milligan has been disappointed with his team’s performance in losing its last three games, most recently suffering a 26-20 home defeat to Donaghadee in the Towns’ Cup. The players know these losses have been of their own doing and have the opportunity to get back to winning ways against Lisburn at the Glynn. Milligan welcomes back Craig Gibson in the front-row.
Lisburn manager Michael Knowles knows his players face another testing game this weekend, and with eight matches remaining Lisburn needs to start picking up league points though injuries continue to impact on selection.
Welcomed back are second-row Alan Hughes, Jake Bebington in the back-row and David Gilkinson in the centre. Injury continues to rule out Falemaka Vave and selection will be finalised closer to the game. When these two sides met at Blaris in October Larne were 29-3 winners.
Randalstown v Enniskillen
Two teams which can still challenge Coleraine for second place in the table meet on Saturday, but Randalstown Head Coach Gary Longwell has delayed his selection. He sees Enniskillen as a quality side with excellent players in key positions, and is making plans accordingly.
Enniskillen coach Norman Richmond is looking for his first win at Randalstown, hoping his side can put that right this weekend! Both teams are competing well, four points separating the two teams. Richmond says it’s a difficult game to ‘call’ and he’s looking a big performance from his players and to come out on top away from home. His team remains relatively unchanged for a third match in a row. Neither Richmond nor Longwell will take a form line from the game at Mullaghmeen in September when ‘Skins’ won 18-11.
FIXTURES
Academy v Donaghadee
Ballymoney v Carrickfergus
Grosvenor v Coleraine
Larne v Lisburn
Randalstown v Enniskillen
KUKRI QUALIFYING THREE
FIXTURES
BHSFP v Holywood Postponed
Civil Service v UUC Postponed
Letterkenny v Lurgan
Limavady v Monaghan
Newry v PSNI
Strabane v Ophir
Gordon West Cup
BHSFP v UUC
SECOND XV LEAGUE
Ballynahinch 2nds v Ballymena 2nds
Banbridge 2nds v Malone 2nds
Belfast Harlequins 2nds v Queen's 2nds
The season is now approaching a decisive sage on all fronts, and there is a feast of entertainment in the club game until the end of April.
Last Saturday the Powerade Towns’ Cup produced some great games, and this week the draw was made for the quarter-finals.
It’s difficult to pick a favourite, but at Upritchard Park there’ll be delight that the side is still on track for a second Cup Final appearance of the season. And the North Down ‘quarter’ at Donaghadee is sure to draw a big crowd.
Ballymoney entertains Omagh in what promises to be an uncompromising tie, while at Mullaghmeen Enniskillen would delight in lowering the colours of Ballynahinch 2nds, but Armagh 2nds must wait to see who emerges as its opponents, Clogher Valley and Portadown hoping to resolve their last 16 clash this Saturday at the Palace Grounds (1.30 p.m.)
POWERADE TOWNS' CUP QUARTER FINALS
Ballymoney v Omagh
Enniskillen v Ballynahinch 2nds
Donaghadee v Bangor
Armagh 2nds or Clogher Valley v Portadown
Ties to be played on Saturday, 13 February
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
In Division 1A Ballynahinch remains in 10th with seven games remaining, and travels to Dublin this weekend to play ninth-placed Terenure College which holds a five-point advantage. ‘Hinch has yet to record a win away from home this season, so Saturday’s is a ‘must win’ game for Derek Suffern and his team.
In Division 1B Ballymena knows Buccaneers will provide stiff opposition at Eaton Park after winning at Dublin University, and in just over a week league leaders St Mary's visit, so it’s two big weeks coming up if Ballymena is to secure automatic promotion and avoid the play-offs.
Belfast Harlequins are seven points behind ninth-placed UL Bohemians but buoyed by the 12-10 home win over Blackrock Adam Larkin’s side will journey to Thomond Park and hoping to pick up another win against Shannon.
In Division 2A Banbridge remain favourites to win automatic promotion to Division 1B, and with six matches remaining there are six points to spare over second-placed Naas. Both these teams meet at Forenaughts with Banbridge looking to extend its five-match unbeaten run in the AIL.
Malone has started 2016 disappointingly, losing the opening two AIL matches and dropping to fourth in the table. The target for the East Belfast side is a Top Four finish to and a place in the play-offs.
Queen’s University, after two wins, is now back in contention for a solid finish and the play-offs.
In Divison 2B City of Derry has built up a commanding sixteen-point lead over Highfield with six matches remaining. Like Banbridge the side remains the favourite for promotion to Division 2A.
Armagh will be disappointed to drop points at Seapoint last Saturday in a 6 - 6 draw, slipping to fifth place, three points behind Greystones in the push for a play-off place.
Dungannon and Rainey OB meet at Stevenson Park in what appears to be a ‘must win’ game for both sides, with the team finishing ninth facing a play-off to stay in Division 2B.
Division 1A
Terenure College v Ballynahinch
These are anxious times for the County Down club as it fights for Division 1A survival. Visiting Terenure College was promoted to Division 1A last season from a second-placed finish, but like Ballynahinch needed league points.
Defeat for Ballynahinch this weekend would probably make its position untenable with just seven matches remaining, but it has selected a strong team with a front-row of Jonny Simpson, Jonny Murphy and Craig Trenier.
The experienced Mike Graham joins James Simpson in the second-row with David McGuigan, captain Paul Pritchard and Conor Joyce forming the back row. Paul Rowley and Justin Rea are at half-back, with Jordan Gratton and Robin Harte in the midfield, and Chris Quinn and Aaron Cairns are on the wings and Manihera Eden at full-back. The bench includes Jonny Blair, Zack McCall, Lorcan Dow, David Busby and Will Stewart.
Sam Windsor, John Donnan and Peter Browne are required by Ulster at Treviso this weekend, but ‘Hinch knows that when the sides met at Ballymacarn in November the Dublin side prevailed by 30-6.
FIXTURES
Cork Constitution v Young Munster
Galwegians v Clontarf
Garryowen v Old Belvedere
Lansdowne v UCD
Terenure College v Ballynahinch
Division 1B
Ballymena v Buccaneers
Ballymena coach Andy Graham is aware that his squad will only have four players released by Ulster for the return fixture with Buccaneers at Eaton Park, and when these two teams last met Ballymena ran out narrow 15-14 winners.
In their last AIL game Buccaneers caused an upset beating third-placed Dublin University by a single point at College Park. The Ballymena team includes Michael Lagan, James Taggart and Chris Cundell in the front-row, David Whann and Connor Smyth are in the second-row, while Stephen Mulholland is joined in the back-row by Willy McKay and No.8 James Gallagher. John Creighton and Richie McMaster continue at half-back, and the returning Kieran Joyce partners skipper Marty Irwin in the centre. Jonny Rossborugh and James Beattie are on the wings with Rodger McBurney at full-back, and the bench includes Bryan Young, Andrew Ferguson, Dominic Gallagher, Andrew McGrath and Glen Baillie.
Injuries rule out Ross Kane, Matty Rea, Callum Patterson, Matthew Harkness, Michael Shiels and Paddy McGowan, while Ulster ‘A’ requires Alan O'Connor, Bronson Ross, David Shanahan and Clive Ross, and hooker Adam McBurney is on Ireland Under 20 duty.
Graham knows the two home games against Buccaneers and league leaders St Mary’s, on Saturday week, will define his team’s season and wants his players put in a performance full of quality. Their objective is to win the game and keep the pressure on leaders St Mary's, and the coach, pleased with the attitude and belief of the panel in the win at UL Bohemians, wants more of the same this weekend.
Belfast Harlequins v Shannon
Thomond Park is never an easy venue for visiting teams, and ‘Quins’ need league points in all the remaining seven matches, so this is a critical game.
The Belfast side showed real character in its first AIL game of the year beating Blackrock College 12-10 at Deramore Park two weeks ago. Injuries, unavailability and a lack of have undermined ambitions this season, and when these sides met at Deramore Park in November ‘Quins’ went down comprehensively by 32-10. Director of Rugby DC Gillespie is expecting the team to be along familiar lines, though injuries continue to impact on selection.
The club welcomes back a number of players this week, including former captain Danny Annett and Rory Blake Knox who have returned from working abroad. The only Ulster players available are Connor Young and Paul Jackson, while Jacob Stockdale is included in the Ireland Under 20 squad for the Six Nations, and injury rules out centre Mark Best and back-rower Frankie Taggart.
FIXTURES
Ballymena v Buccaneers
Blackrock College v Old Wesley
Dublin University v Dolphin
Shannon v Belfast Harlequins
St Mary's v UL Bohemians
Division 2A
Malone v Cashel
Two defeats against Nenagh Ormond and Queen’s have seen the Belfast side slip to fourth place, so coach Jarrett Truscott made wholesale changes for the UCL match with Ballymena last week, securing a very creditable 10-10 draw.
Saturday’s front-row is Lee Barlow, Tristan King and Gary Crawford, Cory Tipping partners James McAllister in the second-row, while skipper Neil Alcorn returns to the back-row alongside Jonny Ogilby and No.8 Ross Todd. Shane Kelly and Josh Pentland continue as the half-back pairing, Michael Cartmill retains his place in the centre beside Adam Liddell. Jack McMurtry and Michael Barker are on the wings with Mark O'Connor at full-back.
Injuries rule out front-row forwards Philip Eadie, Chris Griffiths and David Halliday, and winger Rory Campbell, and lock Richard Millar is unavailable for the next two AIL games. Coaches and players know how important the remaining six AIL games are if the team is to remain in contention for a play-off place. When the teams met at Cashel in October Malone won 29 - 18.
Banbridge v Naas
Banbridge coach Daniel Soper's motto is to ‘take it one game at a time’, and with a six-point lead, and six matches remaining, the momentum was maintained with the manner of the defeat of Division 1B side Belfast Harlequins 22-7 at Deramore Park on Thursday of last week in the UCL and to top its section.
This weekend the side travels to Naas to take on another side with promotion ambitions and Soper, who regards complacency as a lurking danger, awaits fitness updates on several players before finalising his line-up. These include Andrew Morrison, Josh Cromie, Kallan Martin, Clark McAllister and Miles O'Hagan. ‘Bann’ won 11-0 when the sides met at Rifle Park in October.
Queen’s University v UCC
It’s another difficult game for Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young and his players, both teams hoping to make the play-offs. Injuries and unavailability continue to impact on selection, with both Ulster Academy players Robert Lyttle and Jonny McPhillips included in the Ireland Under 20 squad for the Six Nations campaign. There are injury concerns over the availability of Jack Milligan, Nick Timoney, Saul Herdman and captain Josh Atkinson, while Young hopes to include both Liam Free and Alex Thompson in his starting XV. When these teams met at ‘the Dub’ in October they played out a thrilling 34 - 34 draw.
FIXTURES
Nenagh Ormond v Thomond Friday, 7.30pm
Malone v Cashel
Naas v Banbridge
Skerries v Galway Corinthians
UCC v Queens University
Division 2B
Armagh v MU Barnhall
Five points separate four teams battling it out for a top-four finish and the play-offs. Armagh slipped up last weekend in drawing 6-6 at tenth-placed Seapoint, so City of Derry remains a clear favourite to win the league given its sixteen-point advantage over second Highfield.
Barnhall will be difficult opponents as they fight it out with Bective, Dungannon and Rainey to avoid finishing in ninth spot and in a relegation play-off situation.
Armagh coaches Alex McCloy, Brian McLaughlin and Willie Faloon have worked hard this season to develop this young squad which has ambitions to play in Division 2A. In October Armagh prevailed 29-15 at Barnhall – an omen perhaps?
Dungannon v Rainey OB
Dungannon’s Head Coach Andy Hughes was disappointed his team lost the last two AIL games against Bective Rangers and Barnhall who with Rainey, are fighting to avoid finishing ninth in the division. With bottom side Seapoint thirteen points adrift of ninth-placed Rainey, with seven games remaining both Ulster sides need to start picking up points.
The coach says his side has put pressure on itself with the last two performances, that players need to get back to playing with confidence and trusting the team’s patterns. The squad knows it isn’t playing to its potential at the minute, but it also knows it has the ability to turn things around.
Selection for Saturday has not been finalised, but JJ Kane, Gerard Treanor, Peter Gilkinson, Jonathan Toal and Karl Egan are all ruled out. There are also concerns over the availability of skipper James McMahon, Philip Fletcher and Ross McCaughey.
Rainey Head Coach John Andrews was delighted with the performance in the 19-12 defeat at home to leaders City of Derry last weekend, but like Dungannon Rainey needs points to overtake Leinster sides Bective Rangers and MU Barnhall. He retains the same squad from last weekend, and perhaps it augurs well that Rainey recorded a 23 - 13 win at Hatrick Park when the two sides met in October.
City of Derry v Greystones
When these two sides met at Judges Road in October City of Derry won 20 -17, but just now Head Coach Terry McMaster is pleased his City of Derry side has opened up a 16-point lead over Highfield with just six matches remaining. Nevertheless, he’ll ensure the players are totally focussed on each game and is demanding nothing less than six wins from six games to finish the season in style.
FIXTURES
Armagh v MU Barn hall
Duncannon v Rainey OB
Greystones v City of Derry
Seapoint v Highfield
Sundays Well v Bective Rangers
Division 2C
Boyne v Tullamore
Dundalk v Sligo
Kanturk v Navan
Midleton v Bruff
Wanderers v Old Crescent
POWERADE TOWNS' CUP
Armagh 2nds v Clogher Valley (kick-off 1-30p.m.)
Postponed from last weekend this Towns’ Cup 2nd Round tie will start early to avoid a clash with Armagh’s AIL game with Barnhall.
Clogher Valley has selected the following side: the forward unit is made up of Philip Moore, Kyle Cobain, Richard Primrose, Michael Treanor, Eugene McKenna, David Sharkey (capt), Barry Jon Wilson and No.8 Ryan Wilson. The half-backs are Neil Trotter and Aaron Best, with David Speers and Allister Trenier in the centre. Clive Donaldson and Andy Breen are on the wings with Fleming Agnew at full-back. Both Philip Hopper and PC Falconer take their places on the bench.
DEFINING WEEKS IN KIKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE
Instonians won the Shaws Bridge Qualifying One ‘derby’ with neighbours Cooke on Friday night of last week by 22-3 to pick up a bonus point and draw level with leaders Bangor on 41 pts. Both teams have eight games remaining with every point crucial in the run-in.
There is also a contest to finish in the top four involving Clogher Valley, Portadown, Ballyclare and Omagh. Ards and CIYMS remain in ninth and tenth places, ninth spot meaning a relegation/promotion play-off against the runners-up in Qualifying Two. Ards is eleven points behind eighth-placed Cooke, and has a seven-point advantage over CIYMS.
In Qualifying Two Carrick remains top with a four-point advantage, and a game in hand, over second-placed Coleraine. Enniskillen and Randalstown can potentially push Coleraine for second place and both teams meet at Nelisbrook Park this weekend.
At the bottom of Qualifying Two Ballymoney, Lisburn and Grosvenor have much work to do to avoid finishing in the dreaded ninth and tenth places, the latter automatically relegated, the ninth-placed team facing a play-off with the team finishing second in Qualifying Three.
In Qualifying Three Limavady has opened up a twenty-point lead over UUC, and one point separates the students and third-placed PSNI as they battle for the play-off place against the ninth-placed side in Qualifying Two.
KUKRI QUALIFYING ONE
Ballyclare v CIYMS
When these two sides met at Belmont in October Ballyclare won 14-12 with the Cloughan side now chasing a top four finish and qualification for the AIL Junior Cup next season. Last season CIYMS made the semi-finals of the AIL Junior Cup, losing in a replay to eventual winners Dundalk.
When new Head Coach Gareth Fry came in there was an anticipation that CIYMS would push on and challenge for league honours this season, but despite strengthening the playing squad the team and coaches have failed to play their way out of potential relegation to Qualifying Two.
Bangor v Ards
Yet another eagerly-anticipated derby involving the two North Down neighbours at Upritchard Park, and when the two sides met at Hamilton Park in October Bangor ran out 35-10 winners to claim ‘bragging rights’.
The fortunes of both teams couldn't differ more, as Bangor sits top of Qualifying One alongside league champions Instonians. The Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup has been secured already by a Bangor side which has progressed to the quarter-finals of the Towns’ Cup. Ards they have struggled after being relegated from the All Ireland League last season and sits in ninth and faces the prospect of a play-off with the runners-up in Qualifying Two to prolong its stay in top Junior tier.
Bangor has, like Ards, experienced ‘highs and lows’ in recent years and the pair were once dominant sides in Ulster Senior rugby in the 70s/80s. Bangor has been rebuilding over recent seasons under player-coach Jason Morgan and has ambitions to return to Senior rugby, and Ards faces a future rebuilding and strengthening its playing base.
With the league being so close between Bangor and Instonians every game between now and the end of the season will be treated as a Cup Final - and Clogher Valley is not out-of-the-running. This week Bangor is largely unchanged from the side which defeated Ballymena Seconds in the Towns’ Cup last weekend. Andrew Jackson returns to the front-row alongside Orran McIImurray and Philip Whyte, with the second-row combination coming from two of Michael Ferguson, Darren Kelly and David Caughey. Captain Jamie Clegg is joined in the back row by Craig Burton and David Bradford, Jason Guthrie and out-half Morgan continue at half-back, with Rob Gamble and Mike Weir in the centre.
Davy Charles and Mark Widdowson are on the wings with Adam McCusker at full-back. Ross McCloskey will take his place on the bench this week, while Desi Fusco and Curtis Stewart remain on the injured list but are close to full fitness.
Ards Head Coach David Irwin says it has been a challenging and frustrating season to date, but enjoyable and rewarding too. The team has produced some exciting rugby which he’s confident will bring the success and rewards the players and members crave.
Looking forward to this weekend and the clash with great rivals Bangor the Ards team go to Upritchard Park aiming to win, though based on current form this will not be easy. A significant improvement on the previous encounter this season is the minimum requirement for the coach who’s demanding his players compete for the full 80 minutes.
Cooke v Omagh
Omagh convincingly won 27-3 when the two sides met at the Thomas Mellon pitches in October, three points separating the two sides in the league with Omagh having two games in hand.
Omagh Head Coach Phil Marshall and his players have been left frustrated, playing only three matches in the last seven weeks. Back-to-back wins against Coleraine and Ards as they push for a top four finish, and further progress in the Towns Cup, offers real grounds for optimism while Cooke has an outside chance of making the top four and will be looking a win on Saturday.
Cooke Head Coach Colin Atkinson was disappointed and frustrated with how his team performed in their 22-3 defeat against neighbours Instonians at Shaws Bridge on Friday night of last week.
Captain Philip Cartmill went off early with a broken nose but felt his team didn't take their chances to get points on the board. For the game against Omagh there are two changes, Ian Anderson replacing Cartmill in the centre, Ryan Flavelle starts at scrum-half and Matthew Elliott rotating to the bench.
Omagh Hooker Adam Pollock was hospitalised in the Towns’ Cup win at Coleraine last week and is ruled out for several weeks. Head coach Phil Marshall is expecting a tough game at Shaws Bridge, but injuries and unavailability rule out backs Alan Heaney, Lee Murphy and Ryan Mitchell, Adam Beatty and Yonga Taleni retaining their place in the backs. In the forwards Mark Brown comes in at hooker with James Catterson returning in the second-row and Andrew Ferguson in the back-row. Both Kyle Alexander and Richard Harpur take their place on the bench.
Instonians v Dromore
Instonians’ Head Coach William Leacock was pleased with the effort put in by his players in their 22-3 win over Cooke last weekend, and thought his team played well in the first half but didn't take its chances. Lost to injury were Fraser Wright and Josh Lewis at half-time, two forwards going into the back-line. He felt his players ‘dug deep’ to grind out the bonus point win.
Matt Dawson, Richard McCarthy, Josh Cregan and David Scott are added to the squad this weekend, with yet another ‘must win’ game.
Dromore coach Jonny Cullen was once again disappointed his team let slip a lead to lose 25-24 at Ballymoney last weekend in the Towns’ Cup. He’s looking for his experienced players to show level heads and more composure to secure wins and retains the same team from last weekend, Andrew Black returning to the front-row. When these two sides met at Barban Hill in October Instonians were 39 -13 winners.
FIXTURES
Ballyclare v CIYMS
Bangor v Ards
Cooke v Omagh
Instonians v Dromore
Portadown v Clogher Valley Postponed.
KUKRI QULAIFYING TWO
Academy v Donaghadee
These two teams have found form, and Academy is coming off the back of three wins over Coleraine, Enniskillen and Randalstown. Influential out-half Chris Cooper is ruled out through injury, the coach retaining the same team selected to play Lisburn.
Donaghadee has won three out of its last four games under new Head Coach John West who makes one change from the team that won 26-20 at Larne in the Towns’ Cup, Conn Crawford replacing the unavailable Matty Johnston.
When these two teams met at Donaldson Park in October Donaghadee required a last-minute try by Jack Cooke to win 13-10.
Ballymoney v Carrickfergus
Despite being 21-8 down at half-time in its Towns’ Cup tie with Qualifying One opponents Dromore Ballymoney staged a dramatic fightback to win 25-24, and Head Coach Jimmy Carson is hoping this will act as a springboard for the remaining matches as the players look to move away from the bottom of the table.
Carson made a number of changes to his team last week and will reward the players who came in by keeping the same team for the visit of league leaders Carrickfergus. No doubt there will be a buzz about Kilraughts Road this weekend.
Carrick Head Coach Neil Hanna is aware of the threat posed by a resurgent Ballymoney, and regards it as never an easy place to play. Hanna feels it is a case of his pack standing up to the ‘Money’ forwards in the set-piece. Loose-head David McKeen is unavailable and will be replaced by Adam Gibney. Once again the coach selects from a full-strength squad. When these teams met at the Tom Simms Memorial Field in October Carrick ran out 23-3 winners.
Larne v Lisburn
Larne coach Ryan Milligan has been disappointed with his team’s performance in losing its last three games, most recently suffering a 26-20 home defeat to Donaghadee in the Towns’ Cup. The players know these losses have been of their own doing and have the opportunity to get back to winning ways against Lisburn at the Glynn. Milligan welcomes back Craig Gibson in the front-row.
Lisburn manager Michael Knowles knows his players face another testing game this weekend, and with eight matches remaining Lisburn needs to start picking up league points though injuries continue to impact on selection.
Welcomed back are second-row Alan Hughes, Jake Bebington in the back-row and David Gilkinson in the centre. Injury continues to rule out Falemaka Vave and selection will be finalised closer to the game. When these two sides met at Blaris in October Larne were 29-3 winners.
Randalstown v Enniskillen
Two teams which can still challenge Coleraine for second place in the table meet on Saturday, but Randalstown Head Coach Gary Longwell has delayed his selection. He sees Enniskillen as a quality side with excellent players in key positions, and is making plans accordingly.
Enniskillen coach Norman Richmond is looking for his first win at Randalstown, hoping his side can put that right this weekend! Both teams are competing well, four points separating the two teams. Richmond says it’s a difficult game to ‘call’ and he’s looking a big performance from his players and to come out on top away from home. His team remains relatively unchanged for a third match in a row. Neither Richmond nor Longwell will take a form line from the game at Mullaghmeen in September when ‘Skins’ won 18-11.
FIXTURES
Academy v Donaghadee
Ballymoney v Carrickfergus
Grosvenor v Coleraine
Larne v Lisburn
Randalstown v Enniskillen
KUKRI QUALIFYING THREE
FIXTURES
BHSFP v Holywood Postponed
Civil Service v UUC Postponed
Letterkenny v Lurgan
Limavady v Monaghan
Newry v PSNI
Strabane v Ophir
Gordon West Cup
BHSFP v UUC
SECOND XV LEAGUE
Ballynahinch 2nds v Ballymena 2nds
Banbridge 2nds v Malone 2nds
Belfast Harlequins 2nds v Queen's 2nds