Preview of tomorrow's club games taking place in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League Division 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup semi-final and Kukri Qualifying League 3...
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Ballynahinch (10th) v Galwegians (9th)
Two teams who are positioned 9th and 10th with Galwegians having a seven point advantage. Ballynahinch have lost their opening seven league matches with Galwegians winning two from seven after securing promotion from Division 1B last season. Ballynahinch’s Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan was pleased with the performance put in by the team as they defeated Belfast Harlequins 24 - 5 to secure their place in the final of the First Trust Senior Cup. He is hoping the team can put in another 80 minute performance down in Galway this weekend. Head Coach Derek Suffern will be boosted by the addition of eight Ulster players being released including - Paul Rowley, Peter Browne, John Donnan, Lorcan Dow, Zac McCall, Craig Trenier, Jonny Murphy, and Jonny Simpson. Sickness rules out Conor Joyce with Kyle McCall, Rhuardhi Murphy and Sam Windsor are not released by Ulster. AIL rules only permit the playing of two fully contracted players by a club in an AIL match. Injuries continue to impact on the selection options available to the coaches with Captain Paul Pritchard ruled out with a rib injury along with Adam Craig. Richard Reaney, Mike Graham, Will Stewart, Robin Harte and Jonny Madden face late fitness tests on Thursday night. Both David McGuigan and Aaron Cairns are unavailable due to Ireland Sevens commitments.
Division 1A
Galwegians v Ballynahinch
Garryowen v UCD
Lansdowne v Clontarf
Old Belvedere v Cork Constitution
Terenure College v Young Munster
Division 1B
Ballymena (2nd) v UL Bohemians (9th)
Head coach Andy Graham was pleased with his team in their 26 - 7 win at Armagh last Saturday. He felt his team controlled the game with the line speed of his defence limiting the Armagh attacking options. He was particularly impressed by the performance of his young Ulster Academy outhalf Andrew McGrath who along with Glenn Baillie and Marty Irwin imposed themselves on the opposition. The recent wins over Queens and Armagh allowed the coach to rotate and rest players with Andrew McGrath, James Beattie, Jonny Rossborough and Paddy James catching the eye of the coaches. Injury and sickness rule out John Andrew and Adam McBurney with club Captain Willy McKay unavailable for selection.
Matthew Harkness, John Creighton, Kieran Joyce, Paddy McGowan and Richard McCrudden remain on the injured list. For this weekend Michael Lagan, James Taggart and Bronson Ross make up the front row with David Whann and Conor Smyth in the second row. Matty Rea will continue at number 8 alongside Clive Ross and Stephen Mulholland. Dave Shanahan returns at scrum half alongside Richie McMaster. Callum Patterson resumes his centre partnership with Marty Irwin after impressing for Ulster A. James Beattie joins Jordan Foster on the wings with Rodger McBurney returning at full back. Included on the bench are Ross Kane, Bryan Young, Michael Shiels, Glen Baillie and Andrew McGrath. Second row Alan O'Connor has not been released by Ulster. There is disappointment for Jonny Rossborough, Paddy James, Chris Cundell and Andrew Ferguson who have not made the final twenty such is the strength of the Ballymena 1st XV squad. Head Coach Andrew Graham is delighted with the strength and conditioning work done by his coaches Bryan Young and Nicky Wells in their preparation of the players each week. The integration of the Ulster players into the Ballymena squad has been crucial to the success of the team this season with Ulster Academy players Ross Kane, Adam McBurney and Andrew McGrath continuing to press for a starting place on the 1st XV.
Belfast Harlequins (10th) v Blackrock College (8th)
Ten points separate these two teams in 8th and 10th place with Quins needing to pick up league points from their trip to Dublin on Saturday. Ulster have released players, Lewis Stevenson, Rory Scholes, Mark Best and Paul Jackson. Injury rules out Frank Taggart and Connor Young with both Ricky Lutton and Sean Reidy retained by Ulster. Both full back Brendan Monahan and winger Andrew McPhillips are available for selection. Selection will be along similar lines to the team that played in 24 - 5 defeat at Ballynahinch last Saturday with Lewis Stevenson expected to play alongside Neil McComb in the second row. Head Coach Adam Larkin will finalise team selection on Thursday night. Director of Rugby DC Gillespie is optimistic with the addition of experienced players the team can get a result at Blackrock College. The team has shown a lot of improvement over recent weeks and they will need a committed 80 minute performance to secure four valuable league points. It will not be an easy game as Blackrock are a quality side.
Ballymena v UL Bohemians
Blackrock College v Belfast Harlequins
Buccaneers v Dublin uni
Shannon v Dolphin
St Mary's College v Old Wesley
Division 2A
Banbridge (2nd) v Cashel (3rd)
This Bann squad narrowly missed out on promotion last season with Head Coach Daniel Soper and his players facing three crucial games over the next three weeks against early season pacesetters Cashel and back to back games with fellow Ulster side Queens Uni. He was disappointed his team forfeited the lead in their three away matches to lose games by one score. As he described it - six minutes on the pitch cost them nine league points and a commanding lead at the top of Division 2A. The squad has had two weeks off to freshen up and it will be a challenge for the players to get back up to the intensity which will be needed for the visit of Cashel. Both sides have met in tough battles with each other over recent seasons with the result going in favour of the home side. The coach welcomes back the experienced Nico Vorster. Centre Andrew Morrison faces a fitness test on Thursday night after being out injured for six weeks and is expected to take his place in the match day squad. Scrumhalf Lee Steenson is unavailable due to work commitments and will be replaced by Josh Cromie. The experienced Colin Bickerstaff comes on to the bench after turning out for the lower teams in recent weeks. His experience will be much needed in the coming weeks. Cashel have lost their last two league games at home to Ulster sides Queens Uni and Malone.
Malone (1st) v Queen’s University (5th)
This is a most eagerly awaited Belfast derby between two teams hoping to be in contention for promotion this season. Malone have bounced back from a pre season of considerable turmoil within the club to sit top of Division 2A after seven matches. Queens Head coach Bob Young has faced numerous obstacles from injury to player unavailability as he strives to field his strongest 1st XV. Like Malone they went to Munster and defeated early pacesetters Cashel on their home turf. Once again injuries to front row players continue to impact on Queens selection. Brian Cunningham has been suspended for one week after being sent off along with Dungannon prop Steven Sinnamon last Saturday. Ulster Academy prop Jake Byrne has not been released with both Jordan Southway and Jonny Craig facing late fitness tests. Aside from Queens front row problems they have a squad full of Ulster Academy and Age representative players. This includes talented backs Josh Fullerton, Jack Milligan, Paddy Farrell, Conor McKee, Alex Kane, Conor Kelly, Joel McBride and Ulster Academy players Liam Free, Robert Lyttle and Jonny McPhillips. In the forwards they are led by Captain Josh Atkinson, Nick Timoney, Paddy Marks, Nigel Simpson, Hugh Sloan, Marc Campbell, Saul Herdman, Stewart Martin, Jonny Craig, Jordan Southway, Brian Cunningham, Norman Sinclair and Ulster Academy players Alex Thompson and Jake Byrne. Nick Timoney will be unavailable this weekend due to his involvement with the Ireland Sevens squad. Interesting to note the number of exiles now playing rugby at Queens. This includes Ulster Academy players Liam Free, Johnny McPhillips and Jake Byrne along with Ireland Under 19/20 players Hugh Sloan and Alex Kane and former Leinster Academy players Brian Cunningham and Nick Timoney.
Malone Head Coach Jarrett Truscott picks from a virtually full strength squad with long term injuries Dave Cave and Chris Griffiths hoping to be available after Xmas. After resting ten of his squad last week against City of Derry there are returns for Tristan King, Cory Tipping, Richard Millar, Captain Neil Alcorn, Ross Todd, Shane Kelly, Josh Pentland and Adam Liddell to the 1st XV. Michael Barker returns on the wing after being unavailable for several weeks. The unfortunate Michael Cartmill picked up an injury on Tuesday night that will rule him out for several weeks. The experienced Lee Barlow will join Ben Halliday, Ben McDonnell, Max Porter and Jack McMurtry on the bench. Fascinating contest in prospect at Gibson Park between two evenly matched sides.
Banbridge v Cashel
Galway Corinthians v UCC
Malone v Queens Uni
Nenagh Ormond v Skerries
Thomond v Naas
Division 2B
Dungannon (8th) v Bective Rangers (7th)
Head Coach Andy Hughes and his assistant Seamus Mallon have instilled a new belief within the playing squad at Dungannon. Facing defeat against Queens Uni last Sat after trailing 28 - 16 they were able to overhaul the students in the final quarter to win 35 - 28. Coach Hughes described it as a well fought win and what the players needed ahead of the next batch of games. Queens had played with a good tempo and width in their game that put the Dungannon defence under a lot of pressure. It was a good test and hopefully the players can take a lot of confidence from the game and bring it to Bective. All the coach asked from his players was a performance to get the team back up to speed after a couple of weeks off. But to come away with a win was a bonus. He adds Mark Riddell, James Bates, Robbie Anderson and David Leyburn to his squad. Steven Sinnamon is suspended for one week with Peter Gilkinson unavailable so in relative terms the coach agrees his team are not too badly off right now. Can Dungannon secure their first away win in the AIL this season with two points separating these two sides.
Rainey OB (6th) v Highfield (2nd)
This will be a tough test for Head Coach John Andrews and his players against a Highfield side that defeated league leaders City of Derry in their last league outing. He is putting out a very young team with long term injured second row Conal Murphy returning to the forwards. His presence will bring that added physicality to the pack. Nicholas Stirling returns on wing with both Jonny Lees and Rory Winters taking their place in the back row. Four points separate the teams between 6th and 9th place in this league.
City of Derry (1st) v Seapoint (10th)
League leaders City of Derry bounced back from a disappointing defeat at Highfield to comprehensively defeat a Malone xv at Judges Road last Sat 32 - 13. As Head coach Terry McMaster described it was important for the players to get this loss out of their system so they could focus on the next AIL match away to Seapoint. On paper you would say it has to be a win for the top team against bottom side Seapoint who remain without a win after seven AIL matches. The fact their match in Cork against Highfield did not finish until 4.15pm after Highfield secured a late score to win the match has left some unfinished business with Seapoint going to face a very fired up City of Derry side. City of Derry lost their winger Neil Brown to injury in the Highfield match with his replacement jack Beattie scoring against Malone. Second row David Houston was unavailable for the Malone match with centres David Funston and David Graham rested. As is the case the coach will not finalise his selection until training tonight.
Armagh (5th) v Sunday's Well (4th)
Both these sides are level on nineteen points with four wins from seven matches in the AIL. Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy was delighted with the workout his players had in their 26 - 7 defeat against the inform Ballymena 1st xv at the Palace grounds last Sat. They add James Morton and Andrew Smyth to their starting line up. Any trip to Cork is always difficult and this Armagh squad have shown in recent seasons they can pick up results at these venues.
Bective Rangers v Dungannon
MU Barnhall v Greystones
Rainey OB v Highfield
Seapoint v City of Derry
Sundays Well v Armagh
Division 2C
Bruff v Old Crescent
Dundalk RFC v Old Crescent
Kanturk v Boyne
Navan RFC v Midleton
Tullamore v Wanderers
MILLAR MCCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP SEMI FINALS
Clogher Valley v Bangor
What I will say about these clubs including Instonians, Clogher Valley and Bangor is that they have raised the bar for other aspiring rugby clubs in Ulster. This Saturday we have an outstanding Junior Cup semi final taking place at the Cran in Fivemiletown between two sides who have only tasted defeat once in all competitions. The Cran is never an easy venue for any visiting team as league champions Instonians will testify to after losing their league encounter 20 - 8 on the 12th September. Both Clubs have full strength squads available at their disposal this weekend. Clogher coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black will go head to head against Bangor coaches Jason Morgan and Michael Ferguson. Both Jason Morgan and Davy Black coached the Ulster Juniors to their first Junior inter provincial championship title in ten years with Jason Morgan and Michael Ferguson involved in coaching the Ulster under 19 squad. Both these teams have players who choose to play Qualifying rugby in preference to the demands of the All Ireland league. The result is we have a Qualifying league structure that is the envy of the other three provinces in Ireland due to its quality and competitiveness.
Clogher Valley retain the squad that so emphatically swept aside the challenge of Munster Junior champions Clonmel in their own back yard last Sat 31 - 0. What pleased the Clogher coaches was the performance and depth in strength the replacements have added to the teams performance most notably from Nathan Orr, Neil Trotter, Philip Hooper, Malcolm Keyes and Adam Baxter.
Bangor Head coach Jason Morgan was disappointed with his teams performance in the opening fifty minutes against Monkstown that kept the Dublin side in the match. Dropped balls, poor offloading and losing the ball in contact disrupted their continuity in this period before a strong final quarter brought them through 38 - 16. The coach is aware his players have been focusing very much on this weekends match with Clogher Valley. The players lacked intensity in the warm up last sat and carried this into the match. It won't happen this weekend.
The team and players know all about Clogher Valley - that they have a good pack with good kicking half backs. In training this week the players have worked hard on counteracting this threat. The Bangor objective is to deny Clogher field position so they can't use their maul in the opposition twenty two. it will be an interesting contest between the Bangor backs who will want to play an expansive game whilst Clogher will look to use their set piece to control the game led by their experienced back row of Captain David Sharkey, Ryan Wilson and Barry Jon Wilson. Can the Bangor back row of Captain Jamie Clegg, Curtis Stewart and David Bradford match the Clogher Vally forwards in this area. Discipline will be crucial with no easy outs - giving away penalties, reducing errors and keep the game in the top third of the pitch. The coach is looking his Bangor forwards to step up and negate the Clogher threat posed by their pack and back row around the fringes. Bangor have never won the Junior Cup and are treating this game as a final. He is hoping his team can put their game plan in place and get the right result. Whatever the result on Saturday one of the biggest crowds ever to attend a club match will be present at the Cran this weekend. What an advert this match is for Club rugby in Ulster and the players involved.
Instonians v Omagh
Most rugby observers will say Instonians are the favourites in this second semi final at Shaws bridge. Both teams were finalists in last years final at the Kingspan stadium with Instonians eventually winning 13 - 0 after a keenly contested game between these two sides. Instonians Head coach William Leacock and his assistants Mark McDowell and Keith Crossan are acutely aware that after the euphoria of last weeks 48 - 14 win over St Senans - Omagh will present a much sterner challenge. After an indifferent start to the season for Omagh - that included a 40 - 8 defeat at Instonians in the Qualifying league the County Tyrone club have remained undefeated in their last four league and Cup matches. Omagh Head coach Philip Marshall and his coaching team learned a lot from that defeat to redouble the efforts of the players in training to reduce the errors and improve their continuity and game management. Early season injuries also had a big impact on team selection. It also provided the opportunity for players to step up from their successful Crawford Cup winning team to stake a place on the 1st xv. This weekend the coach welcomes the return of centre Alan Heaney and winger Steven MacLaine with Club Captain Andrew Ferguson taking his place on the bench following injury.
The Instonians Head coach William Leacock agrees the games are coming thick and fast. He has a five week period to field three different teams with Junior Cup, AIL Junior Cup and league matches coming up with the possibility of playing three matches in eight days. Omagh are coming into this semi final in good form and are a very good side. The team and players are taking it one game at a time and we continue to rotate our squad as we try to keep our players fresh, injury free and hungry. We have a strong squad of twenty going into this match on Sat. The return of Robert Whitten, Paddy Bell, Misi Bogitini and Mike Blackwood made a big impact from the bench in the second half against St Senan's. The development of former hooker Conor Gallagher into a loose head prop this season after Fergal Lynch was ruled out for the season through injury has been a big bonus for the coach. Second row James Le Broy continues to develop into a hardworking second row. Alan Whitten returns from a warm weather break to take his place in the front row. Josh Lewis returns to the squad in place of winger Robbie Kirk who gets married this weekend. Matthew Keane and Richard McCarthy continue at half back and are developing a good understanding and keeping the Instonians pack going forward.
Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall is looking forward to his team testing themselves against a very good Instonians side. Will we see an upset at Shaws bridge this weekend. Again another tie that will attract a large support for both teams.
Clogher Valley v Bangor
Instonians v Omagh
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE THREE
Civil Service v Ophir
Letterkenny v Strabane
Limavady v BHSFP
Lurgan v Holywood
Monaghan v PSNI
Newry v UUC
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Ballynahinch (10th) v Galwegians (9th)
Two teams who are positioned 9th and 10th with Galwegians having a seven point advantage. Ballynahinch have lost their opening seven league matches with Galwegians winning two from seven after securing promotion from Division 1B last season. Ballynahinch’s Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan was pleased with the performance put in by the team as they defeated Belfast Harlequins 24 - 5 to secure their place in the final of the First Trust Senior Cup. He is hoping the team can put in another 80 minute performance down in Galway this weekend. Head Coach Derek Suffern will be boosted by the addition of eight Ulster players being released including - Paul Rowley, Peter Browne, John Donnan, Lorcan Dow, Zac McCall, Craig Trenier, Jonny Murphy, and Jonny Simpson. Sickness rules out Conor Joyce with Kyle McCall, Rhuardhi Murphy and Sam Windsor are not released by Ulster. AIL rules only permit the playing of two fully contracted players by a club in an AIL match. Injuries continue to impact on the selection options available to the coaches with Captain Paul Pritchard ruled out with a rib injury along with Adam Craig. Richard Reaney, Mike Graham, Will Stewart, Robin Harte and Jonny Madden face late fitness tests on Thursday night. Both David McGuigan and Aaron Cairns are unavailable due to Ireland Sevens commitments.
Division 1A
Galwegians v Ballynahinch
Garryowen v UCD
Lansdowne v Clontarf
Old Belvedere v Cork Constitution
Terenure College v Young Munster
Division 1B
Ballymena (2nd) v UL Bohemians (9th)
Head coach Andy Graham was pleased with his team in their 26 - 7 win at Armagh last Saturday. He felt his team controlled the game with the line speed of his defence limiting the Armagh attacking options. He was particularly impressed by the performance of his young Ulster Academy outhalf Andrew McGrath who along with Glenn Baillie and Marty Irwin imposed themselves on the opposition. The recent wins over Queens and Armagh allowed the coach to rotate and rest players with Andrew McGrath, James Beattie, Jonny Rossborough and Paddy James catching the eye of the coaches. Injury and sickness rule out John Andrew and Adam McBurney with club Captain Willy McKay unavailable for selection.
Matthew Harkness, John Creighton, Kieran Joyce, Paddy McGowan and Richard McCrudden remain on the injured list. For this weekend Michael Lagan, James Taggart and Bronson Ross make up the front row with David Whann and Conor Smyth in the second row. Matty Rea will continue at number 8 alongside Clive Ross and Stephen Mulholland. Dave Shanahan returns at scrum half alongside Richie McMaster. Callum Patterson resumes his centre partnership with Marty Irwin after impressing for Ulster A. James Beattie joins Jordan Foster on the wings with Rodger McBurney returning at full back. Included on the bench are Ross Kane, Bryan Young, Michael Shiels, Glen Baillie and Andrew McGrath. Second row Alan O'Connor has not been released by Ulster. There is disappointment for Jonny Rossborough, Paddy James, Chris Cundell and Andrew Ferguson who have not made the final twenty such is the strength of the Ballymena 1st XV squad. Head Coach Andrew Graham is delighted with the strength and conditioning work done by his coaches Bryan Young and Nicky Wells in their preparation of the players each week. The integration of the Ulster players into the Ballymena squad has been crucial to the success of the team this season with Ulster Academy players Ross Kane, Adam McBurney and Andrew McGrath continuing to press for a starting place on the 1st XV.
Belfast Harlequins (10th) v Blackrock College (8th)
Ten points separate these two teams in 8th and 10th place with Quins needing to pick up league points from their trip to Dublin on Saturday. Ulster have released players, Lewis Stevenson, Rory Scholes, Mark Best and Paul Jackson. Injury rules out Frank Taggart and Connor Young with both Ricky Lutton and Sean Reidy retained by Ulster. Both full back Brendan Monahan and winger Andrew McPhillips are available for selection. Selection will be along similar lines to the team that played in 24 - 5 defeat at Ballynahinch last Saturday with Lewis Stevenson expected to play alongside Neil McComb in the second row. Head Coach Adam Larkin will finalise team selection on Thursday night. Director of Rugby DC Gillespie is optimistic with the addition of experienced players the team can get a result at Blackrock College. The team has shown a lot of improvement over recent weeks and they will need a committed 80 minute performance to secure four valuable league points. It will not be an easy game as Blackrock are a quality side.
Ballymena v UL Bohemians
Blackrock College v Belfast Harlequins
Buccaneers v Dublin uni
Shannon v Dolphin
St Mary's College v Old Wesley
Division 2A
Banbridge (2nd) v Cashel (3rd)
This Bann squad narrowly missed out on promotion last season with Head Coach Daniel Soper and his players facing three crucial games over the next three weeks against early season pacesetters Cashel and back to back games with fellow Ulster side Queens Uni. He was disappointed his team forfeited the lead in their three away matches to lose games by one score. As he described it - six minutes on the pitch cost them nine league points and a commanding lead at the top of Division 2A. The squad has had two weeks off to freshen up and it will be a challenge for the players to get back up to the intensity which will be needed for the visit of Cashel. Both sides have met in tough battles with each other over recent seasons with the result going in favour of the home side. The coach welcomes back the experienced Nico Vorster. Centre Andrew Morrison faces a fitness test on Thursday night after being out injured for six weeks and is expected to take his place in the match day squad. Scrumhalf Lee Steenson is unavailable due to work commitments and will be replaced by Josh Cromie. The experienced Colin Bickerstaff comes on to the bench after turning out for the lower teams in recent weeks. His experience will be much needed in the coming weeks. Cashel have lost their last two league games at home to Ulster sides Queens Uni and Malone.
Malone (1st) v Queen’s University (5th)
This is a most eagerly awaited Belfast derby between two teams hoping to be in contention for promotion this season. Malone have bounced back from a pre season of considerable turmoil within the club to sit top of Division 2A after seven matches. Queens Head coach Bob Young has faced numerous obstacles from injury to player unavailability as he strives to field his strongest 1st XV. Like Malone they went to Munster and defeated early pacesetters Cashel on their home turf. Once again injuries to front row players continue to impact on Queens selection. Brian Cunningham has been suspended for one week after being sent off along with Dungannon prop Steven Sinnamon last Saturday. Ulster Academy prop Jake Byrne has not been released with both Jordan Southway and Jonny Craig facing late fitness tests. Aside from Queens front row problems they have a squad full of Ulster Academy and Age representative players. This includes talented backs Josh Fullerton, Jack Milligan, Paddy Farrell, Conor McKee, Alex Kane, Conor Kelly, Joel McBride and Ulster Academy players Liam Free, Robert Lyttle and Jonny McPhillips. In the forwards they are led by Captain Josh Atkinson, Nick Timoney, Paddy Marks, Nigel Simpson, Hugh Sloan, Marc Campbell, Saul Herdman, Stewart Martin, Jonny Craig, Jordan Southway, Brian Cunningham, Norman Sinclair and Ulster Academy players Alex Thompson and Jake Byrne. Nick Timoney will be unavailable this weekend due to his involvement with the Ireland Sevens squad. Interesting to note the number of exiles now playing rugby at Queens. This includes Ulster Academy players Liam Free, Johnny McPhillips and Jake Byrne along with Ireland Under 19/20 players Hugh Sloan and Alex Kane and former Leinster Academy players Brian Cunningham and Nick Timoney.
Malone Head Coach Jarrett Truscott picks from a virtually full strength squad with long term injuries Dave Cave and Chris Griffiths hoping to be available after Xmas. After resting ten of his squad last week against City of Derry there are returns for Tristan King, Cory Tipping, Richard Millar, Captain Neil Alcorn, Ross Todd, Shane Kelly, Josh Pentland and Adam Liddell to the 1st XV. Michael Barker returns on the wing after being unavailable for several weeks. The unfortunate Michael Cartmill picked up an injury on Tuesday night that will rule him out for several weeks. The experienced Lee Barlow will join Ben Halliday, Ben McDonnell, Max Porter and Jack McMurtry on the bench. Fascinating contest in prospect at Gibson Park between two evenly matched sides.
Banbridge v Cashel
Galway Corinthians v UCC
Malone v Queens Uni
Nenagh Ormond v Skerries
Thomond v Naas
Division 2B
Dungannon (8th) v Bective Rangers (7th)
Head Coach Andy Hughes and his assistant Seamus Mallon have instilled a new belief within the playing squad at Dungannon. Facing defeat against Queens Uni last Sat after trailing 28 - 16 they were able to overhaul the students in the final quarter to win 35 - 28. Coach Hughes described it as a well fought win and what the players needed ahead of the next batch of games. Queens had played with a good tempo and width in their game that put the Dungannon defence under a lot of pressure. It was a good test and hopefully the players can take a lot of confidence from the game and bring it to Bective. All the coach asked from his players was a performance to get the team back up to speed after a couple of weeks off. But to come away with a win was a bonus. He adds Mark Riddell, James Bates, Robbie Anderson and David Leyburn to his squad. Steven Sinnamon is suspended for one week with Peter Gilkinson unavailable so in relative terms the coach agrees his team are not too badly off right now. Can Dungannon secure their first away win in the AIL this season with two points separating these two sides.
Rainey OB (6th) v Highfield (2nd)
This will be a tough test for Head Coach John Andrews and his players against a Highfield side that defeated league leaders City of Derry in their last league outing. He is putting out a very young team with long term injured second row Conal Murphy returning to the forwards. His presence will bring that added physicality to the pack. Nicholas Stirling returns on wing with both Jonny Lees and Rory Winters taking their place in the back row. Four points separate the teams between 6th and 9th place in this league.
City of Derry (1st) v Seapoint (10th)
League leaders City of Derry bounced back from a disappointing defeat at Highfield to comprehensively defeat a Malone xv at Judges Road last Sat 32 - 13. As Head coach Terry McMaster described it was important for the players to get this loss out of their system so they could focus on the next AIL match away to Seapoint. On paper you would say it has to be a win for the top team against bottom side Seapoint who remain without a win after seven AIL matches. The fact their match in Cork against Highfield did not finish until 4.15pm after Highfield secured a late score to win the match has left some unfinished business with Seapoint going to face a very fired up City of Derry side. City of Derry lost their winger Neil Brown to injury in the Highfield match with his replacement jack Beattie scoring against Malone. Second row David Houston was unavailable for the Malone match with centres David Funston and David Graham rested. As is the case the coach will not finalise his selection until training tonight.
Armagh (5th) v Sunday's Well (4th)
Both these sides are level on nineteen points with four wins from seven matches in the AIL. Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy was delighted with the workout his players had in their 26 - 7 defeat against the inform Ballymena 1st xv at the Palace grounds last Sat. They add James Morton and Andrew Smyth to their starting line up. Any trip to Cork is always difficult and this Armagh squad have shown in recent seasons they can pick up results at these venues.
Bective Rangers v Dungannon
MU Barnhall v Greystones
Rainey OB v Highfield
Seapoint v City of Derry
Sundays Well v Armagh
Division 2C
Bruff v Old Crescent
Dundalk RFC v Old Crescent
Kanturk v Boyne
Navan RFC v Midleton
Tullamore v Wanderers
MILLAR MCCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP SEMI FINALS
Clogher Valley v Bangor
What I will say about these clubs including Instonians, Clogher Valley and Bangor is that they have raised the bar for other aspiring rugby clubs in Ulster. This Saturday we have an outstanding Junior Cup semi final taking place at the Cran in Fivemiletown between two sides who have only tasted defeat once in all competitions. The Cran is never an easy venue for any visiting team as league champions Instonians will testify to after losing their league encounter 20 - 8 on the 12th September. Both Clubs have full strength squads available at their disposal this weekend. Clogher coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black will go head to head against Bangor coaches Jason Morgan and Michael Ferguson. Both Jason Morgan and Davy Black coached the Ulster Juniors to their first Junior inter provincial championship title in ten years with Jason Morgan and Michael Ferguson involved in coaching the Ulster under 19 squad. Both these teams have players who choose to play Qualifying rugby in preference to the demands of the All Ireland league. The result is we have a Qualifying league structure that is the envy of the other three provinces in Ireland due to its quality and competitiveness.
Clogher Valley retain the squad that so emphatically swept aside the challenge of Munster Junior champions Clonmel in their own back yard last Sat 31 - 0. What pleased the Clogher coaches was the performance and depth in strength the replacements have added to the teams performance most notably from Nathan Orr, Neil Trotter, Philip Hooper, Malcolm Keyes and Adam Baxter.
Bangor Head coach Jason Morgan was disappointed with his teams performance in the opening fifty minutes against Monkstown that kept the Dublin side in the match. Dropped balls, poor offloading and losing the ball in contact disrupted their continuity in this period before a strong final quarter brought them through 38 - 16. The coach is aware his players have been focusing very much on this weekends match with Clogher Valley. The players lacked intensity in the warm up last sat and carried this into the match. It won't happen this weekend.
The team and players know all about Clogher Valley - that they have a good pack with good kicking half backs. In training this week the players have worked hard on counteracting this threat. The Bangor objective is to deny Clogher field position so they can't use their maul in the opposition twenty two. it will be an interesting contest between the Bangor backs who will want to play an expansive game whilst Clogher will look to use their set piece to control the game led by their experienced back row of Captain David Sharkey, Ryan Wilson and Barry Jon Wilson. Can the Bangor back row of Captain Jamie Clegg, Curtis Stewart and David Bradford match the Clogher Vally forwards in this area. Discipline will be crucial with no easy outs - giving away penalties, reducing errors and keep the game in the top third of the pitch. The coach is looking his Bangor forwards to step up and negate the Clogher threat posed by their pack and back row around the fringes. Bangor have never won the Junior Cup and are treating this game as a final. He is hoping his team can put their game plan in place and get the right result. Whatever the result on Saturday one of the biggest crowds ever to attend a club match will be present at the Cran this weekend. What an advert this match is for Club rugby in Ulster and the players involved.
Instonians v Omagh
Most rugby observers will say Instonians are the favourites in this second semi final at Shaws bridge. Both teams were finalists in last years final at the Kingspan stadium with Instonians eventually winning 13 - 0 after a keenly contested game between these two sides. Instonians Head coach William Leacock and his assistants Mark McDowell and Keith Crossan are acutely aware that after the euphoria of last weeks 48 - 14 win over St Senans - Omagh will present a much sterner challenge. After an indifferent start to the season for Omagh - that included a 40 - 8 defeat at Instonians in the Qualifying league the County Tyrone club have remained undefeated in their last four league and Cup matches. Omagh Head coach Philip Marshall and his coaching team learned a lot from that defeat to redouble the efforts of the players in training to reduce the errors and improve their continuity and game management. Early season injuries also had a big impact on team selection. It also provided the opportunity for players to step up from their successful Crawford Cup winning team to stake a place on the 1st xv. This weekend the coach welcomes the return of centre Alan Heaney and winger Steven MacLaine with Club Captain Andrew Ferguson taking his place on the bench following injury.
The Instonians Head coach William Leacock agrees the games are coming thick and fast. He has a five week period to field three different teams with Junior Cup, AIL Junior Cup and league matches coming up with the possibility of playing three matches in eight days. Omagh are coming into this semi final in good form and are a very good side. The team and players are taking it one game at a time and we continue to rotate our squad as we try to keep our players fresh, injury free and hungry. We have a strong squad of twenty going into this match on Sat. The return of Robert Whitten, Paddy Bell, Misi Bogitini and Mike Blackwood made a big impact from the bench in the second half against St Senan's. The development of former hooker Conor Gallagher into a loose head prop this season after Fergal Lynch was ruled out for the season through injury has been a big bonus for the coach. Second row James Le Broy continues to develop into a hardworking second row. Alan Whitten returns from a warm weather break to take his place in the front row. Josh Lewis returns to the squad in place of winger Robbie Kirk who gets married this weekend. Matthew Keane and Richard McCarthy continue at half back and are developing a good understanding and keeping the Instonians pack going forward.
Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall is looking forward to his team testing themselves against a very good Instonians side. Will we see an upset at Shaws bridge this weekend. Again another tie that will attract a large support for both teams.
Clogher Valley v Bangor
Instonians v Omagh
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE THREE
Civil Service v Ophir
Letterkenny v Strabane
Limavady v BHSFP
Lurgan v Holywood
Monaghan v PSNI
Newry v UUC