Pride of place must go to Bangor who added the Powerade Towns' Cup to its collection of honours on Easter Monday with a thrilling 31-25 win over a superb Enniskillen side.
The Millar McCall Wyle Junior Cup had been won at Kingspan Stadium earlier in the season, and last week the Qualifying One title had been secured.
For player-coach Jason Morgan and his squad this has been quite an astounding season, and the Bangor club is very much back on its feet and planning for a future as senior outfit once more.
Entering the final quarter on Easter Monday Bangor were lead 31-13 when fatigue caught up perhaps after playing five games in 16 days, but that would be to take credit from a Fermanagh side which threw off its conservative shackles and responded with two tries to narrow the Bangor lead to 31-25 with five minutes remaining.
With the 1,100 spectators providing a noisy atmosphere throughout there was, for a moment, the possibility of a real upset. It was an anxious few minutes for the seasiders before referee Peter Martin blew his final whistle for Morgan and his players to celebrate winning an unique treble.
Referee Peter Martin and his officials played their part in contributing to one of the most exciting finals hosted at Kingspan Stadium in recent seasons.
A wonderful display from ‘Skins’, but Bangor’s experience and ambition earned it the famous ‘three-times’, and now – on Saturday – it hosts Westport in the first phase of the qualification round-robin to decide which club will play All-Ireland rugby next season.
There has been a lot of discussion on reintroducing an Under 20 league in Ulster, and Instonians hosted its annual tournament at Shaw’s Bridge on Easter Monday.
Eight teams took part with Instonians, Belfast Harlequins, Queen’s and Ballymena progressing to the semi-finals where Ballymena defeated Belfast Harlequins, and Queen’s overcoming Instonians. The Final was won by the students from Queen’s, and mention should be made of the other four teams to compete: Ards, Lisburn, Armagh and Belfast Metropolitan College.
The drama on the domestic scene this weekend is unrelenting with games in the Ulster Bank AIL League and Kukri Qualifying Leagues deciding promotion and relegation. Last weekend in the AIL both Banbridge and City of Derry suffered defeats in their pursuit of promotion in Section 2 ,with Rainey OB looking to the play-offs to retain their position in Division 2B.
Sadly the position in Section One is no better, with Ballynahinch likely to join Belfast Harlequins in being relegated. Ballymena does retain the hope of promotion to Division 1A through the play-offs.
The first games in the All Ireland Provincial League Championship Round Robin Play-offs take place this weekend, Ulster’s Bangor joining Leinster winners Enniscorthy, Munster’s Clonmel and Connacht winners Westport in three play-off matches.
Bangor plays Westport at Upritchard Park on Saturday and will be looking to take maximum points before travelling to play favourites Enniscorthy. The winners of the league are automatically promoted to Division 2C, with the ninth-placed team in Division 2C playing the runners-up in the play-off for a place in Division 2C next season.
In Qualifying League One Portadown will require a win over Clogher Valley on Thursday night at Chambers Park to secure fifth place and hope Qualifying One winners Bangor return to the AIL league via the play-offs to allow the Mid-Ulster club to take its place in the AIL Junior Cup next season.
In Qualifying League Two the top-of-the-table clash between Carrickfergus and Coleraine at Rugby Avenue could see Carrick crowned league champions. A win for second-placed Coleraine would see the North Coast side travelling to Mullaghmeen on Tuesday night to take on Enniskillen, a win confirming them as champions!
The party can be spoiled by third-placed Enniskillen which, if it wins their remaining four games, can finish in second place and make the play-off. The task confronting the Fermanagh team is arduous with players facing four games in eleven days, with the runners-up in Qualifying Two travelling to play ninth-placed Ards at Hamilton Park on the Saturday, 16 April for a place in the Junior top flight next season.
There is also the fascinating four-way contest at the bottom of Qualifying Two involving Donaghadee, Lisburn, Ballymoney and Grosvenor, with just one point separating these teams. The 10th-placed team is automatically relegated, with the side finishing ninth involved in a play-off with the runners-up in Qualifying Three for promotion.
What excitement Qualifying Two has provided with quality teams like Randalstown, Larne and Academy sitting secure in mid-table.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Ballynahinch v UCD
The Ballymacarn side is eight points behind ninth-placed Galwegians and will require a minor miracle to overcome the Connacht side and avoid automatic relegation to Division 1B.
Once again there is the prospect of no Ulster side in Division 1A next season - unless Ballymena can win a place through the play-offs. In line with the form of so many Ulster sides in 2016 Ballynahinch has only won two of games.
When UCD came to Ballymacarn Park in September UCD won convincingly by 47-13 winners. With two points separating the teams in second, third and fourth places UCD will be seeking maximum points in its pursuit of second place and a home semi-final in the play-offs.
FIXTURES
Garryowen v Young Munster, Friday, 7.30pm
Old Belvedere v Clontarf
Galwegians v Terenure College
Lansdowne v Cork Constitution
UCD v Ballynahinch
Division 1B
Ballymena v Dolphin
The Eaton Park side requires one point to guarantee third place in the play-offs. Ballymena faces a Dolphin side hoping for a win, the Cork side is currently in seventh spot, three points ahead of ninth-placed UL Bohemians.
Ballymena Head Coach Andy Graham wants two wins from his side’s two remaining games against Dolphin and Belfast Harlequins, and that would ensure a play-off. Again the side’s form has lacked consistency with the team only winning three of seven fixtures in 2016.
In the second half of the season Graham has had to confront an increasing injury list and the scourge that is ‘unavailability’. As a result he had to introduce younger players who have had to adapt to playing a harder, more physical game. They had to quickly adapt to the demands of the game at this level.
With all the changes unsettling the team things didn't click properly and this impacted on the squad, but what pleased the coach was the resilience of the players in their 34-19 defeat at Dublin University four weeks ago. The team came back after conceding three tries to almost take a losing bonus point from the match in Dublin.
This weekend Ulster has released Dave Shanahan, Stephen Mulholland, Clive Ross, Ross Kane, John Andrews, Michael Lagan and Adam McBurney, so Graham’s and is strengthened.
His team includes a front-row of Michael Lagan, John Andrews and Ross Kane with Conor Smyth and David Whann in the second row. Willy McKay joins Clive Ross and Stephen Mulholland in the back row, with Shanahan starting at scrum-half as partner to Richie McMaster.
Glen Baillie joins Marty Irwin in the centre with Jordan Foster and James Beattie on the wings and Rodger McBurney at full-back. His bench includes Chris Cundell, Adam McBurney, Oliver Millar, Andrew McGrath and Jonny Rossborough. Both Michael Lagan and Chris Cundell have been ill this week and face late fitness tests. When these two sides met at Irish Independent Park in September Ballymena won 37-10 – perhaps a good omen.
Belfast Harlequins v UL Bohemians
The Deramore Park side is already relegated to Division 2A next season. Again their form in 2016 has not been good, winning two from seven, but in the last AIL outing four weeks ago at home the Belfast side recorded an impressive 29-24 win over fourth-placed Old Wesley.
Adam Larkin's side recovered from a 24-12 deficit in the second half to dominate the final quarter and record a deserved win. With pride at stake the coach will be looking for another win.
UL Bohemians are involved along with Blackrock College and Dolphin in avoiding finishing in the dreaded ninth place, with three points separating these three teams. When these two sides met at Deramore Park in September Bohemians ran out narrow 20-18 winners.
FIXTURES
St Mary's College v Dublin University, Friday, 7.30pm.
Ballymena v Dolphin
Blackrock College v Shannon
Buccaneers v Old Wesley
UL Bohemians v Belfast Harlequins
Division 2A
Banbridge v Malone
Bann’s Head Coach Daniel Soper was disappointed to see his team lose at Galway Corinthians last weekend, though it played very well for 35 minutes. But unfortunately a couple of errors cost his side eight points and shifted the momentum of the game to Corinthians.
This weekend Banbridge will want a result to ensure - in the unlikely event Naas lose at home to Skerries – Bann can finish in first place. By finishing second Banbridge will have home advantage in the play-off semi-final.
Soper’s team has only a short history with Malone in the AIL, though for years the teams have had tight battles in the Ulster Senior League. Expecting another close affair he picks the same team which played against Galway Corinthians last Saturday. When these two sides met at Gibson Park in September Banbridge won narrowly by 23-20.
For the record, in 2016 Banbridge has won four from seven, losing the last three away games. Malone has won just one of its last seven games this calendar year, and lost 25 - 8 at home to Naas last Saturday.
Malone Head coach Jarrett Truscott has yet to finalise his starting line-up, but he’s properly expecting a tough game at Rifle Park with Banbridge throwing everything at his side to get the win and bonus point in the hope Naas slip up at home to Skerries. He will expect his players to give everything in this, their final game.
There’s nothing to lose for Malone apart from the team hoping to make a statement to finish their season.
Queen’s University v Galway Corinthians
Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young was delighted with his team’s 54-5 win at Thomond last weekend, the try-scorers in their eight-try rout included captain Josh Atkinson(2), Stuart McIIwaine, Conor Kelly, Mark Gordon, penalty try, Marc Campbell and Alex Thompson with Ali Wright kicking seven of eight conversion attempts.
The students have only won three from seven games in 2016.
Young expects Corinthians to be a formidable side after its last three AIL wins, and the Connacht side is just two points behind eighth-placed Skerries. A win for Corinthians, and a defeat for Skerries at Naas, will see the Galway side move out of the relegation/promotion play-offs. When these sides met in Galway in September Queen’s had a 30-18 win.
FIXTURES
Banbridge v Malone
Cashel v Thomond
Naas v Skerries
Queen’s v Galway Corinthians
UCC v Nenagh Ormond
Division 2B
City of Derry v MU Barnhall
Few could have thought City of Derry would lose its last five AIL games! Saturday was another frustrating day for Head Coach Terry McMaster as his side lost a close encounter at Donnybrook 20-19. The North West still leads Division 2B by one point from Highfield and Sunday's Well, and a win at home on Saturday against MU Barnhall would mean City of Derry is league champions.
Barnhall will be difficult opponents with both Ulster sides Dungannon and Armagh chasing a fifth-place finish. Astonishingly City of Derry won its last game on the 23 January, defeating Rainey OB 19-12 at Hat-trick Park. It’s sure to be a nervous occasion for players and supporters at Judges Road this weekend.
Dungannon v Armagh
Dungannon’s coach Andrew Hughes has done a remarkable job at Stevenson Park this season, and he could not have anticipated a better fixture to end the season than with Ulster neighbours Armagh. Not only is pride and ‘bragging’ rights at stake there is the small matter of who will finish in fifth place, just four points separating MU Barnhall, Dungannon and Armagh.
Hughes’ team has put in an impressive second half to the season in 2016 winning five from eight games, and extended the AIL run to three games winning 27-15 at Seapoint last weekend.
When these two sides met at the Palace Grounds in September Armagh won narrowly by 21 - 20 winners.
In 2016 Armagh have won two, drawn twice, and lost four from eight AIL games. In its last AIL game Armagh snatched a late 15-15 draw with fourth-placed Greystones at the Palace grounds.
Rainey OB v Seapoint
The Magherafelt side will finish in ninth place and face the play-offs to retain its place in Division 2B next season. Head Coach John Andrews was pleased with his players’ performance in the 20-19 defeat at MU Barnhall last weekend, and despite the defeat the mood in the playing squad is very good.
Rainey completes its league programme against relegated Seapoint at home on Saturday, and the only change from last weekend will see the return of Michael Pyper at out-half.
Rainey prop Neil O'Kane will make his final appearance in the All-Ireland League having being a mainstay for the club for so many years, and his team-mates will be keen to give him a winning send-off.
FIXTURES
City of Derry v MU Barnhall
Dungannon v Armagh
Greystones v Sunday's Well
Highfield v Bective Rangers
Rainey OB v Seapoint
Division 2C
Bruff v Dundalk
Midleton v Boyne
Old Crescent v Tullamore
Sligo v Navan
Wanderers v Kanturk
ALL IRELAND LEAGUE PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Bangor v Westport
Having completed its 33rd game of the season in the 31-25 Towns’ Cup win over Enniskillen on Easter Monday the goal for the distinguished former Senior club is to return to the AIL league via the play-offs.
Fatigue will be an issue that the coaches Jason Morgan and Michael Ferguson will have to manage over the next three weeks, it will require a massive final effort from the players to achieve their goal of Senior rugby after playing five games in 16 days.
The coaching team gambled with twenty minutes to go in Monday’s Final after building up a 31-13 lead over Enniskillen by taking frontline players Jason Morgan, David Bradford and Philip Whyte off to give them as much rest as possible before Saturday’s game with Westport at Upritchard Park.
The Bangor playing squad has a lot of niggly injuries after a gruelling season and while the players are proud of their fitness levels it is all these minor bumps and bruises which are beginning to take their toll in the final minutes of recent games.
Both Ross McCloskey and Andrew Jackson are expected to return to the squad for this weekend, but Curtis Stewart and Neil Cuthbertson are carrying injuries from Monday's Final with Davey Charles continuing his recovery from injury. He is expected to be fit to play in the latter stages of the play-offs.
FIXTURES
Bangor Westport
Clonmel v Enniscorthy
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE
Qualifying One
Portadown v Clogher Valley
Head Coach Richard Hedley was delighted his Portadown team won 22-7 at Instonians last weekend, and the side has an outside chance of qualifying for the AIL Junior Cup next season if it can finish in fifth place with a win over Clogher Valley on Thursday night at Chambers Park.
Clogher Valley has been struggling with an ever-growing injury list in recent weeks, Aaron Best, David Speers, Michael Treanor, Barry Jon Wilson, Rodney Bennett with Ronan McAleer being unavailable for Portadown.
Clogher’s team for Thursday includes a front-row of Philip Hopper, Kyle Cobain Captain, Neil Henderson with Eugene McKenna and Mark McKeown in the second row. Ryan Wilson is joined by Alex and Ian McKeown in the back-row. Mark Ellis starts at scrum-half, with Neil Trotter at out-half.
Nathan Orr and Allister Trenier are paired in the centre with Andy Breen and Fleming Agnew on the wings and Andy Brady at full- back. Clogher Valley drew 13-13 with neighbours Omagh last Saturday.
Portadown and Clogher Valley have already met three times this season, Valley winning 17-0 in the League at The Cran in October, again winning by 32-11 in November’s Junior Cup quarter-final, and completing the hat-trick in the Towns’ Cup ‘quarter’ at home in February.
FIXTURE
Portadown v Clogher Valley
Qualifying Two
Coleraine v Carrickfergus
This is a much-awaited contest with the top two sides separated by two points with two games remaining, and meeting at Rugby Avenue in front of what will be a big crowd. A win for Carrickfergus - with Coleraine denied a bonus point of any kind – will crown Carrick as champions.
These two sides have already met at the Tom Simms Memorial Ground point in December when Carrickfergus won 21-6.
Carrick Head coach Neil Hanna would like his team to complete a fine season by taking the championship this weekend, but he’s rightly wary of Coleraine’s threat on the counter and he’ll have tailored his tactics to deny possession and territory to the home side as much as possible.
Player-coach Hanna has a full squad to choose from this week, the first time he’s had this luxury in a while. Club Captain Ross Marsden has recovered from injury to pose a selection headache in the back-row after a great showing from Neil Marsden, Andy McKeen and Ryan McGonigle in their 9-8 win over Enniskillen.
Hanna regards Coleraine and Enniskillen as the two form teams in the league. And says that his team are looking forward to the match and are excited about the challenge it presents. Having won all three of the previous contests with Coleraine the coach and players are not taking anything for granted as all the games were close affairs.
“Against Coleraine if you let them play they are a dangerous side who can hurt you from anywhere, so we need to be disciplined and we have to try to control the ball both in attack and defence,” says Hanna, who is retiring from playing at the end of the campaign.
“Saturday will hopefully be a great occasion that will showcase the high level of rugby on offer in Qualifying Two,” is all he’ll say as he guides his relatively inexperienced charges towards what would be a well-merited.
Enniskillen v Academy
Head Coach Norman Richmond has the responsibility to refocus his players with four league games left to gain promotion to Qualifying One next season.
It is asking a lot of the Enniskillen players to play four games in eleven days after coming so close to causing an upset against Bangor in the Towns’ Cup Final on Easter Monday, and the team will show two changes to the team that played against Bangor due to work commitments. Academy is a good team with the coach expecting a tough game on Saturday at Mullaghmeen.
The team has a busy schedule with no room for error over the next two weeks if it is to claim a possible play-off with Ards for promotion: Academy (H), Saturday, 2.3pm; Coleraine (H), Tuesday, 8pm; Randalstown (A), Saturday, 9 April, 2.30 pm; Carrickfergus (H), Tuesday, 12 April, 8pm.
Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn is expecting to make a few changes due to injury and players returning from injury. Final selection will be made late in the week.
The goal for his team is to secure enough points from its three remaining games to overtake fifth-placed Larne, and Lynn is looking for an improvement from his players despite their 24-17 win over Ballymoney last weekend.
Grosvenor v Ballymoney
Wins over Academy and Larne have given Grosvenor a lifeline in their fight against relegation. But these wins will count for nothing if the team doesn’t beat Ballymoney and Donaghadee. The coaches have nearly a full squad at their disposal, though both Andrew Kelly and Peter Dawson are unavailable.
Grosvenor will be playing its first game at Gibson Park this weekend following the move from Belmont, and the club is hoping a new exciting era beckons.
Ballymoney coach James Carson was more than a little disappointed with his team’s performance in the 44-0 defeat at Lisburn, though they recovered to lose narrowly at Academy 24-17 last Saturday. His players are aware of what is at stake this week.
Carson believes his team can get the win at Grosvenor to ease fears of ‘the drop’, and the problem he has found with his young squad has been consistency. His view is that the coaches and players have no one else to blame but themselves for the position the team are in. Saturday is a Cup Final for his players.
When these two sides met at Kilraughts Road in August, Ballymoney won 13-10.
Lisburn v Donaghadee
Another ‘must win’ match for both sides on Saturday with one point separating the bottom four teams. Lisburn has two games remaining at home while Donaghadee has four games left, all away from home. Lisburn won 44-0 at home to fellow strugglers Ballymoney two weeks ago, with Head Coach Neil Hinds hoping his players have turned the corner after a difficult season with a young playing squad. When these two sides met at Donaldson Park in December Lisburn won 20 - 15.
Lisburn First XV manager Michael Knowles describes it as “scarily tight” down at the bottom of Qualifying Two, with one point separating the bottom four teams. His players were delighted with the win over Ballymoney when everything ‘clicked’ and the team scored eight tries in front of the home support.
But that result is very much in the past now with two remaining games like two Cup Finals. As ever selection will not be finalised until Thursday night, but there will definitely be two changes with back-row forward Robin Johnston picking up a nasty injury in training on Tuesday night and winger Ross Reaney unavailable after scoring three tries against Ballymoney.
Donaghadee has lost its last five league games, including a 31-12 defeat at home to Larne last Saturday. Head coach John West has a young squad at his disposal which will have to try and pick up wins in the remaining games against Lisburn, Grosvenor, Academy and Randalstown. No easy fixtures.
Randalstown v Larne
These two teams sit fourth and fifth in the league table. Randalstown recorded an impressive 7-3 win at Academy two weeks ago, while Larne impressed in the 31-12 win at Donaghadee. Randalstown has four league games remaining - against Larne, Donaghadee, Enniskillen and Grosvenor – if it is to consolidate its top four position. Head Coach Gary Longwell, with Alastair Strange, have done a terrific job in assembling a squad that will surely be among the promotion contenders next season in Qualifying Two.
Larne coach Ryan Milligan thought his Larne side played some of its best rugby since November in building a 31-0 half-time lead against Donaghadee at Donaldson Park. Tries were scored by Ryan McAllister (2), Rob Fenner, Jonny Cole and Aaron McBride with the team running out 31-12 winners.
The coach has been delighted with his first season in charge at Larne as the team has consolidated its mid-table position after promotion from Qualifying Three.
He was disappointed the team could not build on the strong first half to the season and is looking to the squad to regroup and, with a good pre-season, is confident the team can be amongst the promotion contenders next season.
The team will be along similar lines to the team that played at Donaghadee with Geoff McKinty facing a late fitness test for the trip to Randalstown.
FIXTURES
Coleraine v Carrickfergus
Enniskillen v Academy
Grosvenor v Ballymoney
Lisburn v Donaghadee
Randalstown v Larne
Enniskillen v Coleraine, Tuesday, 8pm
Qualifying Three
Civil Service v Holywood
Letterkenny v Ophir
Limavady v Strabane
Lurgan v PSNI
Monaghan v UUC
Newry v BHSFP
SECOND XV LEAGUE
Ballynahinch v Malone. Postponed. (Malone playing McCrea Cup Final, Tuesday)
Banbridge v Ballymena
Queen’s v Belfast Harlequins
The Millar McCall Wyle Junior Cup had been won at Kingspan Stadium earlier in the season, and last week the Qualifying One title had been secured.
For player-coach Jason Morgan and his squad this has been quite an astounding season, and the Bangor club is very much back on its feet and planning for a future as senior outfit once more.
Entering the final quarter on Easter Monday Bangor were lead 31-13 when fatigue caught up perhaps after playing five games in 16 days, but that would be to take credit from a Fermanagh side which threw off its conservative shackles and responded with two tries to narrow the Bangor lead to 31-25 with five minutes remaining.
With the 1,100 spectators providing a noisy atmosphere throughout there was, for a moment, the possibility of a real upset. It was an anxious few minutes for the seasiders before referee Peter Martin blew his final whistle for Morgan and his players to celebrate winning an unique treble.
Referee Peter Martin and his officials played their part in contributing to one of the most exciting finals hosted at Kingspan Stadium in recent seasons.
A wonderful display from ‘Skins’, but Bangor’s experience and ambition earned it the famous ‘three-times’, and now – on Saturday – it hosts Westport in the first phase of the qualification round-robin to decide which club will play All-Ireland rugby next season.
There has been a lot of discussion on reintroducing an Under 20 league in Ulster, and Instonians hosted its annual tournament at Shaw’s Bridge on Easter Monday.
Eight teams took part with Instonians, Belfast Harlequins, Queen’s and Ballymena progressing to the semi-finals where Ballymena defeated Belfast Harlequins, and Queen’s overcoming Instonians. The Final was won by the students from Queen’s, and mention should be made of the other four teams to compete: Ards, Lisburn, Armagh and Belfast Metropolitan College.
The drama on the domestic scene this weekend is unrelenting with games in the Ulster Bank AIL League and Kukri Qualifying Leagues deciding promotion and relegation. Last weekend in the AIL both Banbridge and City of Derry suffered defeats in their pursuit of promotion in Section 2 ,with Rainey OB looking to the play-offs to retain their position in Division 2B.
Sadly the position in Section One is no better, with Ballynahinch likely to join Belfast Harlequins in being relegated. Ballymena does retain the hope of promotion to Division 1A through the play-offs.
The first games in the All Ireland Provincial League Championship Round Robin Play-offs take place this weekend, Ulster’s Bangor joining Leinster winners Enniscorthy, Munster’s Clonmel and Connacht winners Westport in three play-off matches.
Bangor plays Westport at Upritchard Park on Saturday and will be looking to take maximum points before travelling to play favourites Enniscorthy. The winners of the league are automatically promoted to Division 2C, with the ninth-placed team in Division 2C playing the runners-up in the play-off for a place in Division 2C next season.
In Qualifying League One Portadown will require a win over Clogher Valley on Thursday night at Chambers Park to secure fifth place and hope Qualifying One winners Bangor return to the AIL league via the play-offs to allow the Mid-Ulster club to take its place in the AIL Junior Cup next season.
In Qualifying League Two the top-of-the-table clash between Carrickfergus and Coleraine at Rugby Avenue could see Carrick crowned league champions. A win for second-placed Coleraine would see the North Coast side travelling to Mullaghmeen on Tuesday night to take on Enniskillen, a win confirming them as champions!
The party can be spoiled by third-placed Enniskillen which, if it wins their remaining four games, can finish in second place and make the play-off. The task confronting the Fermanagh team is arduous with players facing four games in eleven days, with the runners-up in Qualifying Two travelling to play ninth-placed Ards at Hamilton Park on the Saturday, 16 April for a place in the Junior top flight next season.
There is also the fascinating four-way contest at the bottom of Qualifying Two involving Donaghadee, Lisburn, Ballymoney and Grosvenor, with just one point separating these teams. The 10th-placed team is automatically relegated, with the side finishing ninth involved in a play-off with the runners-up in Qualifying Three for promotion.
What excitement Qualifying Two has provided with quality teams like Randalstown, Larne and Academy sitting secure in mid-table.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Ballynahinch v UCD
The Ballymacarn side is eight points behind ninth-placed Galwegians and will require a minor miracle to overcome the Connacht side and avoid automatic relegation to Division 1B.
Once again there is the prospect of no Ulster side in Division 1A next season - unless Ballymena can win a place through the play-offs. In line with the form of so many Ulster sides in 2016 Ballynahinch has only won two of games.
When UCD came to Ballymacarn Park in September UCD won convincingly by 47-13 winners. With two points separating the teams in second, third and fourth places UCD will be seeking maximum points in its pursuit of second place and a home semi-final in the play-offs.
FIXTURES
Garryowen v Young Munster, Friday, 7.30pm
Old Belvedere v Clontarf
Galwegians v Terenure College
Lansdowne v Cork Constitution
UCD v Ballynahinch
Division 1B
Ballymena v Dolphin
The Eaton Park side requires one point to guarantee third place in the play-offs. Ballymena faces a Dolphin side hoping for a win, the Cork side is currently in seventh spot, three points ahead of ninth-placed UL Bohemians.
Ballymena Head Coach Andy Graham wants two wins from his side’s two remaining games against Dolphin and Belfast Harlequins, and that would ensure a play-off. Again the side’s form has lacked consistency with the team only winning three of seven fixtures in 2016.
In the second half of the season Graham has had to confront an increasing injury list and the scourge that is ‘unavailability’. As a result he had to introduce younger players who have had to adapt to playing a harder, more physical game. They had to quickly adapt to the demands of the game at this level.
With all the changes unsettling the team things didn't click properly and this impacted on the squad, but what pleased the coach was the resilience of the players in their 34-19 defeat at Dublin University four weeks ago. The team came back after conceding three tries to almost take a losing bonus point from the match in Dublin.
This weekend Ulster has released Dave Shanahan, Stephen Mulholland, Clive Ross, Ross Kane, John Andrews, Michael Lagan and Adam McBurney, so Graham’s and is strengthened.
His team includes a front-row of Michael Lagan, John Andrews and Ross Kane with Conor Smyth and David Whann in the second row. Willy McKay joins Clive Ross and Stephen Mulholland in the back row, with Shanahan starting at scrum-half as partner to Richie McMaster.
Glen Baillie joins Marty Irwin in the centre with Jordan Foster and James Beattie on the wings and Rodger McBurney at full-back. His bench includes Chris Cundell, Adam McBurney, Oliver Millar, Andrew McGrath and Jonny Rossborough. Both Michael Lagan and Chris Cundell have been ill this week and face late fitness tests. When these two sides met at Irish Independent Park in September Ballymena won 37-10 – perhaps a good omen.
Belfast Harlequins v UL Bohemians
The Deramore Park side is already relegated to Division 2A next season. Again their form in 2016 has not been good, winning two from seven, but in the last AIL outing four weeks ago at home the Belfast side recorded an impressive 29-24 win over fourth-placed Old Wesley.
Adam Larkin's side recovered from a 24-12 deficit in the second half to dominate the final quarter and record a deserved win. With pride at stake the coach will be looking for another win.
UL Bohemians are involved along with Blackrock College and Dolphin in avoiding finishing in the dreaded ninth place, with three points separating these three teams. When these two sides met at Deramore Park in September Bohemians ran out narrow 20-18 winners.
FIXTURES
St Mary's College v Dublin University, Friday, 7.30pm.
Ballymena v Dolphin
Blackrock College v Shannon
Buccaneers v Old Wesley
UL Bohemians v Belfast Harlequins
Division 2A
Banbridge v Malone
Bann’s Head Coach Daniel Soper was disappointed to see his team lose at Galway Corinthians last weekend, though it played very well for 35 minutes. But unfortunately a couple of errors cost his side eight points and shifted the momentum of the game to Corinthians.
This weekend Banbridge will want a result to ensure - in the unlikely event Naas lose at home to Skerries – Bann can finish in first place. By finishing second Banbridge will have home advantage in the play-off semi-final.
Soper’s team has only a short history with Malone in the AIL, though for years the teams have had tight battles in the Ulster Senior League. Expecting another close affair he picks the same team which played against Galway Corinthians last Saturday. When these two sides met at Gibson Park in September Banbridge won narrowly by 23-20.
For the record, in 2016 Banbridge has won four from seven, losing the last three away games. Malone has won just one of its last seven games this calendar year, and lost 25 - 8 at home to Naas last Saturday.
Malone Head coach Jarrett Truscott has yet to finalise his starting line-up, but he’s properly expecting a tough game at Rifle Park with Banbridge throwing everything at his side to get the win and bonus point in the hope Naas slip up at home to Skerries. He will expect his players to give everything in this, their final game.
There’s nothing to lose for Malone apart from the team hoping to make a statement to finish their season.
Queen’s University v Galway Corinthians
Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young was delighted with his team’s 54-5 win at Thomond last weekend, the try-scorers in their eight-try rout included captain Josh Atkinson(2), Stuart McIIwaine, Conor Kelly, Mark Gordon, penalty try, Marc Campbell and Alex Thompson with Ali Wright kicking seven of eight conversion attempts.
The students have only won three from seven games in 2016.
Young expects Corinthians to be a formidable side after its last three AIL wins, and the Connacht side is just two points behind eighth-placed Skerries. A win for Corinthians, and a defeat for Skerries at Naas, will see the Galway side move out of the relegation/promotion play-offs. When these sides met in Galway in September Queen’s had a 30-18 win.
FIXTURES
Banbridge v Malone
Cashel v Thomond
Naas v Skerries
Queen’s v Galway Corinthians
UCC v Nenagh Ormond
Division 2B
City of Derry v MU Barnhall
Few could have thought City of Derry would lose its last five AIL games! Saturday was another frustrating day for Head Coach Terry McMaster as his side lost a close encounter at Donnybrook 20-19. The North West still leads Division 2B by one point from Highfield and Sunday's Well, and a win at home on Saturday against MU Barnhall would mean City of Derry is league champions.
Barnhall will be difficult opponents with both Ulster sides Dungannon and Armagh chasing a fifth-place finish. Astonishingly City of Derry won its last game on the 23 January, defeating Rainey OB 19-12 at Hat-trick Park. It’s sure to be a nervous occasion for players and supporters at Judges Road this weekend.
Dungannon v Armagh
Dungannon’s coach Andrew Hughes has done a remarkable job at Stevenson Park this season, and he could not have anticipated a better fixture to end the season than with Ulster neighbours Armagh. Not only is pride and ‘bragging’ rights at stake there is the small matter of who will finish in fifth place, just four points separating MU Barnhall, Dungannon and Armagh.
Hughes’ team has put in an impressive second half to the season in 2016 winning five from eight games, and extended the AIL run to three games winning 27-15 at Seapoint last weekend.
When these two sides met at the Palace Grounds in September Armagh won narrowly by 21 - 20 winners.
In 2016 Armagh have won two, drawn twice, and lost four from eight AIL games. In its last AIL game Armagh snatched a late 15-15 draw with fourth-placed Greystones at the Palace grounds.
Rainey OB v Seapoint
The Magherafelt side will finish in ninth place and face the play-offs to retain its place in Division 2B next season. Head Coach John Andrews was pleased with his players’ performance in the 20-19 defeat at MU Barnhall last weekend, and despite the defeat the mood in the playing squad is very good.
Rainey completes its league programme against relegated Seapoint at home on Saturday, and the only change from last weekend will see the return of Michael Pyper at out-half.
Rainey prop Neil O'Kane will make his final appearance in the All-Ireland League having being a mainstay for the club for so many years, and his team-mates will be keen to give him a winning send-off.
FIXTURES
City of Derry v MU Barnhall
Dungannon v Armagh
Greystones v Sunday's Well
Highfield v Bective Rangers
Rainey OB v Seapoint
Division 2C
Bruff v Dundalk
Midleton v Boyne
Old Crescent v Tullamore
Sligo v Navan
Wanderers v Kanturk
ALL IRELAND LEAGUE PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Bangor v Westport
Having completed its 33rd game of the season in the 31-25 Towns’ Cup win over Enniskillen on Easter Monday the goal for the distinguished former Senior club is to return to the AIL league via the play-offs.
Fatigue will be an issue that the coaches Jason Morgan and Michael Ferguson will have to manage over the next three weeks, it will require a massive final effort from the players to achieve their goal of Senior rugby after playing five games in 16 days.
The coaching team gambled with twenty minutes to go in Monday’s Final after building up a 31-13 lead over Enniskillen by taking frontline players Jason Morgan, David Bradford and Philip Whyte off to give them as much rest as possible before Saturday’s game with Westport at Upritchard Park.
The Bangor playing squad has a lot of niggly injuries after a gruelling season and while the players are proud of their fitness levels it is all these minor bumps and bruises which are beginning to take their toll in the final minutes of recent games.
Both Ross McCloskey and Andrew Jackson are expected to return to the squad for this weekend, but Curtis Stewart and Neil Cuthbertson are carrying injuries from Monday's Final with Davey Charles continuing his recovery from injury. He is expected to be fit to play in the latter stages of the play-offs.
FIXTURES
Bangor Westport
Clonmel v Enniscorthy
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE
Qualifying One
Portadown v Clogher Valley
Head Coach Richard Hedley was delighted his Portadown team won 22-7 at Instonians last weekend, and the side has an outside chance of qualifying for the AIL Junior Cup next season if it can finish in fifth place with a win over Clogher Valley on Thursday night at Chambers Park.
Clogher Valley has been struggling with an ever-growing injury list in recent weeks, Aaron Best, David Speers, Michael Treanor, Barry Jon Wilson, Rodney Bennett with Ronan McAleer being unavailable for Portadown.
Clogher’s team for Thursday includes a front-row of Philip Hopper, Kyle Cobain Captain, Neil Henderson with Eugene McKenna and Mark McKeown in the second row. Ryan Wilson is joined by Alex and Ian McKeown in the back-row. Mark Ellis starts at scrum-half, with Neil Trotter at out-half.
Nathan Orr and Allister Trenier are paired in the centre with Andy Breen and Fleming Agnew on the wings and Andy Brady at full- back. Clogher Valley drew 13-13 with neighbours Omagh last Saturday.
Portadown and Clogher Valley have already met three times this season, Valley winning 17-0 in the League at The Cran in October, again winning by 32-11 in November’s Junior Cup quarter-final, and completing the hat-trick in the Towns’ Cup ‘quarter’ at home in February.
FIXTURE
Portadown v Clogher Valley
Qualifying Two
Coleraine v Carrickfergus
This is a much-awaited contest with the top two sides separated by two points with two games remaining, and meeting at Rugby Avenue in front of what will be a big crowd. A win for Carrickfergus - with Coleraine denied a bonus point of any kind – will crown Carrick as champions.
These two sides have already met at the Tom Simms Memorial Ground point in December when Carrickfergus won 21-6.
Carrick Head coach Neil Hanna would like his team to complete a fine season by taking the championship this weekend, but he’s rightly wary of Coleraine’s threat on the counter and he’ll have tailored his tactics to deny possession and territory to the home side as much as possible.
Player-coach Hanna has a full squad to choose from this week, the first time he’s had this luxury in a while. Club Captain Ross Marsden has recovered from injury to pose a selection headache in the back-row after a great showing from Neil Marsden, Andy McKeen and Ryan McGonigle in their 9-8 win over Enniskillen.
Hanna regards Coleraine and Enniskillen as the two form teams in the league. And says that his team are looking forward to the match and are excited about the challenge it presents. Having won all three of the previous contests with Coleraine the coach and players are not taking anything for granted as all the games were close affairs.
“Against Coleraine if you let them play they are a dangerous side who can hurt you from anywhere, so we need to be disciplined and we have to try to control the ball both in attack and defence,” says Hanna, who is retiring from playing at the end of the campaign.
“Saturday will hopefully be a great occasion that will showcase the high level of rugby on offer in Qualifying Two,” is all he’ll say as he guides his relatively inexperienced charges towards what would be a well-merited.
Enniskillen v Academy
Head Coach Norman Richmond has the responsibility to refocus his players with four league games left to gain promotion to Qualifying One next season.
It is asking a lot of the Enniskillen players to play four games in eleven days after coming so close to causing an upset against Bangor in the Towns’ Cup Final on Easter Monday, and the team will show two changes to the team that played against Bangor due to work commitments. Academy is a good team with the coach expecting a tough game on Saturday at Mullaghmeen.
The team has a busy schedule with no room for error over the next two weeks if it is to claim a possible play-off with Ards for promotion: Academy (H), Saturday, 2.3pm; Coleraine (H), Tuesday, 8pm; Randalstown (A), Saturday, 9 April, 2.30 pm; Carrickfergus (H), Tuesday, 12 April, 8pm.
Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn is expecting to make a few changes due to injury and players returning from injury. Final selection will be made late in the week.
The goal for his team is to secure enough points from its three remaining games to overtake fifth-placed Larne, and Lynn is looking for an improvement from his players despite their 24-17 win over Ballymoney last weekend.
Grosvenor v Ballymoney
Wins over Academy and Larne have given Grosvenor a lifeline in their fight against relegation. But these wins will count for nothing if the team doesn’t beat Ballymoney and Donaghadee. The coaches have nearly a full squad at their disposal, though both Andrew Kelly and Peter Dawson are unavailable.
Grosvenor will be playing its first game at Gibson Park this weekend following the move from Belmont, and the club is hoping a new exciting era beckons.
Ballymoney coach James Carson was more than a little disappointed with his team’s performance in the 44-0 defeat at Lisburn, though they recovered to lose narrowly at Academy 24-17 last Saturday. His players are aware of what is at stake this week.
Carson believes his team can get the win at Grosvenor to ease fears of ‘the drop’, and the problem he has found with his young squad has been consistency. His view is that the coaches and players have no one else to blame but themselves for the position the team are in. Saturday is a Cup Final for his players.
When these two sides met at Kilraughts Road in August, Ballymoney won 13-10.
Lisburn v Donaghadee
Another ‘must win’ match for both sides on Saturday with one point separating the bottom four teams. Lisburn has two games remaining at home while Donaghadee has four games left, all away from home. Lisburn won 44-0 at home to fellow strugglers Ballymoney two weeks ago, with Head Coach Neil Hinds hoping his players have turned the corner after a difficult season with a young playing squad. When these two sides met at Donaldson Park in December Lisburn won 20 - 15.
Lisburn First XV manager Michael Knowles describes it as “scarily tight” down at the bottom of Qualifying Two, with one point separating the bottom four teams. His players were delighted with the win over Ballymoney when everything ‘clicked’ and the team scored eight tries in front of the home support.
But that result is very much in the past now with two remaining games like two Cup Finals. As ever selection will not be finalised until Thursday night, but there will definitely be two changes with back-row forward Robin Johnston picking up a nasty injury in training on Tuesday night and winger Ross Reaney unavailable after scoring three tries against Ballymoney.
Donaghadee has lost its last five league games, including a 31-12 defeat at home to Larne last Saturday. Head coach John West has a young squad at his disposal which will have to try and pick up wins in the remaining games against Lisburn, Grosvenor, Academy and Randalstown. No easy fixtures.
Randalstown v Larne
These two teams sit fourth and fifth in the league table. Randalstown recorded an impressive 7-3 win at Academy two weeks ago, while Larne impressed in the 31-12 win at Donaghadee. Randalstown has four league games remaining - against Larne, Donaghadee, Enniskillen and Grosvenor – if it is to consolidate its top four position. Head Coach Gary Longwell, with Alastair Strange, have done a terrific job in assembling a squad that will surely be among the promotion contenders next season in Qualifying Two.
Larne coach Ryan Milligan thought his Larne side played some of its best rugby since November in building a 31-0 half-time lead against Donaghadee at Donaldson Park. Tries were scored by Ryan McAllister (2), Rob Fenner, Jonny Cole and Aaron McBride with the team running out 31-12 winners.
The coach has been delighted with his first season in charge at Larne as the team has consolidated its mid-table position after promotion from Qualifying Three.
He was disappointed the team could not build on the strong first half to the season and is looking to the squad to regroup and, with a good pre-season, is confident the team can be amongst the promotion contenders next season.
The team will be along similar lines to the team that played at Donaghadee with Geoff McKinty facing a late fitness test for the trip to Randalstown.
FIXTURES
Coleraine v Carrickfergus
Enniskillen v Academy
Grosvenor v Ballymoney
Lisburn v Donaghadee
Randalstown v Larne
Enniskillen v Coleraine, Tuesday, 8pm
Qualifying Three
Civil Service v Holywood
Letterkenny v Ophir
Limavady v Strabane
Lurgan v PSNI
Monaghan v UUC
Newry v BHSFP
SECOND XV LEAGUE
Ballynahinch v Malone. Postponed. (Malone playing McCrea Cup Final, Tuesday)
Banbridge v Ballymena
Queen’s v Belfast Harlequins