Previews of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League, Kukri Qualifying League 1 and 3 and Kukri Conference League 1 and 2 fixtures taking place this weekend...
Congratulations to Instonians, Bangor and Clogher Valley on progressing to the Quarter Finals of the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup. Dromore had to concede their game against Enniscorthy due to injuries and player unavailabilities. In the true spirit of the game of rugby the team travelled to Enniscorthy and played their hosts in a friendly. Well done Dromore. Both Instonians and Bangor have secured home draws in the quarter finals with Clogher Valley travelling to Clonmel. These ties will be played on the 21st November.
This weekend we see the resumption of the Ulster Bank All Ireland league programme. After the opening block of five matches both Ballynahinch and Belfast Harlequins are still seeking out their first win in Division 1A and B. Ballymena are top of Division 1B and face away fixtures in consecutive weeks at St Mary's and Buccaneers. In Division 2A Banbridge are in second place behind undefeated Cashel with Malone in fourth place and Queens in seventh place. City of Derry sit top of Division 2B with twenty four points from their five wins. They face second and third placed Greystones and Highfield in back to back games. Ulster sides Armagh, Rainey OB and Dungannon sit fifth, eighth and nineth in this league with one point separating these three teams.
League action also resumes in Qualifying One this weekend with the Qualifying Two clubs not in action. Larne retain top place in Q2 after their bonus point win at Lisburn last Saturday with promotion favourites Carrickfergus closing the gap. What a contest we have developing in Q1 with Bangor, Instonians, Portadown and Clogher Valley contesting both the league and a top four finish. Can Ballyclare continue to make up lost ground after three league defeats? We have nine points separating the bottom five sides - Dromore, Omagh, Cooke, Ards and CIYMS. The standout fixture is the meeting of fifth placed Clogher Valley and third placed Portadown at the Cran on Friday night with Omagh and Cooke both needing the league points from their league meeting at the Thomas Mellon playing fields on Saturday. There is the small matter of a North Down derby between Ards and Bangor at Hamilton Park that will revive many memories of previous encounters between these two former senior clubs. It is understood that the last time these two clubs met in the league was back in 2002/03 when both clubs were playing in Qualifying One.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Ballynahinch v Cork Constitution
Two seasons ago Ballynahinch turned round five defeats in their opening league matches to remain in Divison 1A. Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan is convinced the quality is there in the playing squad to do the same again after losing their opening five league matches with the team needing to start picking up league points in the coming weeks. Injuries rule out Captain Paul Pritchard, David McGuigan, David McIIwaine, Willy Stewart, Ruaidhri Murphy and Stevie McCauley with David Nicholson unavailable to travel. Ulster players Paul Rowley and Sam Windsor are expected to start at nine and ten. Number 8 Michael Graham returns after injury. Ulster prop Jonny Simpson takes his place on the bench after being injured during pre-season.
Terenure College v Clontarf.(Play Friday 30.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm)
Landowners v Garryowen
Cork Constitution v Ballynahinch
Galwegians v UCD
Young Munster v Old Belvedere
Division 1B
Belfast Harlequins v Dublin Uni
Quins Director of Rugby, DC Gillespie is aware his team need to start picking up league points to build confidence within the playing squad. Once again injuries rule out 22 senior players at the club. These include Ollie Loughead, Ben Sloan, Andrew McPhillips, Mark Kettyle, Brendan Monahan and Ulster Under 20 players Conal Boomer, Matty McDowell, and Peter Cooper. Prop Mark McGrath is unavailable this weekend. Head Coach Adam Larkin is awaiting news on the release of Ulster players Ricky Lutton, Mark Best and Rory Scholes. Ulster Hooker Paul Jackson has picked up a foot injury and joins Jacob Stockdale on the injured list. Both Connor Young and Frankie Taggart have been released. In the front row Ricky Lutton, Charlie Sargaison, Steven Weir, Ollie McCollum and Mark Foster will compete for starting places along with Jaz Andrews, Callum Leckey and Captain Neil McComb in the second row. In the back row Frankie Taggart will be joined by Ben Alexander and Ulster Under 20 star Matthew Fisher. Former Ulster Academy prop Angelo Maricia comes into contention after impressive performances in the back row. Conor Young and Timothy Emerson continue at nine and ten. Peter Dunlop and David McMaster will fill the wing berths with Mark Glover starting in the centre. The availability of Rory Scholes and Mark Best will determine who starts alongside Glover and who starts at full back. Matty Rainey is expected to start on the bench with Adam White another option. The uncertainty around the release of Ulster players certainly impacts on the coach as he prepares his team for this difficult fixture with an inform student side.
Ballymena v St Mary's College
The next two weeks will go a long way to defining Ballymena's season in this league. Head coach Andy Graham has been forced to make several changes due to injury. Influential scrum half John Creighton suffered a serious wrist injury that will rule him out for 2/3months. Winger Kieran Joyce suffered a serious shoulder dislocation in the final play of the Ulster A v Leinster A match at Ballynahinch last Thursday. He is expected to face a lengthy period on the sidelines. Number 8 Stephen Mulholland also picked up a injury in this A match that rules him out this weekend. Prop Michael Lagan continues to recieve treatment for a leg injury. Scrumhalf Richard McCrudden continues to recover from an injury he received in a Conference league match at Ballymoney. The release of hooker John Andrew is dependent on his Ulster involvement on Friday night. Glen Baillie is expected to replace John Creighton at scrumhalf with Jonny Rossborough replacing Kieran Joyce on the wing. David Shanahan has not been released by Ulster. Connor Smyth comes into the back row to replace Matthew Harkness who drops to the bench with Oliver Millar N/A. Ulster second row Alan O'Connor joins up with Davy Whann in the second row with a strong Ulster influence in the front row of Bronson Ross, Adam McBurney and Ross Kane. James Beattie comes on to the bench along with Andrew McGrath, James Taggart and Chris Cundell.
Blackrock College v UL Bohemians
Dolphin v Buccaneers
Dublin Uni v Belfast Harlequins
Shannon v Old Wesley
St Mary's College v Ballymena
Division 2A
Banbridge v Naas
Banbridge Head coach Daniel Soper has lost centre Andrew Morrison this week with a knee injury. Adam Ervine returns in the backs after injury. Back row forward Nico Vorster plays his first game of the season after being injured in February. The coach was disappointed by the teams two losses in the league in the final minutes of their games. He believes if the team are to fulfil their aspirations to be at the top they need to learn to win those key moments in the last ten minutes. Saturday he hopes will give them that opportunity.
Malone v Cashel
Head coach Jarrett Truscott is expecting his Malone team to face a very physical Cashel pack this weekend. It will be a big challenge for the team defensively as Cashel will be very physical up front and for his players to be patient with the ball. If the team can be strong defensively and secure ball. He is confident his team have the attacking players to challenge any side in the league. Cashel will be a good indicator of where the team is after playing five matches in the AIL. With Cashel having won all their games they are the benchmark for every other team in the league. The players are travelling with the confidence they can win this match.
The coach has been forced to make several changes with Philip Eadie, Ben Halliday, Andy Bryans and Michael Barker unavailable. James McAllister returns to the back row with Dave Halliday replacing Philip Eadie in the front row and Jack McMurtry replacing Andy Bryans on the wing. Austen Blackburn, Darryl Maxwell, Ben McDonnell, Max Porter and the returning Michael Cartmill make up the bench cover.
Queen's v UCC
Three defeats in a row after winning their opening two AIL games is not the return Queen's Head Coach, Bob Young had planned for. Injuries and player unavailabilities have had a big impact on the squad. They face the Cork students who defeated Queen's University 21 - 12 last Saturday in the Dudley Cup. Injury rules out Ulster Academy and Ulster U20 players Liam Free, Alex Kane and Robert Lyttle with Alex Thompson, Conor Kelly, Saul Herdman, Jonny McPhillips, Jake Byrne, Hugh Sloan all included this weekend. Ulster Academy back row forward Nick Timoney returns after injury.
Banbridge v Naas
Cashel RFC v Malone (Kick off 1.30pm)
Galway Corinthians v Skerries
QUB v UCC
Thomond v Nenagh Ormond
Division 2B
City of Derry v Greystones
Head coach Terry McMaster is delighted with the start his City of Derry side have made to their AIL campaign. He is well aware the threat posed by Greystones and Highfield to their league ambitions in the next two weeks. The coach has a full squad to select from with the only changes being considered are to rotate a few players to freshen the squad in one or two places.
Armagh v MU Barnhall
Head coach Alex McCloy is looking for his Armagh side to build on their impressive 29 - 5 win over Ulster neighbours Rainey OB in their last outing. He makes one change with Matty Clarke being restored to the back row.
Rainey OB v Dungannon
Head coach John Andrews was disappointed with his teams performance in their 29 - 5 defeat at Armagh. The performance was well below his team in all aspects as, in other games the team looked capable of winning right to the final whistle. Saturday is a big game for both teams as points are vital. The coach has a few selection headaches with a full squad at his disposal. The players have no excuses this week as its about putting in a performance.
Dungannon Head coach Andrew Hughes agrees this is another big game for his players after two difficult games. He was really disappointed the team did not pick up two losing bonus points against City of Derry when they had plenty of opportunities to do so. Injuries and unavailabilities continue to impact on his small playing squad. Mark Faloon and Ross McCaughey return after injury with Mark Riddell, JJ Kane, Robbie Anderson and Daniel Maxwell unavailable due to injury.
Bective Rangers v Sunday's Well
City of Derry v Greystones
Highfield v Seapoint
MU Barnhall v Armagh
Rainey OB v Dungannon
Division 2C
Bluff v Midleton
Navan v Kanturk
Old Crescent v Wanderers
Sligo v Dundalk
Tullamore v Boyne
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Ards v Bangor
How fortunes have changed for both clubs. The last time these two sides met was during the 2002/03 season when both teams were in Q1. Ards won the league along with the Towns Cup and Round Robin to return to playing in the All Ireland League after being relegated from the AIL in 2001. Bangor were a club struggling after their glory years as a senior club. Bangor lead Q1 with five wins from six games with Ards in nineth place still waiting on their first win after four league defeats. Can Ards upset the form book and pull off a shock win this weekend at Hamilton Park. Ards will be without their second row Jonny Harris with Taylor Nutt and David Armstrong facing late fitness tests. Both the experienced Stuart Paul and John Dowie will be included in the match-day squad. Jonny Wylie, Taylor Ferguson, and Kyle Agnew remain on the long term injury list with Matty Weir unavailable. Director of Rugby Stevie Nutt agrees Q1 is a tight league. The team is creating chances but are not putting them away.
Bangor have made several changes for this derby match with Oran McIImurray restored to the front row alongside Andrew Jackson and Phil Whyte. Injuries rule out forwards Curtis Stewart and Freddie Black. Captain Jamie Clegg continues in the back row with David Bradford and Dave Caughey. Injuries have ruled out forwards Mike Apsley, Darren Kelly, Craig Burton, Peter Nicholl and Paddy Dornan. Jason Guthrie and Jason Morgan continue at nine and ten with Mike Weir and Desi Fusco forming a new centre pairing. Rob Gamble moves to the wing with Davey Charles on the other wing. Adam McCusker retains the full back jersey after an impressive cameo role against Clondalkin with Ross McCloskey moving to the bench to be joined by Glen Burton.
1st XV Manager Ricky Armstrong has stressed the importance of the coaches managing the players with Junior Cup/League and All Ireland Junior Cup matches coming up in November. Expect several hundred spectators to turn out for this eagerly awaited derby match.
Omagh v Cooke
This is a crucial game for both teams as they look to move up the table. Omagh have struggled to match their league form that secured them promotion from Q2 last season. Omagh coach Philip Marshall has retained the same pack from the last two games against Academy and Portadown. Neil McLaine returns to the centre alongside Ryan Mitchell on the wing. Richard Elkin steps up from the seconds to take his place on the bench along with prop Steven Lyons who returns from a long term injury. The coach is aware the next three games are vital for his first XV.
Cooke player/coach Colin Atkinson suffered a serious shoulder dislocation in the teams 35 - 25 win over Ards three weeks ago. He is still in a sling and is awaiting an MRI scan to see if he requires an operation. We wish him well in his recovery. He is forced into making two changes with Kyle Mitchell and Andrew Pollock ruled out through injury to be replaced by Ian Anderson and Alan Gourlay. Second row Daniel Dawson is not available this weekend due to work commitments. It is interesting to note the contribution former pupils of Wellington College are making to the playing squads at Cooke RFC with Sam Bridge, David Marshall, Andrew Hanna and Matthew Elliott regulars on the 1st XV. Many others are playing on the clubs second and third XV teams.
Clogher Valley v Portadown
Another testing fixture for Portadown coach Richard Hedley and his players as they face back to back games against Clogher Valley in the league and Junior Cup. Can they become one of the few teams to travel to the Cran and take the league points on Friday night. Instonians were overwhelmed by this Clogher Valley side at the Cran 20 -8. It should be a titanic clash between two experienced forward units with the back row contest worth the admission money alone with the Wilson brothers and Captain David Sharkey up against the Portadown back row of Gareth McCoy, Gary Hall and James Carleton.
Clogher coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black have made several changes and welcome back half backs Aaron Best and Philip Holme after injury. Best will start from the bench with Neil Trotter continuing at scrum half. Andrew Breen returns on the wing with prop Phil Moore rotating with Philip Hopper in the front row from the bench.
Portadown coach Richard Hedley will have a couple of late selection decisions to make from a near full strength playing squad. Jonny Holden, Aaron Morton, Mathew Wilson and Mark Henderson are restored to the starting xv. He knows his players face a tough match with a Friday night kick off in Fivemiletown against a Clogher Valley side seeking another league title. For the Portadown players they have to demonstrate they can compete against teams like Instonians, Bangor and Clogher Valley in this league. All the ingredients are there for thoroughly competitive and entertaining match.
CIYMS v Ballyclare
No wins from four league games as CIYMS play their first league game at Belmont this season. Their coaches Gareth Fry, Davy Scott and John Anderson are working hard to turn around the fortunes of their young first XV squad. Late fitness tests will be required on Scott Dowle, Ross Hackney, David Irvine, player/coach John Anderson and Jeremy McKeown. Injuries continue to rule out Ben Robertson and Harry Howard. With several experienced players making themselves available for selection there is competition for places. In the front row props Ricky Greenwood, Ali Coulson, Tom Stevenson, Gavin Woods, Stuart Ferguson and Timothy Atcheson are competing for starting places alongside hookers Simon Baillie and Alan Whitley. Stevie McReynolds returns to the second row with Paddy Aiken, Davy Cobain and former Campbell College second row Cory Hamill also available. In the back row Captain Mark McConkey will start at number 8 alongside Scott Dowle subject to a fitness test. The coach also has the option to play Paddy Aiken at 6. Phil Woods continues at scrum half with Chris Rowan and Nathan Burns fighting it out for the ten jersey. Matty Butler, Phil McVitty and John Anderson are in contention for the centre pairing with Andy Hodgen, Davy Irvine and former Campbell winger Casi Yandall pushing for inclusion in the threequarters. There are difficult selection decisions for the coaches this weekend. Former Sullivan prop Timothy Acheson had an excellent game against Portadown in the recent Junior Cup match. Player coach John Anderson has rolled back the years to show he has alot to offer by scoring tries in the matches against Portadown and Belfast Harlequins. Jeremy McKeown is a former Ashfield pupil who has come through the Youth system at CIYMS to claim a place on the 1st xv. He still has the CIYMS members talking about the find individual try he scored against Belfast Harlequins seconds. There is an air of optimism that this CIYMS squad are close to securing their first league win. The players were disappointed to lose their recent Junior Cup match against Portadown 21 - 13.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever is aware that in Q1 every team is capable of beating anyone on a given day - regardless of their league position. In regards to his team selection the coach has got used to the weekly demands on selections due to injuries and unavailabilities. It is a credit to the guys and the club that we have such a strong pool of players to choose from. This is a must win game for Ballyclare if they are to maintain their pursuit of a top four finish.
Ards v Bangor. Kick off 1.30pm
Omagh v Cooke
Clogher Valley v Portadown. Play Friday 30.10.15. Kick off 7.45pm
CIYMS v Ballyclare. Kick off 1.30pm
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE 1
Dromore v Belfast Harlequins seconds
Instonians v Ballynahinch seconds
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE 2
Larne v QUB seconds. Kick off 1pm.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
BHSFP v Ophir
Civil Service v Lurgan
Letterkenny v Monaghan
Limavady v PSNI
Newry v Holywood
Strabane v UUC
Congratulations to Instonians, Bangor and Clogher Valley on progressing to the Quarter Finals of the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup. Dromore had to concede their game against Enniscorthy due to injuries and player unavailabilities. In the true spirit of the game of rugby the team travelled to Enniscorthy and played their hosts in a friendly. Well done Dromore. Both Instonians and Bangor have secured home draws in the quarter finals with Clogher Valley travelling to Clonmel. These ties will be played on the 21st November.
This weekend we see the resumption of the Ulster Bank All Ireland league programme. After the opening block of five matches both Ballynahinch and Belfast Harlequins are still seeking out their first win in Division 1A and B. Ballymena are top of Division 1B and face away fixtures in consecutive weeks at St Mary's and Buccaneers. In Division 2A Banbridge are in second place behind undefeated Cashel with Malone in fourth place and Queens in seventh place. City of Derry sit top of Division 2B with twenty four points from their five wins. They face second and third placed Greystones and Highfield in back to back games. Ulster sides Armagh, Rainey OB and Dungannon sit fifth, eighth and nineth in this league with one point separating these three teams.
League action also resumes in Qualifying One this weekend with the Qualifying Two clubs not in action. Larne retain top place in Q2 after their bonus point win at Lisburn last Saturday with promotion favourites Carrickfergus closing the gap. What a contest we have developing in Q1 with Bangor, Instonians, Portadown and Clogher Valley contesting both the league and a top four finish. Can Ballyclare continue to make up lost ground after three league defeats? We have nine points separating the bottom five sides - Dromore, Omagh, Cooke, Ards and CIYMS. The standout fixture is the meeting of fifth placed Clogher Valley and third placed Portadown at the Cran on Friday night with Omagh and Cooke both needing the league points from their league meeting at the Thomas Mellon playing fields on Saturday. There is the small matter of a North Down derby between Ards and Bangor at Hamilton Park that will revive many memories of previous encounters between these two former senior clubs. It is understood that the last time these two clubs met in the league was back in 2002/03 when both clubs were playing in Qualifying One.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Ballynahinch v Cork Constitution
Two seasons ago Ballynahinch turned round five defeats in their opening league matches to remain in Divison 1A. Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan is convinced the quality is there in the playing squad to do the same again after losing their opening five league matches with the team needing to start picking up league points in the coming weeks. Injuries rule out Captain Paul Pritchard, David McGuigan, David McIIwaine, Willy Stewart, Ruaidhri Murphy and Stevie McCauley with David Nicholson unavailable to travel. Ulster players Paul Rowley and Sam Windsor are expected to start at nine and ten. Number 8 Michael Graham returns after injury. Ulster prop Jonny Simpson takes his place on the bench after being injured during pre-season.
Terenure College v Clontarf.(Play Friday 30.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm)
Landowners v Garryowen
Cork Constitution v Ballynahinch
Galwegians v UCD
Young Munster v Old Belvedere
Division 1B
Belfast Harlequins v Dublin Uni
Quins Director of Rugby, DC Gillespie is aware his team need to start picking up league points to build confidence within the playing squad. Once again injuries rule out 22 senior players at the club. These include Ollie Loughead, Ben Sloan, Andrew McPhillips, Mark Kettyle, Brendan Monahan and Ulster Under 20 players Conal Boomer, Matty McDowell, and Peter Cooper. Prop Mark McGrath is unavailable this weekend. Head Coach Adam Larkin is awaiting news on the release of Ulster players Ricky Lutton, Mark Best and Rory Scholes. Ulster Hooker Paul Jackson has picked up a foot injury and joins Jacob Stockdale on the injured list. Both Connor Young and Frankie Taggart have been released. In the front row Ricky Lutton, Charlie Sargaison, Steven Weir, Ollie McCollum and Mark Foster will compete for starting places along with Jaz Andrews, Callum Leckey and Captain Neil McComb in the second row. In the back row Frankie Taggart will be joined by Ben Alexander and Ulster Under 20 star Matthew Fisher. Former Ulster Academy prop Angelo Maricia comes into contention after impressive performances in the back row. Conor Young and Timothy Emerson continue at nine and ten. Peter Dunlop and David McMaster will fill the wing berths with Mark Glover starting in the centre. The availability of Rory Scholes and Mark Best will determine who starts alongside Glover and who starts at full back. Matty Rainey is expected to start on the bench with Adam White another option. The uncertainty around the release of Ulster players certainly impacts on the coach as he prepares his team for this difficult fixture with an inform student side.
Ballymena v St Mary's College
The next two weeks will go a long way to defining Ballymena's season in this league. Head coach Andy Graham has been forced to make several changes due to injury. Influential scrum half John Creighton suffered a serious wrist injury that will rule him out for 2/3months. Winger Kieran Joyce suffered a serious shoulder dislocation in the final play of the Ulster A v Leinster A match at Ballynahinch last Thursday. He is expected to face a lengthy period on the sidelines. Number 8 Stephen Mulholland also picked up a injury in this A match that rules him out this weekend. Prop Michael Lagan continues to recieve treatment for a leg injury. Scrumhalf Richard McCrudden continues to recover from an injury he received in a Conference league match at Ballymoney. The release of hooker John Andrew is dependent on his Ulster involvement on Friday night. Glen Baillie is expected to replace John Creighton at scrumhalf with Jonny Rossborough replacing Kieran Joyce on the wing. David Shanahan has not been released by Ulster. Connor Smyth comes into the back row to replace Matthew Harkness who drops to the bench with Oliver Millar N/A. Ulster second row Alan O'Connor joins up with Davy Whann in the second row with a strong Ulster influence in the front row of Bronson Ross, Adam McBurney and Ross Kane. James Beattie comes on to the bench along with Andrew McGrath, James Taggart and Chris Cundell.
Blackrock College v UL Bohemians
Dolphin v Buccaneers
Dublin Uni v Belfast Harlequins
Shannon v Old Wesley
St Mary's College v Ballymena
Division 2A
Banbridge v Naas
Banbridge Head coach Daniel Soper has lost centre Andrew Morrison this week with a knee injury. Adam Ervine returns in the backs after injury. Back row forward Nico Vorster plays his first game of the season after being injured in February. The coach was disappointed by the teams two losses in the league in the final minutes of their games. He believes if the team are to fulfil their aspirations to be at the top they need to learn to win those key moments in the last ten minutes. Saturday he hopes will give them that opportunity.
Malone v Cashel
Head coach Jarrett Truscott is expecting his Malone team to face a very physical Cashel pack this weekend. It will be a big challenge for the team defensively as Cashel will be very physical up front and for his players to be patient with the ball. If the team can be strong defensively and secure ball. He is confident his team have the attacking players to challenge any side in the league. Cashel will be a good indicator of where the team is after playing five matches in the AIL. With Cashel having won all their games they are the benchmark for every other team in the league. The players are travelling with the confidence they can win this match.
The coach has been forced to make several changes with Philip Eadie, Ben Halliday, Andy Bryans and Michael Barker unavailable. James McAllister returns to the back row with Dave Halliday replacing Philip Eadie in the front row and Jack McMurtry replacing Andy Bryans on the wing. Austen Blackburn, Darryl Maxwell, Ben McDonnell, Max Porter and the returning Michael Cartmill make up the bench cover.
Queen's v UCC
Three defeats in a row after winning their opening two AIL games is not the return Queen's Head Coach, Bob Young had planned for. Injuries and player unavailabilities have had a big impact on the squad. They face the Cork students who defeated Queen's University 21 - 12 last Saturday in the Dudley Cup. Injury rules out Ulster Academy and Ulster U20 players Liam Free, Alex Kane and Robert Lyttle with Alex Thompson, Conor Kelly, Saul Herdman, Jonny McPhillips, Jake Byrne, Hugh Sloan all included this weekend. Ulster Academy back row forward Nick Timoney returns after injury.
Banbridge v Naas
Cashel RFC v Malone (Kick off 1.30pm)
Galway Corinthians v Skerries
QUB v UCC
Thomond v Nenagh Ormond
Division 2B
City of Derry v Greystones
Head coach Terry McMaster is delighted with the start his City of Derry side have made to their AIL campaign. He is well aware the threat posed by Greystones and Highfield to their league ambitions in the next two weeks. The coach has a full squad to select from with the only changes being considered are to rotate a few players to freshen the squad in one or two places.
Armagh v MU Barnhall
Head coach Alex McCloy is looking for his Armagh side to build on their impressive 29 - 5 win over Ulster neighbours Rainey OB in their last outing. He makes one change with Matty Clarke being restored to the back row.
Rainey OB v Dungannon
Head coach John Andrews was disappointed with his teams performance in their 29 - 5 defeat at Armagh. The performance was well below his team in all aspects as, in other games the team looked capable of winning right to the final whistle. Saturday is a big game for both teams as points are vital. The coach has a few selection headaches with a full squad at his disposal. The players have no excuses this week as its about putting in a performance.
Dungannon Head coach Andrew Hughes agrees this is another big game for his players after two difficult games. He was really disappointed the team did not pick up two losing bonus points against City of Derry when they had plenty of opportunities to do so. Injuries and unavailabilities continue to impact on his small playing squad. Mark Faloon and Ross McCaughey return after injury with Mark Riddell, JJ Kane, Robbie Anderson and Daniel Maxwell unavailable due to injury.
Bective Rangers v Sunday's Well
City of Derry v Greystones
Highfield v Seapoint
MU Barnhall v Armagh
Rainey OB v Dungannon
Division 2C
Bluff v Midleton
Navan v Kanturk
Old Crescent v Wanderers
Sligo v Dundalk
Tullamore v Boyne
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Ards v Bangor
How fortunes have changed for both clubs. The last time these two sides met was during the 2002/03 season when both teams were in Q1. Ards won the league along with the Towns Cup and Round Robin to return to playing in the All Ireland League after being relegated from the AIL in 2001. Bangor were a club struggling after their glory years as a senior club. Bangor lead Q1 with five wins from six games with Ards in nineth place still waiting on their first win after four league defeats. Can Ards upset the form book and pull off a shock win this weekend at Hamilton Park. Ards will be without their second row Jonny Harris with Taylor Nutt and David Armstrong facing late fitness tests. Both the experienced Stuart Paul and John Dowie will be included in the match-day squad. Jonny Wylie, Taylor Ferguson, and Kyle Agnew remain on the long term injury list with Matty Weir unavailable. Director of Rugby Stevie Nutt agrees Q1 is a tight league. The team is creating chances but are not putting them away.
Bangor have made several changes for this derby match with Oran McIImurray restored to the front row alongside Andrew Jackson and Phil Whyte. Injuries rule out forwards Curtis Stewart and Freddie Black. Captain Jamie Clegg continues in the back row with David Bradford and Dave Caughey. Injuries have ruled out forwards Mike Apsley, Darren Kelly, Craig Burton, Peter Nicholl and Paddy Dornan. Jason Guthrie and Jason Morgan continue at nine and ten with Mike Weir and Desi Fusco forming a new centre pairing. Rob Gamble moves to the wing with Davey Charles on the other wing. Adam McCusker retains the full back jersey after an impressive cameo role against Clondalkin with Ross McCloskey moving to the bench to be joined by Glen Burton.
1st XV Manager Ricky Armstrong has stressed the importance of the coaches managing the players with Junior Cup/League and All Ireland Junior Cup matches coming up in November. Expect several hundred spectators to turn out for this eagerly awaited derby match.
Omagh v Cooke
This is a crucial game for both teams as they look to move up the table. Omagh have struggled to match their league form that secured them promotion from Q2 last season. Omagh coach Philip Marshall has retained the same pack from the last two games against Academy and Portadown. Neil McLaine returns to the centre alongside Ryan Mitchell on the wing. Richard Elkin steps up from the seconds to take his place on the bench along with prop Steven Lyons who returns from a long term injury. The coach is aware the next three games are vital for his first XV.
Cooke player/coach Colin Atkinson suffered a serious shoulder dislocation in the teams 35 - 25 win over Ards three weeks ago. He is still in a sling and is awaiting an MRI scan to see if he requires an operation. We wish him well in his recovery. He is forced into making two changes with Kyle Mitchell and Andrew Pollock ruled out through injury to be replaced by Ian Anderson and Alan Gourlay. Second row Daniel Dawson is not available this weekend due to work commitments. It is interesting to note the contribution former pupils of Wellington College are making to the playing squads at Cooke RFC with Sam Bridge, David Marshall, Andrew Hanna and Matthew Elliott regulars on the 1st XV. Many others are playing on the clubs second and third XV teams.
Clogher Valley v Portadown
Another testing fixture for Portadown coach Richard Hedley and his players as they face back to back games against Clogher Valley in the league and Junior Cup. Can they become one of the few teams to travel to the Cran and take the league points on Friday night. Instonians were overwhelmed by this Clogher Valley side at the Cran 20 -8. It should be a titanic clash between two experienced forward units with the back row contest worth the admission money alone with the Wilson brothers and Captain David Sharkey up against the Portadown back row of Gareth McCoy, Gary Hall and James Carleton.
Clogher coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black have made several changes and welcome back half backs Aaron Best and Philip Holme after injury. Best will start from the bench with Neil Trotter continuing at scrum half. Andrew Breen returns on the wing with prop Phil Moore rotating with Philip Hopper in the front row from the bench.
Portadown coach Richard Hedley will have a couple of late selection decisions to make from a near full strength playing squad. Jonny Holden, Aaron Morton, Mathew Wilson and Mark Henderson are restored to the starting xv. He knows his players face a tough match with a Friday night kick off in Fivemiletown against a Clogher Valley side seeking another league title. For the Portadown players they have to demonstrate they can compete against teams like Instonians, Bangor and Clogher Valley in this league. All the ingredients are there for thoroughly competitive and entertaining match.
CIYMS v Ballyclare
No wins from four league games as CIYMS play their first league game at Belmont this season. Their coaches Gareth Fry, Davy Scott and John Anderson are working hard to turn around the fortunes of their young first XV squad. Late fitness tests will be required on Scott Dowle, Ross Hackney, David Irvine, player/coach John Anderson and Jeremy McKeown. Injuries continue to rule out Ben Robertson and Harry Howard. With several experienced players making themselves available for selection there is competition for places. In the front row props Ricky Greenwood, Ali Coulson, Tom Stevenson, Gavin Woods, Stuart Ferguson and Timothy Atcheson are competing for starting places alongside hookers Simon Baillie and Alan Whitley. Stevie McReynolds returns to the second row with Paddy Aiken, Davy Cobain and former Campbell College second row Cory Hamill also available. In the back row Captain Mark McConkey will start at number 8 alongside Scott Dowle subject to a fitness test. The coach also has the option to play Paddy Aiken at 6. Phil Woods continues at scrum half with Chris Rowan and Nathan Burns fighting it out for the ten jersey. Matty Butler, Phil McVitty and John Anderson are in contention for the centre pairing with Andy Hodgen, Davy Irvine and former Campbell winger Casi Yandall pushing for inclusion in the threequarters. There are difficult selection decisions for the coaches this weekend. Former Sullivan prop Timothy Acheson had an excellent game against Portadown in the recent Junior Cup match. Player coach John Anderson has rolled back the years to show he has alot to offer by scoring tries in the matches against Portadown and Belfast Harlequins. Jeremy McKeown is a former Ashfield pupil who has come through the Youth system at CIYMS to claim a place on the 1st xv. He still has the CIYMS members talking about the find individual try he scored against Belfast Harlequins seconds. There is an air of optimism that this CIYMS squad are close to securing their first league win. The players were disappointed to lose their recent Junior Cup match against Portadown 21 - 13.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever is aware that in Q1 every team is capable of beating anyone on a given day - regardless of their league position. In regards to his team selection the coach has got used to the weekly demands on selections due to injuries and unavailabilities. It is a credit to the guys and the club that we have such a strong pool of players to choose from. This is a must win game for Ballyclare if they are to maintain their pursuit of a top four finish.
Ards v Bangor. Kick off 1.30pm
Omagh v Cooke
Clogher Valley v Portadown. Play Friday 30.10.15. Kick off 7.45pm
CIYMS v Ballyclare. Kick off 1.30pm
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE 1
Dromore v Belfast Harlequins seconds
Instonians v Ballynahinch seconds
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE 2
Larne v QUB seconds. Kick off 1pm.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
BHSFP v Ophir
Civil Service v Lurgan
Letterkenny v Monaghan
Limavady v PSNI
Newry v Holywood
Strabane v UUC