Previews of tomorrow's Ulster Bank All Ireland League, Kukri Qualifying 1, 2 and 3 and Conference League 1 and 2...
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Ballynahinch (10th) v Lansdowne (7th)
Despite the inclusion of several Ulster players last Saturday in Galway against Galwegians it was a winless Ballynahinch who returned home still seeking out their first AIL win after eight matches. Such is the list of player injuries and unavailability at Ballynahinch, no decision has been made on finalising their squad for the game with Lansdowne on Saturday.
Ballynahinch v Lansdowne
Clontarf v Garryowen
Cork Constitution v Terenure College
UCD v Old Belvedere
Young Munster v Galwegians
Division 1B
Belfast Harlequins (10th) v St Mary's College (1st)
Harlequins were unlucky not to win their AIL match at Blackrock College before losing 36 - 32 last weekend, with Ulster winger Rory Scholes contributing 17 points. Director of Rugby, DC Gillespie was pleased with the teams attacking play that yielded four tries and two losing bonus points. He was also disappointed with the team’s defence that kept Blackrock in the match. He felt his team could and should have won the game. He is expecting several changes to the starting XV for the home match with league leaders St. Mary's at Deramore Park on Saturday with selection to be finalised at training last night. Again, like Ballynahinch, Belfast Harlequins are struggling with injuries and unavailability for this weekend.
Ballymena (2nd) v Old Wesley (4th)
Despite the difficult weather conditions at Eaton Park last Saturday - Head Coach Andy Graham was delighted with the performance of his team in defeating UL Bohemians 15-6. He felt his team controlled most facets of the game with the forwards dominant in the set piece. With the soft underfoot conditions holding back players - several try scoring opportunities were squandered due to the final pass being spilled. It was a case of building the score with backs Marty Irwin and Rodger McBurney dropping goals to secure the win. Once again second row Connor Smyth put in an outstanding performance with the number of carries and tackles he made throughout the match. For the trip to Dublin this weekend the coach makes one change with Club Captain Willy McKay replacing the unavailable Clive Ross.
Michael Lagan, James Taggart and Bronson Ross continue in the front row with David Whann and Connor Smyth in the second row. Stephen Mulholland, Willy McKay and Matthew Rea make up the back row. David Shanahan and Ritchie McMaster continue at nine and ten with Martin Irwin and Callum Patterson in the centre along with wingers James Beattie and Jordan Foster and Rodger McBurney at full back. Both Michael Shiels and Glenn Baillie are unavailable this weekend with the bench made up of Ross Kane, Adam McBurney, Oliver Millar, Andrew McGrath and Jonny Rossborough. There was some positive news on the injury front with scrum half John Creighton returning to training this week with both Paddy McGowan and Kieran Joyce expected to be available in the new year. Richard McCrudden continues to make progress with both Daryl Montgomery and Alan Smyth long term injury concerns. Matthew Harkness who has been outstanding at openside this season has been ruled out with a cruciate injury for the rest of the season. Head coach Andy Graham wants his team to end their 2015 AIL programme with a win. Old Wesley will be a big game for his players. He is confident the players can get the job done on Old Wesley's 3G pitch this weekend.
Belfast Harlequins v St Mary's College
Dolphin v Blackrock College
Dublin Uni v Shannon
Old Wesley v Ballymena
UL Bohemians v Buccaneers
Division 2A
Queen’s University (5th) v Banbridge (1st)
Banbridge Head Coach Daniel Soper was pleased with his teams performance last Saturday in their win over Cashel. In a league which is so tight Queen’s are a team full of talent and are well coached. Last season they were one of the best teams we played and given their results I am expecting the same again. He makes one change which sees outhalf Shandon Scott return to the squad after missing last week with an ankle injury. The coach is looking forward to this weekends match as it will be a great test of our squad.
Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young faces some difficult selection decisions this week. Number 8 Nick Timoney is away with the Ireland Sevens squad in Dubai this weekend. Saul Herdman, Stuart Hooks, Jake Byrne, Brian Cunningham, Hugh Sloan and Alex Kane are all available for selection.
Queen’s have recorded wins over previous league leaders Malone and Cashel in their last two AIL league matches. Can they make it three in a row by defeating Banbridge at the Dub this weekend?
Malone (3rd) v Skerries (7th)
Malone Head Coach Jarrett Truscott has lost the services of Michael Cartmill, Mark O'Connor, Rory Campbell and influential second row Cory Tipping for this weekends trip to Skerries with both Dave Cave and Chris Griffiths continuing their recovery from injury. It will all be about trying to get the team through the next two weeks before the players have a four week break and resume their AIL campaign away to Queen’s at the Dub on the 9th January. Gareth Millar comes in at full back with Jack McMurtry starting on the wing. Jonny Ogilby, Steven Bell and Conor Bell are added to the bench replacements.
Cashel RFC v Galway Corinthians
Naas v Nenagh Ormond
Queens Uni v Banbridge
Skerries v Malone
UCC v Thomond
Division 2B
Armagh (4th) v Seapoint (10th)
Armagh Head Coach Alex McCloy is still undecided on his team for Saturday with several players facing late fitness tests last night. These include Matty Clarke, Josh McKinley, Phil Matthews and Matthew Steenson. Andrew Willis is unavailable due to injury. Stewart Lester may make his first return to the squad this season. After their narrow defeat to Sunday's Well the Orchard County side will be looking maximum points in their back to back games against 10th place Seapoint.
City of Derry (1st) v Rainey (6th)
Rainey Head Coach John Andrews was pleased his young side were able to deal with the difficult weather conditions last Saturday at Hatrick Park to defeat Highfield 18 - 13. He is looking to his players to maintain their performance in the back to back games with City of Derry over the next two weeks. He adds Neil O'Kane, Andrew Shaw to his squad with back row Jonny Lees undergoing a late fitness test.
City of Derry Head Coach Terry McMaster retains the same squad for the Ulster Derby with Rainey OB.
Dungannon ( 7th) v Sunday's Well ( 3rd)
Head Coach Andy Hughes was delighted his team came out on top in their 33 - 27 win at Bective last weekend. He described the game as surreal with both sides leaving tackling off the game plan. His team were cruising at halftime on the 3G pitch when they lost five experienced players in a ten-minute period at the beginning of the second half - Seamus Mallon, Stephen Todd, Philip Fletcher, Darren Simpson and James McMahon with various knocks, but held on to secure the win. The coach was impressed by the 3G pitch but was concerned at the toll it took on his player’s joints. At this stage it looks like Todd, Mallon and Fletcher will miss the home game this weekend. These injuries will give opportunities to David Leyburn to start after being out injured for two months with John Buckley getting his first start. Peter Gilkinson comes back into the squad after being unavailable last week along with the suspended Steven Sinnamon. Both John Joe Kane and Matthew Montgomery are available for selection. Marcus Mulgrew remains on the injured list and hopes to be available in the new year. Can Dungannon make it four wins in a row in all competitions?
Armagh v Seapoint
City of Derry v Rainey OB
Dungannon v Sunday's Well
Greystones v Bective Rangers
Highfield v M U Barnhall
Division 2C
Old Crescent v Bruff
Boyne v Dundalk RFC
Midleton v Kanturk
Sligo v Tullamore
Wanderers v Navan RFC
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE
In Qualifying One it looks as if the contest for the league title will be between Bangor, Instonians and Clogher Valley with a top four finish to qualify for next season's All Ireland Cup between Ballyclare, Portadown and Omagh to secure that all important fourth place. With relegation and a playoff this season no teams will want to finish in the bottom two. At present CIYMS, Ards, Cooke and Dromore are the four teams who will be battling it out to avoid the bottom two places with these four teams meeting each other in the next four weeks.
In Qualifying Two it looks as if Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Enniskillen and Randalstown will be the teams hoping to finish in the top two places. Again these teams will be meeting each other over the next four weeks. Can Larne recover from their dip in form to remain with these four teams. It looks as if the battle to avoid finishing in the bottom two places will involve Lisburn, Grosvenor, Academy, Ballymoney and Donaghadee with crucial games between these teams over the next four weeks.
In Qualifying Three Limavady remain undefeated and favourites for promotion to Qualifying Two. It looks as if will be a contest between the PSNI and UUC to finish second and secure a playoff place.
QUALIFYING ONE
CIYMS (10th) V Cooke (8th)
What a crucial four-week period coming up for CIYMS with games against Cooke, Ards and Omagh. CIYMS Head Coach Gareth Fry has had to deal with a lengthy injury list this season. He is confident his playing squad is getting stronger by the week as more players become available for selection. He knows that these three games are huge in the context of this season. There will be a few difficult selection calls to be made before the team is finalised on Thursday at training. He was disappointed his team lost their last two league games when they failed to take opportunities to win these matches.
Cooke Head Coach Colin Atkinson makes one enforced change to his team that lost narrowly to Clogher Valley 29 - 23 in their last league outing on the 14th November with backrow forward Matthew McCormick ruled out with a fractured hand. His replacement and the bench will be finalised at training on Thursday night.
Big game for both sides in this Belfast derby at Belmont on Saturday.
Clogher Valley (4th) v Ards (9th)
Bangor spoiled the party last weekend by outplaying the much renowned Clogher Valley pack. Not many teams travel to the Cran and do this. I expect a fired up Clogher pack led by Captain David Sharkey to redeem themselves against an Ards team struggling to adapt to life in Qualifying One. Coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black have made several changes due to injury and unavailability. Both starting props from last weekend are unavailable with Richard Primrose getting married and Philip Moore joining outhalf Philip Holme on the injury list. Rodney Bennett comes into the front row along with Michael Hooper with Nathan Orr coming into the back row to replace Barry Jon Wilson who drops down to the bench. Clogher will not underestimate the challenge from Ards who need a win.
Ards are developing a young squad that includes Nathan Graham, Taylor Nutt, Danny Patton, Jonny Harris, Paddy Bond, Ben Pentland, Conrad Stewart and Gareth McBurney. Experienced players including Mark Banford, Stuart Paul, Scott Young, John Dowey and Michael Creighton have a crucial role to play in securing the teams place in Qualifying One this season under the guidance of Head coach David Irwin.
Dromore (7th) V Portadown(5th)
Head Coach Jonny Cullen is aware his Dromore team needs to start picking up league points as they compete with Cooke, Ards and CIYMS to avoid finishing in the bottom two places. In their last league outing on the 14th November they lost narrowly 27 - 23 at Ballyclare. The coach is hoping his players carry that performance into the meeting with neighbours Portadown at Barban Hill. The players have been working hard in training over the last two weeks and are really looking forward to this match.
Portadown Head Coach Richard Hedley was delighted with the performance of his young team in defeating Ballynahinch seconds 21 - 17 at Ballymacarn Park two weeks ago. He knows his team face a tough fixture away to Dromore as they fight to secure a top four placing. He is able to select from a strong squad with hooker Robert Greenlee replacing the unavailable Robert Reid. Second row Willie Graham returns after injury to take his place in the starting XV.
Instonians (2nd) v Ballyclare (3rd)
Head Coach William Leacock was delighted with his Instonians team winning their Junior Cup semi-final against Omagh last Saturday. His players showed real character and a heart to win. Conditions were dreadful in the first half playing against the wind. The players felt it was a 15/20 point advantage and to come in 6 - 3 required a huge effort from the team. As luck would have it the conditions improved in the second half with the wind dying down. The players had to dig deep to win against a good Omagh side.
He is looking forward to the return match with Ballyclare after defeating them 22 - 10 four weeks ago in the quarter finals of the Junior Cup at Shaws Bridge. His team are now entering a crucial part of the season with the currrent injuries being managed. Both Robert Whitten and Robbie Kirk will return to the team this Saturday.
Ballyclare Head Coach Mike McKeever is looking forward to this Instonians match. He feels his team have nothing to lose and all to gain. Instonians have turned around their disappointment from being relegated from the All Ireland league to having a great season last year and have kept their form again this season. They have two Cups to play for and are eager to win the league again this season. It is a lot of rugby but they have a large squad.
His team are enjoying their second season back in Qualifying One with all matches competitive and challenging. This is Ballyclare's last league match in December before the fixtures go into reverse for the second half of the season.
Leacock has been doing an excellent job at Instonians and we had an entertaining game up there a few weeks ago when we got to play a bit more relaxed. Unfortunately, two intercept tries give them the win. Two of the Ballyclare players Paul Robinson and Gary Clotworthy played at Instonians. He is delighted to have experienced players including Michael Rainey, Willie Logan, Rab Boyd, Captain Gary Weatherup and Al Boyd in his pack. Both Bobby Smith and Collie Morrow are unavailable for selection this weekend. Such is the strength in depth in the club they will be able to send a strong second XV to play Omagh seconds in the postponed Crawford Cup match this weekend.
Omagh (6th) v Bangor (1st)
Head Coach Phil Marshall was disappointed his Omagh side did not progress to the final of the Junior Cup after losing a tight game against Instonians last weekend. They were denied a try as their player collided with the referee crossing the line with no Instonians defender behind the referee and a loose pass in the second half was pounced on by Instonians to score their only try of the game in their 19 - 6 win. The team have to refocus with the visit of league leaders Bangor to the Thomas Mellon playing fields on Saturday as they pursue a top four place this season. The ingredients are all there for another keenly contested match between these two sides. The coach is likely to make one change with James Catterson starting in place of Andrew Ferguson who drops down to the bench. Centre Alan Heaney remains on the injured list with outhalf Lee Murphy unavailable this weekend.
Bangor Head Coach Jason Morgan was delighted with the result at Clogher Valley last Sat. He believes the result has given the team a real belief they have the players to compete in difficult weather conditions. It will certainly shake of the myth that they are a fair weather team. He agrees the players have another difficult fixture as they travel again to County Tyrone to play Omagh. He will be looking the same commitment and discipline the team showed at Clogher Valley with the focus on playing in the right areas of the pitch to win this match.
The team cannot afford any slip ups in the league ahead of the All Ireland semi final with Enniscorthy on the 12th December. For both coaches Jason Morgan and Michael Ferguson their number one target this season is to win the league. This is the big prize they are after. It is the most important competition the team play in as it represents their commitment to a season long campaign.
We know Omagh have set themselves targets and will fancy themselves at home this weekend. The team have to front up and produce quality performances each week and take what opportunities that they are given.
Maturity, experience and commitment are the three big factors that have been ingrained into the squad and these are starting to shine through the squad as the quality has grown within the 30 players who are capable of playing for the 1st XV without diluting the squads playing strength. There is a belief in the squad that they can go out and win these big games.
CIYMS v Cooke
Clogher Valley v Ards
Dromore v Portadown
Instonians v Ballyclare
Omagh v Bangor
CONFERENCE LEAGUE ONE
Ballynahinch seconds v Belfast Harlequins seconds
QUALIFYING TWO
Academy (8th) V Enniskillen (5th)
Head Coach Gareth Lynn was disappointed with the performance of his Academy team at Coleraine in their 40 - 7 defeat two weeks ago. He felt the team and the players did not stick to their game plan. The players couldn't get possession of the ball and keep it long enough to put any phases together. He has emphasised once again how important it is for the players to train together if they are to be competitive. The team for Saturday welcomes back Graham Dobbin after a lengthy injury with Stuart Henderson packing down alongside his younger brother Richard. As the coach said it is a pity big brother Iain (Ulster Rugby) can't join them! Dave Kenny comes in at scrum half to replace the unavailable Gavin Braiden. Lee Moody returns at hooker with injury ruling out Keith Dobbin. The team know this will be a really tough game and one they really need to win.
Enniskillen Head Coach Norman Richmond has made a number of changes some positional due to injury and unavailability for this weekend. His pack remains relatively unchanged with Ricky Lee and Michael Cadden joining Jamie Johnston in the back row along with Kaine Holden and Davy Buchannan in the second row to give the coach a formidable back five. In the backs Adam Lendrum, James Ferguson, Ashley Finlay and Mark O'Shea continue to impress.
The coach agrees this is the most important month for the squad with four crucial games coming up that will ultimately shape their season. Two away games at Academy and Donaghadee and two home games against Carrickfergus and Lisburn.
Carrickfergus (1st) v Coleraine (3rd)
Head Coach Neil Hanna identified this upcoming block of fixtures against Coleraine, Enniskillen and Randalstown as being crucial to the clubs plans this season. As he said if you had told me his team would be sitting with six wins from six before going into this block of fixtures I would have taken your arm off. His players are under no illusion as to the size of the task they face over the next three weeks. I think the league will be decided by ourselves and these three teams. We are going to treat these three matches as Cup finals by taking it week by week and hopefully we will come out on the right side of a few of them.
Richard Boyd has done a great job at Coleraine this season, they seem to have improved as a team from last year and given how tight both our matches were last season it makes for a very stern test on Saturday. We have a few players unavailable, one of our players is getting married and we have a few players at the wedding, otherwise we will be as strong as we can be. The players can't wait for the next three weeks. These are the matches they play for.
Donaghadee (6th) v Lisburn (10th)
Another crucial game for the Dee has they held on to defeat Ballymoney 6 - 3 two weeks ago at Donaldson Park. Head Coach Graham Cloke will look to his players to pick up another four valuable league points against 10th place Lisburn.
Lisburn were disappointed to lose narrowly to league leaders Carrickfergus 20 - 17 two weeks ago after scoring three tries. They will be without backrow forward Simon Gilmore and centre David Gilkinson for this weekend. 1st XV Manager Michael Knowles is hoping the team can build on their performance against Carrick. He knows Donaghadee is a very difficult place to go to.
Larne (2nd) v Randalstown (4th)
Head Coach Ryan Milligan will be looking his players to bounce back from league defeats against Coleraine and Enniskillen in their last two matches. Their task doesn't get any easier with the inform Randalstown visiting the Glynn. The target for Larne this season was to consolidate their position in Q 2 this season. The players have shown they are capable of more than this. Injuries and unavailabilities have tested the squad’s strength in depth in recent weeks with Rhys Thomas ruled out with a long term injury. Centre Ian MclIheron faces a late fitness test with his centre partner Jonny Hall unavailable. The coach is delighted to welcome back Chris Rea, Craig Gibson and Gareth Jamison to the pack.
Randalstown Head Coach Gary Longwell is aware that Larne have been having a good season and fully deserve their high league position. He realises his players will have to be at their very best to have a chance against them on Saturday.
Academy v Enniskillen
Carrickfergus v Coleraine
Donaghadee v Lisburn
Larne v Randalstown
CONFERENCE LEAGUE TWO
Ballymoney v Queens seconds
Grosvenor v Ballymena seconds
Malone seconds v Banbridge seconds
KUKRI QUALIFYING THREE
Civil Service v Strabane
Letterkenny v BHSFP
Limavady v Newry
Lurgan v Ophir
Monaghan v Holywood
PSNI v UUC
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Ballynahinch (10th) v Lansdowne (7th)
Despite the inclusion of several Ulster players last Saturday in Galway against Galwegians it was a winless Ballynahinch who returned home still seeking out their first AIL win after eight matches. Such is the list of player injuries and unavailability at Ballynahinch, no decision has been made on finalising their squad for the game with Lansdowne on Saturday.
Ballynahinch v Lansdowne
Clontarf v Garryowen
Cork Constitution v Terenure College
UCD v Old Belvedere
Young Munster v Galwegians
Division 1B
Belfast Harlequins (10th) v St Mary's College (1st)
Harlequins were unlucky not to win their AIL match at Blackrock College before losing 36 - 32 last weekend, with Ulster winger Rory Scholes contributing 17 points. Director of Rugby, DC Gillespie was pleased with the teams attacking play that yielded four tries and two losing bonus points. He was also disappointed with the team’s defence that kept Blackrock in the match. He felt his team could and should have won the game. He is expecting several changes to the starting XV for the home match with league leaders St. Mary's at Deramore Park on Saturday with selection to be finalised at training last night. Again, like Ballynahinch, Belfast Harlequins are struggling with injuries and unavailability for this weekend.
Ballymena (2nd) v Old Wesley (4th)
Despite the difficult weather conditions at Eaton Park last Saturday - Head Coach Andy Graham was delighted with the performance of his team in defeating UL Bohemians 15-6. He felt his team controlled most facets of the game with the forwards dominant in the set piece. With the soft underfoot conditions holding back players - several try scoring opportunities were squandered due to the final pass being spilled. It was a case of building the score with backs Marty Irwin and Rodger McBurney dropping goals to secure the win. Once again second row Connor Smyth put in an outstanding performance with the number of carries and tackles he made throughout the match. For the trip to Dublin this weekend the coach makes one change with Club Captain Willy McKay replacing the unavailable Clive Ross.
Michael Lagan, James Taggart and Bronson Ross continue in the front row with David Whann and Connor Smyth in the second row. Stephen Mulholland, Willy McKay and Matthew Rea make up the back row. David Shanahan and Ritchie McMaster continue at nine and ten with Martin Irwin and Callum Patterson in the centre along with wingers James Beattie and Jordan Foster and Rodger McBurney at full back. Both Michael Shiels and Glenn Baillie are unavailable this weekend with the bench made up of Ross Kane, Adam McBurney, Oliver Millar, Andrew McGrath and Jonny Rossborough. There was some positive news on the injury front with scrum half John Creighton returning to training this week with both Paddy McGowan and Kieran Joyce expected to be available in the new year. Richard McCrudden continues to make progress with both Daryl Montgomery and Alan Smyth long term injury concerns. Matthew Harkness who has been outstanding at openside this season has been ruled out with a cruciate injury for the rest of the season. Head coach Andy Graham wants his team to end their 2015 AIL programme with a win. Old Wesley will be a big game for his players. He is confident the players can get the job done on Old Wesley's 3G pitch this weekend.
Belfast Harlequins v St Mary's College
Dolphin v Blackrock College
Dublin Uni v Shannon
Old Wesley v Ballymena
UL Bohemians v Buccaneers
Division 2A
Queen’s University (5th) v Banbridge (1st)
Banbridge Head Coach Daniel Soper was pleased with his teams performance last Saturday in their win over Cashel. In a league which is so tight Queen’s are a team full of talent and are well coached. Last season they were one of the best teams we played and given their results I am expecting the same again. He makes one change which sees outhalf Shandon Scott return to the squad after missing last week with an ankle injury. The coach is looking forward to this weekends match as it will be a great test of our squad.
Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young faces some difficult selection decisions this week. Number 8 Nick Timoney is away with the Ireland Sevens squad in Dubai this weekend. Saul Herdman, Stuart Hooks, Jake Byrne, Brian Cunningham, Hugh Sloan and Alex Kane are all available for selection.
Queen’s have recorded wins over previous league leaders Malone and Cashel in their last two AIL league matches. Can they make it three in a row by defeating Banbridge at the Dub this weekend?
Malone (3rd) v Skerries (7th)
Malone Head Coach Jarrett Truscott has lost the services of Michael Cartmill, Mark O'Connor, Rory Campbell and influential second row Cory Tipping for this weekends trip to Skerries with both Dave Cave and Chris Griffiths continuing their recovery from injury. It will all be about trying to get the team through the next two weeks before the players have a four week break and resume their AIL campaign away to Queen’s at the Dub on the 9th January. Gareth Millar comes in at full back with Jack McMurtry starting on the wing. Jonny Ogilby, Steven Bell and Conor Bell are added to the bench replacements.
Cashel RFC v Galway Corinthians
Naas v Nenagh Ormond
Queens Uni v Banbridge
Skerries v Malone
UCC v Thomond
Division 2B
Armagh (4th) v Seapoint (10th)
Armagh Head Coach Alex McCloy is still undecided on his team for Saturday with several players facing late fitness tests last night. These include Matty Clarke, Josh McKinley, Phil Matthews and Matthew Steenson. Andrew Willis is unavailable due to injury. Stewart Lester may make his first return to the squad this season. After their narrow defeat to Sunday's Well the Orchard County side will be looking maximum points in their back to back games against 10th place Seapoint.
City of Derry (1st) v Rainey (6th)
Rainey Head Coach John Andrews was pleased his young side were able to deal with the difficult weather conditions last Saturday at Hatrick Park to defeat Highfield 18 - 13. He is looking to his players to maintain their performance in the back to back games with City of Derry over the next two weeks. He adds Neil O'Kane, Andrew Shaw to his squad with back row Jonny Lees undergoing a late fitness test.
City of Derry Head Coach Terry McMaster retains the same squad for the Ulster Derby with Rainey OB.
Dungannon ( 7th) v Sunday's Well ( 3rd)
Head Coach Andy Hughes was delighted his team came out on top in their 33 - 27 win at Bective last weekend. He described the game as surreal with both sides leaving tackling off the game plan. His team were cruising at halftime on the 3G pitch when they lost five experienced players in a ten-minute period at the beginning of the second half - Seamus Mallon, Stephen Todd, Philip Fletcher, Darren Simpson and James McMahon with various knocks, but held on to secure the win. The coach was impressed by the 3G pitch but was concerned at the toll it took on his player’s joints. At this stage it looks like Todd, Mallon and Fletcher will miss the home game this weekend. These injuries will give opportunities to David Leyburn to start after being out injured for two months with John Buckley getting his first start. Peter Gilkinson comes back into the squad after being unavailable last week along with the suspended Steven Sinnamon. Both John Joe Kane and Matthew Montgomery are available for selection. Marcus Mulgrew remains on the injured list and hopes to be available in the new year. Can Dungannon make it four wins in a row in all competitions?
Armagh v Seapoint
City of Derry v Rainey OB
Dungannon v Sunday's Well
Greystones v Bective Rangers
Highfield v M U Barnhall
Division 2C
Old Crescent v Bruff
Boyne v Dundalk RFC
Midleton v Kanturk
Sligo v Tullamore
Wanderers v Navan RFC
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE
In Qualifying One it looks as if the contest for the league title will be between Bangor, Instonians and Clogher Valley with a top four finish to qualify for next season's All Ireland Cup between Ballyclare, Portadown and Omagh to secure that all important fourth place. With relegation and a playoff this season no teams will want to finish in the bottom two. At present CIYMS, Ards, Cooke and Dromore are the four teams who will be battling it out to avoid the bottom two places with these four teams meeting each other in the next four weeks.
In Qualifying Two it looks as if Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Enniskillen and Randalstown will be the teams hoping to finish in the top two places. Again these teams will be meeting each other over the next four weeks. Can Larne recover from their dip in form to remain with these four teams. It looks as if the battle to avoid finishing in the bottom two places will involve Lisburn, Grosvenor, Academy, Ballymoney and Donaghadee with crucial games between these teams over the next four weeks.
In Qualifying Three Limavady remain undefeated and favourites for promotion to Qualifying Two. It looks as if will be a contest between the PSNI and UUC to finish second and secure a playoff place.
QUALIFYING ONE
CIYMS (10th) V Cooke (8th)
What a crucial four-week period coming up for CIYMS with games against Cooke, Ards and Omagh. CIYMS Head Coach Gareth Fry has had to deal with a lengthy injury list this season. He is confident his playing squad is getting stronger by the week as more players become available for selection. He knows that these three games are huge in the context of this season. There will be a few difficult selection calls to be made before the team is finalised on Thursday at training. He was disappointed his team lost their last two league games when they failed to take opportunities to win these matches.
Cooke Head Coach Colin Atkinson makes one enforced change to his team that lost narrowly to Clogher Valley 29 - 23 in their last league outing on the 14th November with backrow forward Matthew McCormick ruled out with a fractured hand. His replacement and the bench will be finalised at training on Thursday night.
Big game for both sides in this Belfast derby at Belmont on Saturday.
Clogher Valley (4th) v Ards (9th)
Bangor spoiled the party last weekend by outplaying the much renowned Clogher Valley pack. Not many teams travel to the Cran and do this. I expect a fired up Clogher pack led by Captain David Sharkey to redeem themselves against an Ards team struggling to adapt to life in Qualifying One. Coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black have made several changes due to injury and unavailability. Both starting props from last weekend are unavailable with Richard Primrose getting married and Philip Moore joining outhalf Philip Holme on the injury list. Rodney Bennett comes into the front row along with Michael Hooper with Nathan Orr coming into the back row to replace Barry Jon Wilson who drops down to the bench. Clogher will not underestimate the challenge from Ards who need a win.
Ards are developing a young squad that includes Nathan Graham, Taylor Nutt, Danny Patton, Jonny Harris, Paddy Bond, Ben Pentland, Conrad Stewart and Gareth McBurney. Experienced players including Mark Banford, Stuart Paul, Scott Young, John Dowey and Michael Creighton have a crucial role to play in securing the teams place in Qualifying One this season under the guidance of Head coach David Irwin.
Dromore (7th) V Portadown(5th)
Head Coach Jonny Cullen is aware his Dromore team needs to start picking up league points as they compete with Cooke, Ards and CIYMS to avoid finishing in the bottom two places. In their last league outing on the 14th November they lost narrowly 27 - 23 at Ballyclare. The coach is hoping his players carry that performance into the meeting with neighbours Portadown at Barban Hill. The players have been working hard in training over the last two weeks and are really looking forward to this match.
Portadown Head Coach Richard Hedley was delighted with the performance of his young team in defeating Ballynahinch seconds 21 - 17 at Ballymacarn Park two weeks ago. He knows his team face a tough fixture away to Dromore as they fight to secure a top four placing. He is able to select from a strong squad with hooker Robert Greenlee replacing the unavailable Robert Reid. Second row Willie Graham returns after injury to take his place in the starting XV.
Instonians (2nd) v Ballyclare (3rd)
Head Coach William Leacock was delighted with his Instonians team winning their Junior Cup semi-final against Omagh last Saturday. His players showed real character and a heart to win. Conditions were dreadful in the first half playing against the wind. The players felt it was a 15/20 point advantage and to come in 6 - 3 required a huge effort from the team. As luck would have it the conditions improved in the second half with the wind dying down. The players had to dig deep to win against a good Omagh side.
He is looking forward to the return match with Ballyclare after defeating them 22 - 10 four weeks ago in the quarter finals of the Junior Cup at Shaws Bridge. His team are now entering a crucial part of the season with the currrent injuries being managed. Both Robert Whitten and Robbie Kirk will return to the team this Saturday.
Ballyclare Head Coach Mike McKeever is looking forward to this Instonians match. He feels his team have nothing to lose and all to gain. Instonians have turned around their disappointment from being relegated from the All Ireland league to having a great season last year and have kept their form again this season. They have two Cups to play for and are eager to win the league again this season. It is a lot of rugby but they have a large squad.
His team are enjoying their second season back in Qualifying One with all matches competitive and challenging. This is Ballyclare's last league match in December before the fixtures go into reverse for the second half of the season.
Leacock has been doing an excellent job at Instonians and we had an entertaining game up there a few weeks ago when we got to play a bit more relaxed. Unfortunately, two intercept tries give them the win. Two of the Ballyclare players Paul Robinson and Gary Clotworthy played at Instonians. He is delighted to have experienced players including Michael Rainey, Willie Logan, Rab Boyd, Captain Gary Weatherup and Al Boyd in his pack. Both Bobby Smith and Collie Morrow are unavailable for selection this weekend. Such is the strength in depth in the club they will be able to send a strong second XV to play Omagh seconds in the postponed Crawford Cup match this weekend.
Omagh (6th) v Bangor (1st)
Head Coach Phil Marshall was disappointed his Omagh side did not progress to the final of the Junior Cup after losing a tight game against Instonians last weekend. They were denied a try as their player collided with the referee crossing the line with no Instonians defender behind the referee and a loose pass in the second half was pounced on by Instonians to score their only try of the game in their 19 - 6 win. The team have to refocus with the visit of league leaders Bangor to the Thomas Mellon playing fields on Saturday as they pursue a top four place this season. The ingredients are all there for another keenly contested match between these two sides. The coach is likely to make one change with James Catterson starting in place of Andrew Ferguson who drops down to the bench. Centre Alan Heaney remains on the injured list with outhalf Lee Murphy unavailable this weekend.
Bangor Head Coach Jason Morgan was delighted with the result at Clogher Valley last Sat. He believes the result has given the team a real belief they have the players to compete in difficult weather conditions. It will certainly shake of the myth that they are a fair weather team. He agrees the players have another difficult fixture as they travel again to County Tyrone to play Omagh. He will be looking the same commitment and discipline the team showed at Clogher Valley with the focus on playing in the right areas of the pitch to win this match.
The team cannot afford any slip ups in the league ahead of the All Ireland semi final with Enniscorthy on the 12th December. For both coaches Jason Morgan and Michael Ferguson their number one target this season is to win the league. This is the big prize they are after. It is the most important competition the team play in as it represents their commitment to a season long campaign.
We know Omagh have set themselves targets and will fancy themselves at home this weekend. The team have to front up and produce quality performances each week and take what opportunities that they are given.
Maturity, experience and commitment are the three big factors that have been ingrained into the squad and these are starting to shine through the squad as the quality has grown within the 30 players who are capable of playing for the 1st XV without diluting the squads playing strength. There is a belief in the squad that they can go out and win these big games.
CIYMS v Cooke
Clogher Valley v Ards
Dromore v Portadown
Instonians v Ballyclare
Omagh v Bangor
CONFERENCE LEAGUE ONE
Ballynahinch seconds v Belfast Harlequins seconds
QUALIFYING TWO
Academy (8th) V Enniskillen (5th)
Head Coach Gareth Lynn was disappointed with the performance of his Academy team at Coleraine in their 40 - 7 defeat two weeks ago. He felt the team and the players did not stick to their game plan. The players couldn't get possession of the ball and keep it long enough to put any phases together. He has emphasised once again how important it is for the players to train together if they are to be competitive. The team for Saturday welcomes back Graham Dobbin after a lengthy injury with Stuart Henderson packing down alongside his younger brother Richard. As the coach said it is a pity big brother Iain (Ulster Rugby) can't join them! Dave Kenny comes in at scrum half to replace the unavailable Gavin Braiden. Lee Moody returns at hooker with injury ruling out Keith Dobbin. The team know this will be a really tough game and one they really need to win.
Enniskillen Head Coach Norman Richmond has made a number of changes some positional due to injury and unavailability for this weekend. His pack remains relatively unchanged with Ricky Lee and Michael Cadden joining Jamie Johnston in the back row along with Kaine Holden and Davy Buchannan in the second row to give the coach a formidable back five. In the backs Adam Lendrum, James Ferguson, Ashley Finlay and Mark O'Shea continue to impress.
The coach agrees this is the most important month for the squad with four crucial games coming up that will ultimately shape their season. Two away games at Academy and Donaghadee and two home games against Carrickfergus and Lisburn.
Carrickfergus (1st) v Coleraine (3rd)
Head Coach Neil Hanna identified this upcoming block of fixtures against Coleraine, Enniskillen and Randalstown as being crucial to the clubs plans this season. As he said if you had told me his team would be sitting with six wins from six before going into this block of fixtures I would have taken your arm off. His players are under no illusion as to the size of the task they face over the next three weeks. I think the league will be decided by ourselves and these three teams. We are going to treat these three matches as Cup finals by taking it week by week and hopefully we will come out on the right side of a few of them.
Richard Boyd has done a great job at Coleraine this season, they seem to have improved as a team from last year and given how tight both our matches were last season it makes for a very stern test on Saturday. We have a few players unavailable, one of our players is getting married and we have a few players at the wedding, otherwise we will be as strong as we can be. The players can't wait for the next three weeks. These are the matches they play for.
Donaghadee (6th) v Lisburn (10th)
Another crucial game for the Dee has they held on to defeat Ballymoney 6 - 3 two weeks ago at Donaldson Park. Head Coach Graham Cloke will look to his players to pick up another four valuable league points against 10th place Lisburn.
Lisburn were disappointed to lose narrowly to league leaders Carrickfergus 20 - 17 two weeks ago after scoring three tries. They will be without backrow forward Simon Gilmore and centre David Gilkinson for this weekend. 1st XV Manager Michael Knowles is hoping the team can build on their performance against Carrick. He knows Donaghadee is a very difficult place to go to.
Larne (2nd) v Randalstown (4th)
Head Coach Ryan Milligan will be looking his players to bounce back from league defeats against Coleraine and Enniskillen in their last two matches. Their task doesn't get any easier with the inform Randalstown visiting the Glynn. The target for Larne this season was to consolidate their position in Q 2 this season. The players have shown they are capable of more than this. Injuries and unavailabilities have tested the squad’s strength in depth in recent weeks with Rhys Thomas ruled out with a long term injury. Centre Ian MclIheron faces a late fitness test with his centre partner Jonny Hall unavailable. The coach is delighted to welcome back Chris Rea, Craig Gibson and Gareth Jamison to the pack.
Randalstown Head Coach Gary Longwell is aware that Larne have been having a good season and fully deserve their high league position. He realises his players will have to be at their very best to have a chance against them on Saturday.
Academy v Enniskillen
Carrickfergus v Coleraine
Donaghadee v Lisburn
Larne v Randalstown
CONFERENCE LEAGUE TWO
Ballymoney v Queens seconds
Grosvenor v Ballymena seconds
Malone seconds v Banbridge seconds
KUKRI QUALIFYING THREE
Civil Service v Strabane
Letterkenny v BHSFP
Limavady v Newry
Lurgan v Ophir
Monaghan v Holywood
PSNI v UUC