There were opening wins for Banbridge, Ballynahinch, Armagh, Dungannon and Malone in senior rugby, with Clogher Valley, Ballyclare, Dromore and Instonians opening their league programme with impressive wins in Q1.
All fixtures kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday 6th September 2014.
ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE
Ballymena v Ards
Ballymena entertain Ards at Eaton Park. The Braidmen were unlucky to lose 12-9 at Ballynahinch last Saturday. They will welcome back the returning Stephen Mulholland at number 8 after injury and the signing of ex Preston Grasshoppers and English Counties fullback Sean Taylor adds an extra buzz. This prolific points scorer will further strengthen an extended playing squad boosted by over twelve summer signings. Struggling Ards once again succumbed to a ten try defeat at home to a rampaging Banbridge team minus several players last weekend. Much work has to be done by coach Stewart Porter and his players over the next two weeks as injuries and unavailabilities continue to deplete their playing resources.
Banbridge v City of Derry
Banbridge coach Daniel Soper will welcome the sterner challenge City of Derry will provide at Rifle Park. The North West side suffered a surprise opening day defeat to a strong Armagh side at Judges Road. Expect a reaction from the Derry players.
Belfast Harlequins v Queen’s University
Belfast Harlequins take on Queen’s at Deramore Park, where both sides will be depleted due to players involved with Ulster representative sides in the inter-pros. Quins had a free opening weekend and will welcome eighty minutes of competitive action. The students were out-scored by five tries to three in their 15-27 defeat at home to Malone. With the exodus of several senior players from the student squad, new coach Bob Young has much work to do in preparing his talented squad for the Ulster Bank League.
Malone v Dungannon
Malone face a rejuvenated Dungannon side who bounced back from being 0-17 down to Rainey after fifteen minutes to win 22-17 at Stevenson Park. The Sinnamon brothers in the front row, along with the wily James Bates at scrumhalf, orchestrated this morale boosting win. Malone Coach Jacque Benade has still to decide on his 1st XV squad for the opening UBL game with Buccaneers, with several positions to be decided over the coming week.
Rainey v Ballynahinch
Rainey coach Richard Boyd will have been disappointed with letting their lead slip. He has been experimenting with several new faces added to his playing squad. Much interest has been focussed on Ross McCloskey, younger brother of Ulster star Stuart, who made a promising debut for the Magherfelt side last weekend. Reigning league champions Ballynahinch got over the finishing line with a narrow win over Ballymena last week. With several changes to the playing squad, ‘Hinch coach Derek Suffern will expect a big performance from his players, as they strive to retain their grip on the Stevenson Shield.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Ballyclare v Dromore
Ballyclare welcome visitors Dromore to Cloughan, with both sides having recorded crucial wins on the opening weekend, although Dromore will be disappointed they didn’t score a bonus point try in their 25-13 win over Cooke. The County Down side have the experienced Graham Cloke in charge this season. They are a strong squad who have been boosted by the return of dynamic scrumhalf Lee Steenson from Banbridge. New prop Martin Tollis made his debut and despite injuries to Gareth Fitzpatrick, Adam McDonald and George Wilson, the players will travel with confidence. Ballyclare have no injury worries and add the returning Bobby Smith to their squad.
Bangor v Instonians
The contest between former senior clubs Bangor and Instonians will attract another large crowd to Upritchard Park. The surprise home defeat for Bangor against Ballyclare will put added pressure on the players and coaches as a second defeat would seriously undermine their league ambitions. Instonians have quietly introduced eight new players into their 1st XV, with ex Queen’s backrow forward Robert Whitten the stand out player. Additions such as Fergal Lynch in the front row and Italian second row Sebastianp Follo has strengthened their forwards. The inclusion of former RBAI outhalf Fraser Wright and Friends’ winger Zach Finlay will add flair to a talented backline consisting of ex-Queen’s player Paddy Pringle and Robbie Martin. Bangor captain Jamie Clegg will know his players will have to raise their game to secure a result.
Clogher Valley v Donaghadee
The visit of Donaghadee to league champions Clogher Valley at the Cran is an interesting fixture. Contests between these two sides are always keenly contested - witness the narrow 15-7 win in the Powerade Towns Cup final by Valley and their 3-6 league win at Donaldson Park. The Tyrone outfit have the advantage of a six try win at Ballymoney last weekend as ‘Dee’s game with CIYMS had to be postponed. Valley have several injury worries with the returning second row Matty Robinson ruled out for several weeks but they have strength-in-depth to fill these positions. The ‘Dee will rely on experienced players including Paul McKenzie, Alastair Lockhart, Chris Hamilton, Chris Good and Billy Allen to upset the form book.
Cooke v CIYMS
Cooke, after their disappointing loss at Dromore, face a CIYMS side chasing league and cup honours this season. A Belfast derby will lift both sides as Cooke coach Colin Atkinson will need all his experience to win this game. A serious pre-season injury has ruled out the talented Phil Cartmill for several months. The difficulty for the Belmont coaches is deciding on a starting XV, such is depth of talent available to new coach Gareth Fry and his team.
Portadown v Ballymoney
Portadown coaches Richard Hedley and Ciaran O'Kane will welcome the meeting with Ballymoney at Chambers Park to attempt to return to winning ways after they were second best in their opening day defeat at Instonians. The return of Ulster Juniors player Gareth McCoy will be timely. Ballymoney coach Jason Taggart knows it will take time to develop his playing squad. Encouraging performances by debutants John McFetridge and Matthew Steele in the 0-38 home defeat to CV will boost the confidence of the players travelling to County Armagh.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
The first games in Kukri Qualifying 2 kick off this weekend. Lisburn will host newly promoted Holywood to Blaris, as head coach Mark Crothers enters his third season in charge hoping to build on progress over previous seasons. He is in the unique position of having four brothers playing on the 1st XV; David, Aaron, Mark and Jonathan Gilkinson who are all ex-pupils of Wallace High School. David, Aaron and Mark all played for Ulster Schools with Mark turning out for the Ulster U20s last season. Hooker Peter Graham will again captain the side with ex-Methody outhalf Ross Edgar a key player. Holywood coach Laurence Kelly has taken over the reins at the North Down club after a successful period coaching at Larne. His squad competed well at the Randalstown fifteen a side tournament last weekend as they prepared for their league campaign. Their captain and scrumhalf Rory Eaves will be a key player for them this season.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 4
Belfast High School Former Pupils open their league campaign when they welcome Monaghan to Upper Greenisland.
JUNIOR FRIENDLY
Coleraine travel to the John Hunter Memorial fields to play neighbours Limavady in preparation for their league campaign. Confidence is high in the North Coast squad after winning the Randalstown fifteen a side tournament last weekend.