This weekend the focus will be on the Quarter Finals of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. We have four evenly contested cup ties down for decision with last years finalists Instonians and Omagh keen to make a return to the Kingspan Stadium before Xmas. No doubt the other six competing teams will have similar ambitions.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Ballynahinch V Terenure College
Saturday is a must win match for the team who are six points behind nineth place Galwegians. The 32 - 23 defeat away to Cork Constitution last Sat was a game Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan felt his players should have won. Unfortunately the sin binning of full back Manihera Eden was ruthlessly exploited by Cork Con as they scored seventeen unanswered points during this ten minute spell. The team are scoring tries but don't execute enough of these opportunities to win games. Crucially for the Ballymacarn faithful they will witness the return of dynamic Captain Paul Pritchard to the back row after injury. His leadership will be needed this weekend. The team for this weekend is expected to be along the lines of Adam Craig at full back with Chris Quinn and Stuart Morrow on the wings. Richard Reaney and Will Stewart continue their centre pairing with Aaron Cairns restored at scrum half to partner Sam Windsor. Jonny Simpson was impressive in his first outing last Sat at prop. He is joined by hooker Zack McCall and Craig Trenier in the front row with Kyle McCall required by Ulster. Jonny Madden and James Simpson will continue in the second row with Paul Pritchard, Conor Joyce and Lorcan Dow expected to make up the back row.
Ballynahinch v Terenure College
Clontarf v Galwegians
Old Belvedere v Garryowen
UCD v Lansdowne
Young Munster v Cork Constitution
Division 1B
Belfast Harlequins v Shannon
Front row forward Mark Foster made an impact scoring two tries during his cameo appearance in the second half last Sat at Trinity. Injuries continue to rule out Brendan Monahan, Andrew McPhillips and Mark Keyttle along with Ulster players Mark Best, Conor Young and Paul Jackson. One area of concern for Quins is the lack of experience and decision makers in their young backline with wingers David McMaster and Peter Dunlop and half backs Timothy Emerson and Matty Rainey all 19/20 years old. The Director of rugby took in Quins seconds 34 -26 defeat at Dromore last Sat to watch the performance of 1st xv squad players including centres Sean Conway and Chris Best along with forwards Paul Greenaway, Ken McKenzie, Matthew McKelvey and Josh Davidson. It was also an opportunity to view utility back Adam White in the outside half berth as the coaches look to strengthen their 1st xv options. Captain Neil McComb has a crucial role once again in leading his players to that all important first win.
Ballymena v Buccaneers
The Braidmen are once again on their travels this weekend to Athlone to play Buccaneers. Head coach Andy Graham was disappointed with their 26 - 18 defeat to St Mary's in Dublin last Sat. The damage was done in the final quarter as they surrendered a 18 - 13 lead to concede thirteen unanswered points. They remain level on points with St Mary's at the top of Div 1 B. The defeat was all the harder to swallow as the forwards put in their strongest performance so far this season. An early injury forced loose head prop Ross Kane from the pitch with a reoccurrence of a Quad injury. Hooker John Andrews had been released by Ulster and turned in a strong dynamic performance. It was frustrating for the coach to watch his forwards being dominant throughout the match. He felt his team lacked that clinical edge to score more tries. Injury continues to rule out scrum half David Shanahan along with winger Kieran Joyce. Hooker John Andrews starts once again in the front row alongside the returning Michael Lagan and Bronson Ross. Alan O'Connor continues in the second row with either David Whann or Connor Smyth with Whann undergoing a late fitness test. Stephen Mulholland returns from injury to join Clive Ross and Matty Rea in the back row. Glenn Baillie continues at scrum half with the backline similar to last week. David O'Hara covered last week and is not available this week. Injuries continue to rule out John Creighton and Richard McCruddden. Adam Mc Burney is expected to take his place on the bench alongside Chris Cundell and James Beattie. Coach Andy Graham is expecting a hard physical game against a dynamic Buccaneers forward unit. They have been scoring alot of points and will provide a big test for his players as they look to maintain their promotion challenge.
Belfast Harlequins v Shannon
Dolphin v Dublin Uni
Old Wesley v Blackrock College
UL Bohemians v St Mary's College
Buccaneers v Ballymena
Division 2 A
Queens v Cashel
Can Queens travel to Cashel and repeat the 29 -18 win Malone secured at the league leaders last Sat. Head coach Bob Young is delighted he has the same squad available with Ulster Academy players including prop Jake Byrne and Jonny McPhillips on the bench. He was disappointed his players let slip a lead against UCC to draw 34 - 34 last Sat. They will face a Cashel side determined to return to winning ways. It has all the ingredients for another thrilling match at Spafield. Injuries continue to rule out Alex Kane, Liam Free, Jonny Craig and Hugh Sloan. Paddy Farrell returns to the centre alongside Conor McKee with Robert Lyttle at full back and Conor Kelly and Damon Hall on the wings. Josh Fullerton and Jack Milligan continue at halfbacks. The front row will be Jordan Southway, Norman Sinclair and Brian Cunningham with Alex Thompson and Nigel Simpson in the second row. Captain Josh Atkinson continues in back row alongside Paddy Marks and Ulster Academy No 8 Nick Timoney. The Bench will include Jake Byrne, Saul Herdman, Marc Campbell, Stewart Martin and Jonny McPhillips.
Malone v Nenagh Ormond
This may be third against tenth in this league. Only twelve points separate all ten teams in this league with every team capable of defeating each other. Malone are coming off the back of an impressive bonus point win at league leaders Cashel last Sat. They will need the forwards to be at their best to compete against another Munster side who will bring that physicality and aggression to their game. Head coach Jarrett Truscott makes only one change with Phil Eadie restored at tight head and Gary Crawford switching to loose head. Prop David Halliday takes his place on the bench along with the experienced Lee Barlow, Ben McDonnell, Max Porter and Michael Cartmill. Can the Gibson Park side build on their recent progress.
Banbridge v UCC
Head coach Daniel Soper was delighted with the manner in which his players held their line in a 11- 0 win at home to Naas last Sat. They face the long trip to Cork to play the students at the Mardyke in another must win game. Injuries rule out centre Andrew Morrison and back row forward Richard Graham. Nico Vorster is unavailable this weekend. Kallan Martin returns to the playing squad after being rested last week. There was disappointing news at Banbridge this week when players learned last seasons Captain Jonny Graham has been forced to retire from playing rugby due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery. Jonny had a distinguished playing career at Ballynahinch before joining Banbridge three seasons ago. Head coach Daniel Soper regards his unavailability as a big loss to the 1st xv squad. He is confident that he has the strength in depth to deal with the injuries and unavailabilities within the playing squad.
Cashel v Queens Uni
Malone v Nenagh Ormond
Naas v Galway Corinthians
Skerries v Thomond
UCC v Banbridge
Division 2 B
Armagh v Bective Rangers
Back to back wins have pushed Armagh into third place in this league. Head coach Alex McCloy is looking to his players to keep the pressure on the top two sides City of Derry and Highfield. The coach was delighted to welcome back - back row forward Matty Clarke who had an excellent game last sat at MU Barnhall. He is pleased with how the season is progressing at Armagh. The team/squad have sorted out a few discipline issues that cost the team in the early matches. The team are playing a great brand of rugby and probably made half a dozen line breaks at the weekend that they did not finish off. He feels the team need to be more clinical and patient in the opposition twenty two - but that will come as the players gain more experience. Armagh make one change in the forwards with Stephen Morton replacing the injured James Hanna in the second row. In the backs - Andy Willis comes in on the wing with John Faloon partnering Matthew Steenson in the centre. Matthew Hooks moves to full back with Harry Boyd dropping down to the bench to be joined by Conleth McGillan.
Dungannon v MU Barnhall
Head coach Andy Hughes was disappointed his team lost their discipline after dominating the first quarter of their match at Rainey last Sat to lose 23 - 13. The team had performed well during September winning two AIL matches and losing the local derby match with Armagh 21 - 20. They have gone on to lose their three AIL matches in October. Key players including Captain James McMahon, Jake Finlay and Ross McCaughey returned last Sat. The leadership of McMahon will be crucial to end this losing streak. He needs a performance that saw them overcome Greystones in September. He will welcome back Mark Riddell in the back row. One player who continues to impress the coach is full back Paul Armstrong. Not only is he a good kicker the coach is confident that as this player develops he can progress to the next level. A must win game for the Stevenson Park side on Sat.
Rainey OB v Greystones
City of Derry narrowly held on to defeat Greystones last Sat. Can John Andrews and his Magherfelt side travel to County Wicklow and take the league points. Head coach John Andrews has made two changes from last Saturdays starting xv with Ronan McCusker replacing Peter Boyle in second row and Neil O'Kane replacing Timmy O'Hagan in the front row who drops down to the bench. Rory Winters, Conal Murphy and Aiden Pittman take their place on the bench alongside Stephen Rutledge. Rainey travel with a strong squad despite the unavailability of Timothy Barker, Scott Mclean, Andrew Shaw, Nicholas Stirling, Michael Pyper and Peter Boyle.
Again crucial for Rainey to continue picking up league points.
City of Derry v Highfield
First against second with City of Derry having a six point advantage. A win would extend their six match unbeaten league run and open up a significant advantage with three further AIL matches to play before the Xmas break. Head coach Terry McMaster picks from a near full strength squad with prop Chris Shields ruled out for the season with a knee injury. In his absence Ulster under 20 prop Rory Squires has stepped in and held on to the loose head jersey. He welcomes back Adam Bratton, Ger Collins, John Burns and David Houston into his match day squad. This match will be the biggest test for this Derry squad this season.
Armagh v Bective Rangers
Dungannon v MU Barnhall
Greystones v Rainey OB
Highfield v City of Derry
Seapoint v Sunday's Well
Division 2 C
Boyne v Navan. Played Friday 6.11.15. Kick off 8pm
Dundalk RFC v Kanturk
Middleton v Tullamore
Sligo v Old Crescent
Wanderers v Bruff
MILLAR MCCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS
Instonians v Ballyclare
Holders Instonians welcome an inform Ballyclare team to Shaw's Bridge - who are now coached by former Instonians 1st xv centre Mike McKeever. With Instonians Head coach William Leacock having Captained that side that McKeever played on there will be a shake of hands before this game. For William Leacock he has been able to rotate his playing squad over the last two weeks with the second xv having no games. The players that have come in have done very well. With the seconds again having no fixture the opportunity is there give more players their chance and also rest players. He is keen to give everybody the chance to put their hand up for selection. Numbers at training are good with over thirty players turning up weekly. Selection will be difficult with centre Rory Bell continuing to impress after returning from injury. Richard McCarthy played well at out half last week against Ballynahinch seconds. The coach rested the following players last Sat including David Scott, Robert Whitten, Paddy Bell, James Le Broy, Fraser Wright, Matthew Keane, Robbie Kirk, Josh Lyness, Lewis McNamara, Andrew McGregor, Michael Blackwood, Conor Gallagher. All these players will come into contention for selection this week.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever was delighted his team got the job done at CIYMS last week in their 14 -12 win. It was good leadership from the Senior players Gary Weatherup (Captain), Willie Logan and Ali Boyd that got them through. He agrees that Instonians are performing well under Head coach William Leacock. His team are targeting a stronger finish in the league this season. This Cup match is a good opportunity to experiment with players development and tactics irrespective of the result. He is mindful they face Instonians in the league in a few weeks and again at the start of the new year. On a personal note he is looking forward to facing his old club as a coach and for some of the players who played at Shaw's Bridge. Ballyclare are enjoying their rugby and their strength in depth is growing weekly in the club. He is pleased with the attacking rugby played by his talented backline including Gary Clotworthy, Dave Clarke, Robert Smith and Niall Lawther along with forwards Gary Weatherup and Willie Logan. Niall Lawther is reinstated at out half on Sat with Robert Smith moving to full back. Former Captain Robert Boyd has resumed training and along with back row forwards Michael Rainey and Paul Robinson will be considered for inclusion this weekend.
Bangor v Ballynahinch seconds
There is a real thirst at Upritchard Park to bring silverware to Uprtichard Park this season. For Bangor they face a Ballynahinch seconds side that are always in contention for the Cups each season. Head coach Jason Morgan has watched his team come through difficult fixtures with Ballymena seconds, Instonians and Clondalkin in recent games. These matches have tested the development and maturity of the players as the season progresses. Saturday will be no easier. The coach welcomes back second row Craig Burton after following concussion protocol. Back row forward Dave Caughey is a doubt after picking up an injury in the Ards game. Both props Paddy Dornan and Peter Nichol are available for selection this week with the coaches expected to go along with regular front row of Oran McIImurray, Andrew Jackson and Philip Whyte. Long term injuries continue to rule out Mike Apsley, Gareth Irvine and Ryan Latimer. Winger Mark Widdowson remains unavailable with a shoulder injury. He is targeting a return against Monkstwon in the All Ireland Junior Cup against Monkstown on the 21st November. The backline for Saturday's match will be selected from Daniel Kennedy, Jason Morgan, Jason Guthrie, Rob Gamble, Desi Fusco, Ross McCloskey, Mike Weir, Davey Charles and Adam McCusker. Head coach Jason Morgan has used thirty players so far this season and expects to use around forty players by the end of the season. He is mindful of their workload and is trying to keep players fresh by mixing up training sessions. 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong points out that the players see this game as a real chance to progress in a Cup where they historically haven't done well. The coaches will be fielding their strongest team on Sat.
Omagh v Dromore
These two teams have already met in the opening Q1 league game at the Thomas Mellon playing fields with Omagh winning 22 - 17 in August. We can expect another close encounter as last years beaten finalists Omagh are looking to return to the final again at the Kingspan stadium. Omagh coach Phil Marshall makes one change with injury ruling out left winger Steven Mclaine to be replaced by Andy McFarland. Both the coach and the team are looking forward to the game on Sat. Back to back wins have lifted confidence in the Omagh side. Dromore field a strong side that includes the return of injured forwards Ryan Hughes and the experienced Rory Pepper in the second row. Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen is looking forward to this Cup tie. The players have worked hard this week as they prepare for this Cup match.
Portadown v Clogher Valley
Head coach Richard Hedley was disappointed with the performance of his Portadown players in their 17 - 0 defeat at the Cran last Friday. He accepted that the Clogher team did not allow his side to play. They were out played in the set piece and couldn't hold on to the ball. He is hoping his players do the basics much better at home on Saturday if they are to win. Portadown welcome back Mark Neilly, Gareth McCoy in the forwards and Jonny McClure in the backs.
Clogher Valley forwards coach Davy Black is looking forward to this return fixture. He has used training nights for the team to work hard on their set piece as they dominated the scrums and line outs in their first meeting last week. The return of scrum half Aaron Best has been timely as his leadership and organisation were missed. Davy Black is a great believer in the Parish culture that has players playing for their local club. It is adopting what it means to play for your club. Upwards of 36/37 players continue to attend training nights. He knows Saturday's match will be a tight game. Portadown have home advantage. It will be a big task for his team with two honest hard working teams competing against each other. The hungrier team will win.
Instonians v Ballyclare
Bangor v Ballynahinch seconds
Omagh v Dromore
Portadown v Clogher Valley
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
Holywood v Limavady
Monaghan v Civil Service
Ophir v Newry
PSNI v Letterkenny
Strabane v BHSFP
UUC v Lurgan
Two Conference league games originally arranged for Saturday the 26th December have been brought forward to this week.
Ballymena seconds v Carrickfergus. Played Thursday 5.11.15. Kick off 7.30pm.
Malone seconds v Grosvenor. Play Sat 7.11.15. Kick off 2.30pm.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Division 1A
Ballynahinch V Terenure College
Saturday is a must win match for the team who are six points behind nineth place Galwegians. The 32 - 23 defeat away to Cork Constitution last Sat was a game Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan felt his players should have won. Unfortunately the sin binning of full back Manihera Eden was ruthlessly exploited by Cork Con as they scored seventeen unanswered points during this ten minute spell. The team are scoring tries but don't execute enough of these opportunities to win games. Crucially for the Ballymacarn faithful they will witness the return of dynamic Captain Paul Pritchard to the back row after injury. His leadership will be needed this weekend. The team for this weekend is expected to be along the lines of Adam Craig at full back with Chris Quinn and Stuart Morrow on the wings. Richard Reaney and Will Stewart continue their centre pairing with Aaron Cairns restored at scrum half to partner Sam Windsor. Jonny Simpson was impressive in his first outing last Sat at prop. He is joined by hooker Zack McCall and Craig Trenier in the front row with Kyle McCall required by Ulster. Jonny Madden and James Simpson will continue in the second row with Paul Pritchard, Conor Joyce and Lorcan Dow expected to make up the back row.
Ballynahinch v Terenure College
Clontarf v Galwegians
Old Belvedere v Garryowen
UCD v Lansdowne
Young Munster v Cork Constitution
Division 1B
Belfast Harlequins v Shannon
Front row forward Mark Foster made an impact scoring two tries during his cameo appearance in the second half last Sat at Trinity. Injuries continue to rule out Brendan Monahan, Andrew McPhillips and Mark Keyttle along with Ulster players Mark Best, Conor Young and Paul Jackson. One area of concern for Quins is the lack of experience and decision makers in their young backline with wingers David McMaster and Peter Dunlop and half backs Timothy Emerson and Matty Rainey all 19/20 years old. The Director of rugby took in Quins seconds 34 -26 defeat at Dromore last Sat to watch the performance of 1st xv squad players including centres Sean Conway and Chris Best along with forwards Paul Greenaway, Ken McKenzie, Matthew McKelvey and Josh Davidson. It was also an opportunity to view utility back Adam White in the outside half berth as the coaches look to strengthen their 1st xv options. Captain Neil McComb has a crucial role once again in leading his players to that all important first win.
Ballymena v Buccaneers
The Braidmen are once again on their travels this weekend to Athlone to play Buccaneers. Head coach Andy Graham was disappointed with their 26 - 18 defeat to St Mary's in Dublin last Sat. The damage was done in the final quarter as they surrendered a 18 - 13 lead to concede thirteen unanswered points. They remain level on points with St Mary's at the top of Div 1 B. The defeat was all the harder to swallow as the forwards put in their strongest performance so far this season. An early injury forced loose head prop Ross Kane from the pitch with a reoccurrence of a Quad injury. Hooker John Andrews had been released by Ulster and turned in a strong dynamic performance. It was frustrating for the coach to watch his forwards being dominant throughout the match. He felt his team lacked that clinical edge to score more tries. Injury continues to rule out scrum half David Shanahan along with winger Kieran Joyce. Hooker John Andrews starts once again in the front row alongside the returning Michael Lagan and Bronson Ross. Alan O'Connor continues in the second row with either David Whann or Connor Smyth with Whann undergoing a late fitness test. Stephen Mulholland returns from injury to join Clive Ross and Matty Rea in the back row. Glenn Baillie continues at scrum half with the backline similar to last week. David O'Hara covered last week and is not available this week. Injuries continue to rule out John Creighton and Richard McCruddden. Adam Mc Burney is expected to take his place on the bench alongside Chris Cundell and James Beattie. Coach Andy Graham is expecting a hard physical game against a dynamic Buccaneers forward unit. They have been scoring alot of points and will provide a big test for his players as they look to maintain their promotion challenge.
Belfast Harlequins v Shannon
Dolphin v Dublin Uni
Old Wesley v Blackrock College
UL Bohemians v St Mary's College
Buccaneers v Ballymena
Division 2 A
Queens v Cashel
Can Queens travel to Cashel and repeat the 29 -18 win Malone secured at the league leaders last Sat. Head coach Bob Young is delighted he has the same squad available with Ulster Academy players including prop Jake Byrne and Jonny McPhillips on the bench. He was disappointed his players let slip a lead against UCC to draw 34 - 34 last Sat. They will face a Cashel side determined to return to winning ways. It has all the ingredients for another thrilling match at Spafield. Injuries continue to rule out Alex Kane, Liam Free, Jonny Craig and Hugh Sloan. Paddy Farrell returns to the centre alongside Conor McKee with Robert Lyttle at full back and Conor Kelly and Damon Hall on the wings. Josh Fullerton and Jack Milligan continue at halfbacks. The front row will be Jordan Southway, Norman Sinclair and Brian Cunningham with Alex Thompson and Nigel Simpson in the second row. Captain Josh Atkinson continues in back row alongside Paddy Marks and Ulster Academy No 8 Nick Timoney. The Bench will include Jake Byrne, Saul Herdman, Marc Campbell, Stewart Martin and Jonny McPhillips.
Malone v Nenagh Ormond
This may be third against tenth in this league. Only twelve points separate all ten teams in this league with every team capable of defeating each other. Malone are coming off the back of an impressive bonus point win at league leaders Cashel last Sat. They will need the forwards to be at their best to compete against another Munster side who will bring that physicality and aggression to their game. Head coach Jarrett Truscott makes only one change with Phil Eadie restored at tight head and Gary Crawford switching to loose head. Prop David Halliday takes his place on the bench along with the experienced Lee Barlow, Ben McDonnell, Max Porter and Michael Cartmill. Can the Gibson Park side build on their recent progress.
Banbridge v UCC
Head coach Daniel Soper was delighted with the manner in which his players held their line in a 11- 0 win at home to Naas last Sat. They face the long trip to Cork to play the students at the Mardyke in another must win game. Injuries rule out centre Andrew Morrison and back row forward Richard Graham. Nico Vorster is unavailable this weekend. Kallan Martin returns to the playing squad after being rested last week. There was disappointing news at Banbridge this week when players learned last seasons Captain Jonny Graham has been forced to retire from playing rugby due to a shoulder injury that requires surgery. Jonny had a distinguished playing career at Ballynahinch before joining Banbridge three seasons ago. Head coach Daniel Soper regards his unavailability as a big loss to the 1st xv squad. He is confident that he has the strength in depth to deal with the injuries and unavailabilities within the playing squad.
Cashel v Queens Uni
Malone v Nenagh Ormond
Naas v Galway Corinthians
Skerries v Thomond
UCC v Banbridge
Division 2 B
Armagh v Bective Rangers
Back to back wins have pushed Armagh into third place in this league. Head coach Alex McCloy is looking to his players to keep the pressure on the top two sides City of Derry and Highfield. The coach was delighted to welcome back - back row forward Matty Clarke who had an excellent game last sat at MU Barnhall. He is pleased with how the season is progressing at Armagh. The team/squad have sorted out a few discipline issues that cost the team in the early matches. The team are playing a great brand of rugby and probably made half a dozen line breaks at the weekend that they did not finish off. He feels the team need to be more clinical and patient in the opposition twenty two - but that will come as the players gain more experience. Armagh make one change in the forwards with Stephen Morton replacing the injured James Hanna in the second row. In the backs - Andy Willis comes in on the wing with John Faloon partnering Matthew Steenson in the centre. Matthew Hooks moves to full back with Harry Boyd dropping down to the bench to be joined by Conleth McGillan.
Dungannon v MU Barnhall
Head coach Andy Hughes was disappointed his team lost their discipline after dominating the first quarter of their match at Rainey last Sat to lose 23 - 13. The team had performed well during September winning two AIL matches and losing the local derby match with Armagh 21 - 20. They have gone on to lose their three AIL matches in October. Key players including Captain James McMahon, Jake Finlay and Ross McCaughey returned last Sat. The leadership of McMahon will be crucial to end this losing streak. He needs a performance that saw them overcome Greystones in September. He will welcome back Mark Riddell in the back row. One player who continues to impress the coach is full back Paul Armstrong. Not only is he a good kicker the coach is confident that as this player develops he can progress to the next level. A must win game for the Stevenson Park side on Sat.
Rainey OB v Greystones
City of Derry narrowly held on to defeat Greystones last Sat. Can John Andrews and his Magherfelt side travel to County Wicklow and take the league points. Head coach John Andrews has made two changes from last Saturdays starting xv with Ronan McCusker replacing Peter Boyle in second row and Neil O'Kane replacing Timmy O'Hagan in the front row who drops down to the bench. Rory Winters, Conal Murphy and Aiden Pittman take their place on the bench alongside Stephen Rutledge. Rainey travel with a strong squad despite the unavailability of Timothy Barker, Scott Mclean, Andrew Shaw, Nicholas Stirling, Michael Pyper and Peter Boyle.
Again crucial for Rainey to continue picking up league points.
City of Derry v Highfield
First against second with City of Derry having a six point advantage. A win would extend their six match unbeaten league run and open up a significant advantage with three further AIL matches to play before the Xmas break. Head coach Terry McMaster picks from a near full strength squad with prop Chris Shields ruled out for the season with a knee injury. In his absence Ulster under 20 prop Rory Squires has stepped in and held on to the loose head jersey. He welcomes back Adam Bratton, Ger Collins, John Burns and David Houston into his match day squad. This match will be the biggest test for this Derry squad this season.
Armagh v Bective Rangers
Dungannon v MU Barnhall
Greystones v Rainey OB
Highfield v City of Derry
Seapoint v Sunday's Well
Division 2 C
Boyne v Navan. Played Friday 6.11.15. Kick off 8pm
Dundalk RFC v Kanturk
Middleton v Tullamore
Sligo v Old Crescent
Wanderers v Bruff
MILLAR MCCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS
Instonians v Ballyclare
Holders Instonians welcome an inform Ballyclare team to Shaw's Bridge - who are now coached by former Instonians 1st xv centre Mike McKeever. With Instonians Head coach William Leacock having Captained that side that McKeever played on there will be a shake of hands before this game. For William Leacock he has been able to rotate his playing squad over the last two weeks with the second xv having no games. The players that have come in have done very well. With the seconds again having no fixture the opportunity is there give more players their chance and also rest players. He is keen to give everybody the chance to put their hand up for selection. Numbers at training are good with over thirty players turning up weekly. Selection will be difficult with centre Rory Bell continuing to impress after returning from injury. Richard McCarthy played well at out half last week against Ballynahinch seconds. The coach rested the following players last Sat including David Scott, Robert Whitten, Paddy Bell, James Le Broy, Fraser Wright, Matthew Keane, Robbie Kirk, Josh Lyness, Lewis McNamara, Andrew McGregor, Michael Blackwood, Conor Gallagher. All these players will come into contention for selection this week.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever was delighted his team got the job done at CIYMS last week in their 14 -12 win. It was good leadership from the Senior players Gary Weatherup (Captain), Willie Logan and Ali Boyd that got them through. He agrees that Instonians are performing well under Head coach William Leacock. His team are targeting a stronger finish in the league this season. This Cup match is a good opportunity to experiment with players development and tactics irrespective of the result. He is mindful they face Instonians in the league in a few weeks and again at the start of the new year. On a personal note he is looking forward to facing his old club as a coach and for some of the players who played at Shaw's Bridge. Ballyclare are enjoying their rugby and their strength in depth is growing weekly in the club. He is pleased with the attacking rugby played by his talented backline including Gary Clotworthy, Dave Clarke, Robert Smith and Niall Lawther along with forwards Gary Weatherup and Willie Logan. Niall Lawther is reinstated at out half on Sat with Robert Smith moving to full back. Former Captain Robert Boyd has resumed training and along with back row forwards Michael Rainey and Paul Robinson will be considered for inclusion this weekend.
Bangor v Ballynahinch seconds
There is a real thirst at Upritchard Park to bring silverware to Uprtichard Park this season. For Bangor they face a Ballynahinch seconds side that are always in contention for the Cups each season. Head coach Jason Morgan has watched his team come through difficult fixtures with Ballymena seconds, Instonians and Clondalkin in recent games. These matches have tested the development and maturity of the players as the season progresses. Saturday will be no easier. The coach welcomes back second row Craig Burton after following concussion protocol. Back row forward Dave Caughey is a doubt after picking up an injury in the Ards game. Both props Paddy Dornan and Peter Nichol are available for selection this week with the coaches expected to go along with regular front row of Oran McIImurray, Andrew Jackson and Philip Whyte. Long term injuries continue to rule out Mike Apsley, Gareth Irvine and Ryan Latimer. Winger Mark Widdowson remains unavailable with a shoulder injury. He is targeting a return against Monkstwon in the All Ireland Junior Cup against Monkstown on the 21st November. The backline for Saturday's match will be selected from Daniel Kennedy, Jason Morgan, Jason Guthrie, Rob Gamble, Desi Fusco, Ross McCloskey, Mike Weir, Davey Charles and Adam McCusker. Head coach Jason Morgan has used thirty players so far this season and expects to use around forty players by the end of the season. He is mindful of their workload and is trying to keep players fresh by mixing up training sessions. 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong points out that the players see this game as a real chance to progress in a Cup where they historically haven't done well. The coaches will be fielding their strongest team on Sat.
Omagh v Dromore
These two teams have already met in the opening Q1 league game at the Thomas Mellon playing fields with Omagh winning 22 - 17 in August. We can expect another close encounter as last years beaten finalists Omagh are looking to return to the final again at the Kingspan stadium. Omagh coach Phil Marshall makes one change with injury ruling out left winger Steven Mclaine to be replaced by Andy McFarland. Both the coach and the team are looking forward to the game on Sat. Back to back wins have lifted confidence in the Omagh side. Dromore field a strong side that includes the return of injured forwards Ryan Hughes and the experienced Rory Pepper in the second row. Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen is looking forward to this Cup tie. The players have worked hard this week as they prepare for this Cup match.
Portadown v Clogher Valley
Head coach Richard Hedley was disappointed with the performance of his Portadown players in their 17 - 0 defeat at the Cran last Friday. He accepted that the Clogher team did not allow his side to play. They were out played in the set piece and couldn't hold on to the ball. He is hoping his players do the basics much better at home on Saturday if they are to win. Portadown welcome back Mark Neilly, Gareth McCoy in the forwards and Jonny McClure in the backs.
Clogher Valley forwards coach Davy Black is looking forward to this return fixture. He has used training nights for the team to work hard on their set piece as they dominated the scrums and line outs in their first meeting last week. The return of scrum half Aaron Best has been timely as his leadership and organisation were missed. Davy Black is a great believer in the Parish culture that has players playing for their local club. It is adopting what it means to play for your club. Upwards of 36/37 players continue to attend training nights. He knows Saturday's match will be a tight game. Portadown have home advantage. It will be a big task for his team with two honest hard working teams competing against each other. The hungrier team will win.
Instonians v Ballyclare
Bangor v Ballynahinch seconds
Omagh v Dromore
Portadown v Clogher Valley
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
Holywood v Limavady
Monaghan v Civil Service
Ophir v Newry
PSNI v Letterkenny
Strabane v BHSFP
UUC v Lurgan
Two Conference league games originally arranged for Saturday the 26th December have been brought forward to this week.
Ballymena seconds v Carrickfergus. Played Thursday 5.11.15. Kick off 7.30pm.
Malone seconds v Grosvenor. Play Sat 7.11.15. Kick off 2.30pm.