Previews of the First Trust Senior Cup quarter finals and the fixtures taking place in the Kukri Qualifying Leagues...
FIRST TRUST SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS
Rainey OB v Queen’s University
Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young has been forced to make several changes due to Ulster A commitments and a lengthening injury list. Prop Jordan Southway was concussed against Skerries and his replacement Blaise McKnight suffered a fractured nose, all within the first ten minutes last Saturday. They join injured prop Andy Clingan on the injured list. He is hoping prop Jonny Craig comes through training this week to be included along with Brian Cunningham and Norman Sinclair in the front row. Alex Thompson, Rob Lyttle and Alex Kane will be involved with Ulster A on Saturday against Connacht Eagles. Hugh Sloan, Nigel Simpson, captain Josh Atkinson, Paddy Marks, Stuart Martin, Stuart Hooks and Owen Baxter will be competing for starting spots up front. They have four potential scrumhalves competing for the 9 jersey in Josh Fullerton, Conor Wright, Cameron Stewart and Paddy Farrell. With a dry playing playing surface at Hatrick Park spectators can expect an expansive game of rugby to be played by both teams. Scott McLean will start at 10 for Rainey.
Ballynahinch v City of Derry
Who would have expected Ulster’s number one team Ballynahinch to be without a win going into the second weekend of October? Losing to Ballymena in the Senior League has been followed by four defeats in the first block of Ulster Bank League games. The difficulty for the Ballynahinch coaches has been the weekly changes in team selection brought about through unavailabilities and injuries. The current First Trust Senior Cup holders will not want to relinquish their hold on this trophy but on Saturday they will come up against a City of Derry side who won their opening cup tie against Armagh and have went on to take 19 points from the maximum 20 in their opening four Ulster Bank League games. Ballynahinch have scored 64 points and conceded 133 points from their four UBL games, while Derry have scored 132 points and conceded 72 points. Derry have always been difficult opponents for Ballynahinch in their previous meetings. Will we see an upset at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday? Two teams - one with a settled selection, the other struggling for continuity and cohesion in their team.
Ballymena v Banbridge
Ballymena Head Coach Andy Graham was relieved his players were able to turn around a deficit to win 22-19 at Shannon last Saturday. The coach is also determined to see his players contesting another Senior Cup Final this season but first they have to overcome an in form Banbridge team at Eaton Park. Ballymena have selected a strong team with Rodger McBurney at fullback alongside John Rossborough and Jordan Foster on the wings. Marty Irwin and Callum Patterson continue in the centre with John Creighton at scrumhalf. Ritchie McMaster starts on the bench with Glen Baillie in at outhalf. Bryan Young, Adam McBurney and Ross Kane will start in the front row, while Davy Whann returns in the second row along with Ian Caldwell. Connor Smyth is rested after putting in outstanding performances for the 1st XV. Club captain Willy McKay starts in the back row alongside Matthew Harkness and Paddy McGowan. Banbridge Head Coach Daniel Soper has rotated his playing squad for this encounter. In the front row Thomas Carlisle starts in place of James McCrum while Alan Conn starts in the second row as Kallan Martin moves to the bench. Richard Graham continues at 7 after recent impressive performances. Josh Cromie replaces the injured Lee Steenson at scrumhalf and utility back Miles O'Hagan replaces Shandon Scott at outhalf. James Andrews comes into replace centre Jonny Little, who is rested. Adam Doherty returns at fullback after being sidelined for four weeks. Both Dale Carson and Adam Ervine remain on the injured list.
Malone v Belfast Harlequins
The attritional nature of the Ulster Bank League has left this Malone side decimated through injury. Only seven of the 1st XV starting players from the 33-21 defeat in Cork against UCC last Saturday retain their places. Injuries rule out Gary Crawford, Chris Criffiths, Ben McDonnell and James McAllister - joining the injured Dave Cave. Four of the team’s senior players - Josh Pentland, Nathan Brown, Michael Barker and Cory Tipping - are rested. Head Coach Jarrett Truscott brings in props Lee Barlow and Phil Eadie to join Tristan King in the front row. Peter Ireland joins Richard Millar in the second row with captain Neil Alcorn joined by Max Porter and former Donaghadee forward Stephen Adams in the back row. Jack McMurtry starts at scrumhalf with Mark O'Connor at outhalf. There is a new centre pairing of Jack Murphy and Adam Liddell, with fullback Andy Bryans joined by Rory Campbell and Jamie Martin on the wings. For ‘Quins Director of Rugby DC Gillespie the focus is on next week’s UBL match - a potential relegation battle with Dolphin at Deramore Park. Injuries and unavailabilities continue to influence team selection as once again they picked up several injuries during the home defeat to Buccaneers last Saturday.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Bangor v Instonians
If there is one game that is being talked about this week it is the meeting of current league leaders Bangor and holders Instonians at Upritchard Park. Two former senior clubs go head to head in a match that will go a long way to deciding the destiny of this season's league title. Five points separate these two teams with both coaches knowing the importance of this fixture. Bangor Head Coach Jason Morgan expects his team to be tested this weekend. Instonians Head coach William Leacock acknowledges that Bangor go in as strong favourites with their start to the season. His players will arrive at Bangor after a good performance at Dromore against a very big and well drilled pack. The coach is convinced that Saturday's winner will definitely have a huge bearing on who wins the league this season, with Q1 a hugely competitive league. For Saturday's match Bangor have made a number of changes with captain Jamie Clegg and Ulster Junior number 8 Curtis Stewart returning to the back row alongside Davy Bradford. Ross McCloskey moves to fullback with the player/coach Morgan starting at outhalf. James Leary starts in the front row along with Philip Whyte at hooker. Inst coach William Leacock has a full squad at his disposal. He has been impressed by the performances of the Whitten brothers and Rory McCurry in the forwards. His three under age representative players - forwards Harry Cleland and Lewis McNamara and fullback Andrew McGregor all put in strong performances at Dromore. He is pleased with the progress of Matthew Keane and Fraser Wright who are maturing into a fine set of halfbacks. The contest between the two back rows and respective half back pairings will go some way to deciding this match.
Ballyclare v Clogher Valley
Another appetising contest at the Cloughan this weekend. Ballyclare are on a four match unbeaten run with Clogher Valley looking to keep in touch with pace setters Bangor and Instonians. It is four weeks since Clogher Valley defeated Instonians at the Cran. The Clogher coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black are concerned that their players have not had a match for three weeks. Will the extended break for the players be an advantage or disadvantage to their players. We will find out this weekend. Clogher have selected a strong team with newcomers Philip Hopper, William McKeown and Neil Trotter holding their starting places. Ballyclare Head Coach Mike McKeever has added outhalf Niall Lawther, number 8 Michael Rainey and winger Stuart Cusick to his match day squad.
Portadown v Omagh
Head Coach Richard Hedley is pleased with his teams performances. They have recorded three back-to-back wins in recent weeks against Cooke, Ballymoney and a bonus point win at Ards 27-21 on Saturday. He will be looking to his players to consolidate their third place in Q1 with another win over an Omagh side who have lost their last two league games against Ballyclare and Instonians. Portadown make two changes with Jonny Holden and Jonny McClure starting in the centre. Omagh Head Coach Philip Marshall is struggling to find any continuity in his team selection with 4/5 changes required each week. Performances have dipped, with discipline becoming an issue and this was highlighted in the second half of their home defeat to Ballyclare last Saturday when two players were yellow carded and the team conceded twelve penalties. Mark Smyth has joined the injury list, making it five props unavailable in total. The coach has a total of seven 1st XV players unavailable at present. He also includes a new back row combination of James Catterson, Aaron Short and Dean Porter for the trip to Chambers Park. Omagh need to start picking up league points. Six points separate CIYMS, Cooke, Ards and Omagh at the bottom of Q1.
Cooke v Ards
Three league defeats have left a talented Cooke playing squad ninth in the table. Head Coach Colin Atkinson knows how important a win is in this match with a struggling Ards side. What has concerned the coach is the mounting injury list. They have finished their two Conference League games and two out of their three league games with 13 players so he is hoping their luck will change. His attitude is that his players have to be patient and work hard to get the results. He welcomes returning backs Philip Cartmill and winger Andy Pollock this weekend. Former Queens player David Marshall makes his debut for Cooke on Sat. Injury rules out Daniel Dawson, Scott McClelland and Andrew Hanna from their defeat to Bangor last Sat. Ards have three losing bonus points from their first three league games. They have struggled to adapt to playing in Q1 after being relegated from the UBL last season. They will understand the importance of continuing to pick up valuable league points as CIYMS remain bottom after four defeats.
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE 1
Ballynahinch 2nds v Dromore
Belfast Harlequins 2nds v CIYMS
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
Grosvenor v Lisburn
Head Coach Alasdair McKee was disappointed his Grosvenor team could not hold on to take the four league points from Donaghadee - eventually losing 19-17. They have another crucial game this weekend at Belmont when they welcome a Lisburn team seeking their first league points. Lisburn are coming off the back of four consecutive wins in the Conference League and Junior Cup. New Head coach Neil Hinds has quietly set about rebuilding the 1st XV this season and Team Manager Michael Knowles is hoping the players bring their winning streak into the Q2 league games. The team are expecting a big step up in quality of opposition on Sat with the players needing to be at their best in a league where everybody seems to have the ability to beat everybody else. Lisburn will be missing second row Jonny Davis who is ruled out through concussion. They welcome back Captain Tom Fraser and back row forward Jake Bebbington. Grosvenor welcome back second row Peter Dawson and full back Jamie McMullan this week. He is hoping his Grosvenor team can bounce back against a useful Lisburn team as there are no easy games in Q2.
Larne v Donaghadee
There was disappointment at the Glynn that their team could not hold on last Saturday to complete a league and cup double over neighbours Carrickfergus - going down 22-18. Head Coach Ryan Milligan welcomes back centre Ian McIIheron with Derek Lough starting at prop for the unavailable Chris Rea. Donaghadee Head Coach Graham Cloke knows his players face a challenging fixture at Larne this weekend. His captain Nigel Barker is ruled out with concussion, with experienced prop Chris Good and utility back Ryan Irvine added to the playing squad along with the returning Jonny Quigg. Larne has surprised teams in this league after their promotion with their organisation, commitment and no shortage of skill in their displays this season.
Academy v Carrickfergus
Three weeks ago you wouldn't have given Academy a chance in this match but back-to-back wins against Ballymoney and Donaghadee in the league and Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup have instilled a belief in this Academy side that they can finish in the top four this season. Both captain Chris Cooper and Jordan Buchannan are unavailable this weekend but flying winger Norman Carson returns along with centre Gavin Harper. Head Coach Gareth Lynn continues to create strength in depth with increasing competition for places across the squad. Carrick Head Coach Neil Hanna knows Academy will provide tricky opposition for his team in this County Antrim derby. With the influence of Chris McCarey he is aware a player of his quality gives Academy a focal point in attack. The focus for his players will be to match the Academy team up front and apply pressure in the right parts of the pitch. His only injury doubt is Jonny McIlwaine with a foot injury. Carrick were disappointed on missing out on promotion last season. It has made them hungrier this season to go one step further. The coach believes anyone of five teams in this league can win it and his attitude is to take it week by week to ensure his team are in a strong position by Christmas.
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE 2
Ballymoney v Ballymena 2nds
Banbridge 2nds v Randalstown
Queen’s University 2nds v Enniskillen
Malone 2nds v Coleraine
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
BHSFP v PSNI
Letterkenny v Civil Service
Limavady v Lurgan
Newry v Monaghan
Ophir v UUC
Strabane v Holywood
FIRST TRUST SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS
Rainey OB v Queen’s University
Queen’s Head Coach Bob Young has been forced to make several changes due to Ulster A commitments and a lengthening injury list. Prop Jordan Southway was concussed against Skerries and his replacement Blaise McKnight suffered a fractured nose, all within the first ten minutes last Saturday. They join injured prop Andy Clingan on the injured list. He is hoping prop Jonny Craig comes through training this week to be included along with Brian Cunningham and Norman Sinclair in the front row. Alex Thompson, Rob Lyttle and Alex Kane will be involved with Ulster A on Saturday against Connacht Eagles. Hugh Sloan, Nigel Simpson, captain Josh Atkinson, Paddy Marks, Stuart Martin, Stuart Hooks and Owen Baxter will be competing for starting spots up front. They have four potential scrumhalves competing for the 9 jersey in Josh Fullerton, Conor Wright, Cameron Stewart and Paddy Farrell. With a dry playing playing surface at Hatrick Park spectators can expect an expansive game of rugby to be played by both teams. Scott McLean will start at 10 for Rainey.
Ballynahinch v City of Derry
Who would have expected Ulster’s number one team Ballynahinch to be without a win going into the second weekend of October? Losing to Ballymena in the Senior League has been followed by four defeats in the first block of Ulster Bank League games. The difficulty for the Ballynahinch coaches has been the weekly changes in team selection brought about through unavailabilities and injuries. The current First Trust Senior Cup holders will not want to relinquish their hold on this trophy but on Saturday they will come up against a City of Derry side who won their opening cup tie against Armagh and have went on to take 19 points from the maximum 20 in their opening four Ulster Bank League games. Ballynahinch have scored 64 points and conceded 133 points from their four UBL games, while Derry have scored 132 points and conceded 72 points. Derry have always been difficult opponents for Ballynahinch in their previous meetings. Will we see an upset at Ballymacarn Park on Saturday? Two teams - one with a settled selection, the other struggling for continuity and cohesion in their team.
Ballymena v Banbridge
Ballymena Head Coach Andy Graham was relieved his players were able to turn around a deficit to win 22-19 at Shannon last Saturday. The coach is also determined to see his players contesting another Senior Cup Final this season but first they have to overcome an in form Banbridge team at Eaton Park. Ballymena have selected a strong team with Rodger McBurney at fullback alongside John Rossborough and Jordan Foster on the wings. Marty Irwin and Callum Patterson continue in the centre with John Creighton at scrumhalf. Ritchie McMaster starts on the bench with Glen Baillie in at outhalf. Bryan Young, Adam McBurney and Ross Kane will start in the front row, while Davy Whann returns in the second row along with Ian Caldwell. Connor Smyth is rested after putting in outstanding performances for the 1st XV. Club captain Willy McKay starts in the back row alongside Matthew Harkness and Paddy McGowan. Banbridge Head Coach Daniel Soper has rotated his playing squad for this encounter. In the front row Thomas Carlisle starts in place of James McCrum while Alan Conn starts in the second row as Kallan Martin moves to the bench. Richard Graham continues at 7 after recent impressive performances. Josh Cromie replaces the injured Lee Steenson at scrumhalf and utility back Miles O'Hagan replaces Shandon Scott at outhalf. James Andrews comes into replace centre Jonny Little, who is rested. Adam Doherty returns at fullback after being sidelined for four weeks. Both Dale Carson and Adam Ervine remain on the injured list.
Malone v Belfast Harlequins
The attritional nature of the Ulster Bank League has left this Malone side decimated through injury. Only seven of the 1st XV starting players from the 33-21 defeat in Cork against UCC last Saturday retain their places. Injuries rule out Gary Crawford, Chris Criffiths, Ben McDonnell and James McAllister - joining the injured Dave Cave. Four of the team’s senior players - Josh Pentland, Nathan Brown, Michael Barker and Cory Tipping - are rested. Head Coach Jarrett Truscott brings in props Lee Barlow and Phil Eadie to join Tristan King in the front row. Peter Ireland joins Richard Millar in the second row with captain Neil Alcorn joined by Max Porter and former Donaghadee forward Stephen Adams in the back row. Jack McMurtry starts at scrumhalf with Mark O'Connor at outhalf. There is a new centre pairing of Jack Murphy and Adam Liddell, with fullback Andy Bryans joined by Rory Campbell and Jamie Martin on the wings. For ‘Quins Director of Rugby DC Gillespie the focus is on next week’s UBL match - a potential relegation battle with Dolphin at Deramore Park. Injuries and unavailabilities continue to influence team selection as once again they picked up several injuries during the home defeat to Buccaneers last Saturday.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Bangor v Instonians
If there is one game that is being talked about this week it is the meeting of current league leaders Bangor and holders Instonians at Upritchard Park. Two former senior clubs go head to head in a match that will go a long way to deciding the destiny of this season's league title. Five points separate these two teams with both coaches knowing the importance of this fixture. Bangor Head Coach Jason Morgan expects his team to be tested this weekend. Instonians Head coach William Leacock acknowledges that Bangor go in as strong favourites with their start to the season. His players will arrive at Bangor after a good performance at Dromore against a very big and well drilled pack. The coach is convinced that Saturday's winner will definitely have a huge bearing on who wins the league this season, with Q1 a hugely competitive league. For Saturday's match Bangor have made a number of changes with captain Jamie Clegg and Ulster Junior number 8 Curtis Stewart returning to the back row alongside Davy Bradford. Ross McCloskey moves to fullback with the player/coach Morgan starting at outhalf. James Leary starts in the front row along with Philip Whyte at hooker. Inst coach William Leacock has a full squad at his disposal. He has been impressed by the performances of the Whitten brothers and Rory McCurry in the forwards. His three under age representative players - forwards Harry Cleland and Lewis McNamara and fullback Andrew McGregor all put in strong performances at Dromore. He is pleased with the progress of Matthew Keane and Fraser Wright who are maturing into a fine set of halfbacks. The contest between the two back rows and respective half back pairings will go some way to deciding this match.
Ballyclare v Clogher Valley
Another appetising contest at the Cloughan this weekend. Ballyclare are on a four match unbeaten run with Clogher Valley looking to keep in touch with pace setters Bangor and Instonians. It is four weeks since Clogher Valley defeated Instonians at the Cran. The Clogher coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black are concerned that their players have not had a match for three weeks. Will the extended break for the players be an advantage or disadvantage to their players. We will find out this weekend. Clogher have selected a strong team with newcomers Philip Hopper, William McKeown and Neil Trotter holding their starting places. Ballyclare Head Coach Mike McKeever has added outhalf Niall Lawther, number 8 Michael Rainey and winger Stuart Cusick to his match day squad.
Portadown v Omagh
Head Coach Richard Hedley is pleased with his teams performances. They have recorded three back-to-back wins in recent weeks against Cooke, Ballymoney and a bonus point win at Ards 27-21 on Saturday. He will be looking to his players to consolidate their third place in Q1 with another win over an Omagh side who have lost their last two league games against Ballyclare and Instonians. Portadown make two changes with Jonny Holden and Jonny McClure starting in the centre. Omagh Head Coach Philip Marshall is struggling to find any continuity in his team selection with 4/5 changes required each week. Performances have dipped, with discipline becoming an issue and this was highlighted in the second half of their home defeat to Ballyclare last Saturday when two players were yellow carded and the team conceded twelve penalties. Mark Smyth has joined the injury list, making it five props unavailable in total. The coach has a total of seven 1st XV players unavailable at present. He also includes a new back row combination of James Catterson, Aaron Short and Dean Porter for the trip to Chambers Park. Omagh need to start picking up league points. Six points separate CIYMS, Cooke, Ards and Omagh at the bottom of Q1.
Cooke v Ards
Three league defeats have left a talented Cooke playing squad ninth in the table. Head Coach Colin Atkinson knows how important a win is in this match with a struggling Ards side. What has concerned the coach is the mounting injury list. They have finished their two Conference League games and two out of their three league games with 13 players so he is hoping their luck will change. His attitude is that his players have to be patient and work hard to get the results. He welcomes returning backs Philip Cartmill and winger Andy Pollock this weekend. Former Queens player David Marshall makes his debut for Cooke on Sat. Injury rules out Daniel Dawson, Scott McClelland and Andrew Hanna from their defeat to Bangor last Sat. Ards have three losing bonus points from their first three league games. They have struggled to adapt to playing in Q1 after being relegated from the UBL last season. They will understand the importance of continuing to pick up valuable league points as CIYMS remain bottom after four defeats.
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE 1
Ballynahinch 2nds v Dromore
Belfast Harlequins 2nds v CIYMS
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
Grosvenor v Lisburn
Head Coach Alasdair McKee was disappointed his Grosvenor team could not hold on to take the four league points from Donaghadee - eventually losing 19-17. They have another crucial game this weekend at Belmont when they welcome a Lisburn team seeking their first league points. Lisburn are coming off the back of four consecutive wins in the Conference League and Junior Cup. New Head coach Neil Hinds has quietly set about rebuilding the 1st XV this season and Team Manager Michael Knowles is hoping the players bring their winning streak into the Q2 league games. The team are expecting a big step up in quality of opposition on Sat with the players needing to be at their best in a league where everybody seems to have the ability to beat everybody else. Lisburn will be missing second row Jonny Davis who is ruled out through concussion. They welcome back Captain Tom Fraser and back row forward Jake Bebbington. Grosvenor welcome back second row Peter Dawson and full back Jamie McMullan this week. He is hoping his Grosvenor team can bounce back against a useful Lisburn team as there are no easy games in Q2.
Larne v Donaghadee
There was disappointment at the Glynn that their team could not hold on last Saturday to complete a league and cup double over neighbours Carrickfergus - going down 22-18. Head Coach Ryan Milligan welcomes back centre Ian McIIheron with Derek Lough starting at prop for the unavailable Chris Rea. Donaghadee Head Coach Graham Cloke knows his players face a challenging fixture at Larne this weekend. His captain Nigel Barker is ruled out with concussion, with experienced prop Chris Good and utility back Ryan Irvine added to the playing squad along with the returning Jonny Quigg. Larne has surprised teams in this league after their promotion with their organisation, commitment and no shortage of skill in their displays this season.
Academy v Carrickfergus
Three weeks ago you wouldn't have given Academy a chance in this match but back-to-back wins against Ballymoney and Donaghadee in the league and Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup have instilled a belief in this Academy side that they can finish in the top four this season. Both captain Chris Cooper and Jordan Buchannan are unavailable this weekend but flying winger Norman Carson returns along with centre Gavin Harper. Head Coach Gareth Lynn continues to create strength in depth with increasing competition for places across the squad. Carrick Head Coach Neil Hanna knows Academy will provide tricky opposition for his team in this County Antrim derby. With the influence of Chris McCarey he is aware a player of his quality gives Academy a focal point in attack. The focus for his players will be to match the Academy team up front and apply pressure in the right parts of the pitch. His only injury doubt is Jonny McIlwaine with a foot injury. Carrick were disappointed on missing out on promotion last season. It has made them hungrier this season to go one step further. The coach believes anyone of five teams in this league can win it and his attitude is to take it week by week to ensure his team are in a strong position by Christmas.
KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE 2
Ballymoney v Ballymena 2nds
Banbridge 2nds v Randalstown
Queen’s University 2nds v Enniskillen
Malone 2nds v Coleraine
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
BHSFP v PSNI
Letterkenny v Civil Service
Limavady v Lurgan
Newry v Monaghan
Ophir v UUC
Strabane v Holywood