Previews of the All Ireland League, Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup, Kukri Qualifying League 3 and Second XV League fixtures taking place this weekend...
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
This weekend we see the resumption of the Ulster Bank All Ireland league programme with two Ulster derbies involving Dungannon against City of Derry at Stevenson Park and Armagh against Rainey OB at the Palace Grounds. Ballynahinch remain bottom of Div 1A without a win. Ballymena remain undefeated in Div 1B - one point behind leaders Old Wesley with Belfast Harlequins seeking their first win. In Div 2 A Banbridge are top - two points ahead of second placed Cashel with Malone and Queens sitting fifth and sixth respectively. City of Derry are top of Div 2 B with Rainey fourth, Dungannon sixth and Armagh in nineth place.
DIVISION 1A
Ballynahinch v Young Munster
There would have been all round relief that Ballynahinch overturned a 24 - 8 deficit at home to City of Derry last Saturday to win their Senior Cup quarter final 32 - 29. Both the coaches and the players needed this momentum swing before taking on Young Munster at Ballymacarn this weekend. Head coach, Derek Suffern has made several changes - some positional. He includes Ulster players Ruairdhi Murphy, Kyle McCall, Conor Joyce, Lorcan Dow and Paul Rowley with David Busby and John Donnan unavailable. Manihera Eden starts at full back with Stuart Morrow and David Nicholson on the wings. Robin Harte and Will Stewart continue their centre pairing, with Paul Rowley and Richard Reaney at nine and ten. Both number 8 Mike Graham and Captain John Pritchard remain on the injured list. Thomas Donnan comes in at number 8 to join Conor Joyce and Lorcan Dow in the back row. James Simpson and Jonny Madden continue in the second row with Ruairdhi Murphy, Andrew Harper and Kyle McCall in the front row. Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan believes the team are starting to get a more settled feel to it, with the new players (8) now well aware that the league allows no room for error. He is expecting a performance over the entire eighty minutes and a first AIL league win this Saturday.
Old Belvedere v Lansdowne. Play Friday 16.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm
UCD v Terenure College. Play Friday 16.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm
Ballynahinch v Young Munster
Clontarf v Cork Constitution
Garryowen v Galwegians
DIVISION 1B
Ballymena v Blackrock College
Head coach Andy Graham will be without Ulster players John Andrew, Bronson Ross and David Shanahan along with the injured Alan O'Connor and Michael Lagan. Both Stephen Mulholland and Clive Ross have been released to form the back row along with Matthew Harkness. Matty Rea returns from injury to join David Whann in the second row. The front row will be Bryan Young, Adam McBurney and Ross Kane. John Creighton and Ritchie McMaster continue at 9 and 10. Rodger McBurney links up with Jordan Foster and Kieran Joyce in the three quarters. Marty Irwin and Callum Patterson continue with their successful centre partnership. On the bench will be Chris Cundell, James Taggart, Conor Smyth, Andrew McGrath and Glen Baillie. Oliver Millar was not available for selection this weekend. The coach expects another difficult game against an improving Blackrock team. His players turned around a deficit in Limerick against Shannon to win 22- 19. They will need to focus for the full eighty minutes to continue their winning start to the season.
Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin
Four points separate Quins and Dolphin as the Deramore side seek their first AIL win of the season. Head coach Adam Larkin was delighted with the resolve shown by his players to win their Cup tie in the seventh minute of injury time at Malone last Sat 33 - 28. Key players in that win were debutant winger Andrew McPhillips who scored two tries along with the experienced Captain Neil McComb and centre Mark Kettyle. More of the same commitment will be required on Sat. Quins will include Ulster players Ricky Lutton, Mark Best, Frank Taggart and Conor Young in their starting XV.
UL Bohemians v Shannon. Play Friday 16.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm
Ballymena v Blackrock College
Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin
Buccaneers v St Mary's College
Old Wesley v Dublin Uni
DIVISION 2A
Malone v Thomond
There was disappointment that Malone couldn't hold on to their lead against Belfast Harlequins in the Senior Cup last Saturday before losing in injury time. The positives were the coaches were able to look at several new players with some positional changes. One positive was the performance of winger Adam Liddell who moved into the centre and scored two excellent tries. He retains his place in the centre alongside Nathan Brown in the absence of the unavailable Michael Barker. Injuries continue to rule out Dave Cave, Chris Criffiths and Michael Cartmill. Gary Crawford returns to the front row along with Tristan King and Philip Eadie. Cory Tipping resumes his second row partnership with Richard Millar. Ross Todd returns at 8 alongside Captain Neil Alcorn and Max Porter who replaces the unavailable James McAllister. Vice Captain Josh Pentland is restored at out half alongside Shane Kelly. Forwards coach Paddy Armstrong was pleased with the work of his forwards in the loose last Sat and will look more of the same as they look to set up scoring opportunities for their talented back trio of Andy Bryan's, Mark O'Connor and Rory Campbell. Austen Blackburn, Ben Halliday, Lee Barlow, Jack McMurtry and Ricky McCullagh make up the bench cover.
Queens University v Naas
Head coach Bob Young continues to experience selection headaches with front row availability for this weekend. Full back Robert Lyttle who scored three tries in his last two AIL matches has not been released by Ulster. Interesting game this. Both sides have won two and lost two games so far in the AIL. Both teams have also been displaying their attacking games whilst conceding points. Should provide spectators with another high scoring spectacle.
Banbridge v Skerries
Skerries may have only won one game from four. Interestingly that was their last AIL fixture at Queens University. Banbridge Head coach Daniel Soper is aware that there is little to choose between the ten teams in this league. Several players who were rested in their 30 - 7 defeat at Ballymena last weekend return for this fixture. They include half backs Lee Steenson and Shandon Scott along with centre Jonny Little and winger Clark McAllister. Peter Cromie and James McCrum are reinstated in the front row along with second row Kallan Martin. Dale Carson returns at open side after missing last three weeks through injury.
Malone v Thomond
Naas v Queens Uni
Nenagh Ormond v Galway Corinthians
Skerries v Banbridge
UCC v Cashel RFC
DIVISION 2B
Armagh v Rainey OB
Both Head coaches - Alex McCloy of Armagh and John Andrews will be looking a morale boosting win after their teams suffered three successive defeats in the AIL and First Trust Senior Cup. Armagh retain the pack that lost 35 - 17 at City of Derry two weeks ago. Matthew Wright comes in at scrum half in place of Harry Doyle. Harry Boyd is restored at full back with Andy Willis dropping down to the bench. Hooker David Swann comes on to the bench that may include Matty Clarke subject to work commitments. Alex McCloy is looking forward to the game this weekend. His team has trained well and have shown glimpses of being a good side who want to play rugby in all their four AIL games. The team and players know they need to improve their discipline and execute the opportunities they are creating in the opposition twenty two.
Rainey coach John Andrews is looking forward to this Ulster Derby. They are great for focusing the team with a great deal of pride at stake with the reality that results are everything in these games. His players are looking forward to this game as Armagh have come through the Junior ranks with Rainey. Selection has been difficult with a lot of players returning from injury especially in the backs where centre Simon Derby returns along with Nicholas Stirling and Michael Wilson. Second row forward Ronan McCusker's injury in the First Trust Cup quarter final against Queens last Friday led to the Cup tie being abandoned in the second half with Queens winning 25 - 24. Thankfully his injury is not as serious as first thought. Ronan was diagnosed with concussion and is now following the return to play three week protocol. Coach John Andrews accepts this will be a tough game - but he is confident his Rainey players can get a result at the Palace grounds.
Dungannon v City of Derry
Head coach Andy Hughes has an ever lengthening injury list that includes Captain James McMahon, Mark Faloon, Marcus Mulgrew, David Leyburn, Matty Montgomery and Ross McCaughey. He includes Paul Magee, Robbie Anderson and John Buckley in his match day squad. Despite the injuries you can expect a highly motivated Dungannon team to compete with the high flying City of Derry side that have won their opening four AIL league games.
City of Derry Head coach Terry McMaster has delayed his team selection until training tonight. His team picked up four injuries in their narrow 32 - 29 First Trust Senior Cup defeat at Ballynahinch last Sat.
Seapoint v Bective Rangers. Play Friday 16.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm
Armagh v Rainey OB
Dungannon v City of Derry
Greystones v Highfield
DIVISION 2C
Boyne v Bruff
Dundalk v Navan
Kanturk v Tullamore
Middleton v Old Crescent
Wanderers v Sligo
MILLAR McCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP SECOND ROUND
Belfast Harlequins 2XV v Ballynahinch 2XV
Both sides suffered home defeats in their conference league fixtures with CIYMS and Dromore last Saturday. You cannot judge AIL club second XV's in the conference league games. When it comes to the Cup competitions these sides are focused on a good cup run and a final appearance at the Kingspan stadium. Last season Quins second XV defeated Hinch 2nds twice in the second XV league. Can they cause another upset on Saturday at Deramore Park. Quins had a bye in the first round whilst Hinch seconds required extra time to defeat Cooke 38 - 30.
Ballymena 2XV v Bangor
How will Bangor respond to their first defeat of the season at home to Instonians last weekend 22 - 21. They will face a strong Ballymena second XV at Eaton Park. Ballymena are able to include forwards Chris Allen, Andrew Ferguson, Aidy Kirkpatrick, Ian Caldwell, Willy McKay, Joe Thompson, Ben O'Ryan, Michael Shiells and Paddy McGowan along with backs Paddy James, Rory Drysdale, James Beattie and Jonny Rossborough.
Ballymena seconds scrumhalf, Richard McCrudden suffered a torn kidney and spleen in the conference league match at Ballymoney last weekend. He has been detained in Coleraine Hospital this week. The rugby family in Ulster wish him a speedy recovery.
Coleraine v Dromore
The North Coast side received a bye in the first round and have won their two conference league games with Queens and Malone seconds. The opposition on Sat will provide their players with much stiffer resistance as Dromore look to build on their impressive 36 - 14 win away to Ballynahinch seconds last week after suffering defeats against Instonians and Bangor. Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen is looking a good Cup run from his team with Richard McKelvey continuing at 7. Both Ryan Cobb and Sam Russell are included in the back line. Coleraine Head coach Richard Boyd has undertaken a quiet revolution at the club. Promotion has to be their target this season but like all teams there is nothing like a good run in a Cup competition. Difficult game to call. Can Coleraine cause an upset. No doubt the atmosphere at Rugby Road will ensure this game goes down to the wire.
Larne v Clogher Valley
The reward for the East Antrim side in winning their first round game at Carrickfergus was to draw the in form Clogher Valley who are annual visitors to the Kingspan stadium - such is their strong cup pedigree. Can Larne cause an upset. They deservedly won 20 - 19 at Carrick in a highly charged local derby game. Larne Head coach Ryan Milligan is aware of the test his players face at the Glynn on Sat. He is pleased by his teams start to the season. He makes a number of changes with Chris Rea returning to the front row. Both Jonny Hall and Rhys Thomas are unavailable with their talented out half Philip Andrews being rested. They are captained by their inspirational scrum half Ryan Garrett who will be looking to lead his side to another cup win. Clogher Valley are Captained by their talisman David Sharkey who will ensure the Fivemiletown side are totally focused for this cup tie. They make several changes with Fleming Agnew starting at fullback. Mark Ellis comes in on the wing along with Nathan Orr in the centre. Richard Primrose starts at prop with Philip Moore dropping down to the bench along with William McKeown. Injury continues to rule out half backs Aaron Best and Philip Holme along with Alastair Trenier and Andrew Breen. Should be a cracking game at the Glynn this weekend.
Lisburn v Instonians
Blaris will surely attract a large crowd for this Cup tie with Junior Cup holders Instonians. After defeating Randalstown in the first round Head coach Neil Hinds could not have anticipated drawing the Cup holders Instonians. Lisburn are undefeated in five matches after securing a bonus point in their 28 - 14 win at Grosvenor last Sat. Instonians showed why they are current Q 1 league champions by defeating previously undefeated Bangor 22 - 21 at Upritchard Park last Sat. Lisburn 1st xv manager Michael Knowles is delighted with the impact the new coaching team has had on the club. Injury continues to rule out second row Jonny Davis with fellow second row Alan Hughes a major doubt after suffering a nasty eye injury at Grosvenor.
Omagh v Academy
Head coach Philip Marshall is looking a morale boosting win tonight for his team against visitors Academy. Prop Mark Smyth returns after injury to take his place in the front row. Right winger Ryan Mitchell is unavailable and is replaced by Marty Eccles.
Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn is facing a selection dilemma with an ever lengthening injury list and unavailabilities. He is hoping his team get through this match tonight with no further injuries.
Ballyclare v Enniskillen
This is Ballyclare's third match in a row against teams from the South West of the province. So far it is a win at Omagh and a loss at home to Clogher Valley last Sat. Last Sat it was a case of the Ballyclare forwards struggling to match their County Tyrone visitors in the forwards. This week for the visit of Enniskillen they welcome back front row forwards David Lawther and Mo Finlay along with second row Adam Neill. Head coach Mike McKeever retains his inform back line that threatened to win their match at home to Clogher Valley.
Enniskillen Head coach Norman Richmond has a full squad at his disposal for the trip to the Cloughan. He believes that if his team play to their potential then it will be an excellent game for spectators. He is keen to measure his team against a Q 1 side like Ballyclare to see what level his team are at this season. Enniskillen reached the semi finals last season before losing to winners Instonians. They would like to go one step further. On paper both sides are evenly matched. Again a difficult game to predict a winner.
CIYMS v Portadown
Head coach Gareth Fry was relieved to see his team secure a much needed 31 - 12 win over Belfast Harlequins seconds last Sat. Injuries and unavailabilities continue to rule out players as the coach rotates his squad to find his best combinations. Several players return from injuries including centres Matt Butler and Philip McVitty along with winger Dave Irvine and hooker Simon Baillie while injury rules out Scott Dowle.
Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley has seen his side move into third place in Q 1 with the clubs seconds and thirds remaining undefeated in Junior Three and Four - such is the positive playing environment existing at Chambers Park. He welcomes back forwards Mal Allister, Dairmuid O'Kane and Mark Henderson with Ryan Purvis and Neil Irwin returning to the back line as the coach fields his strongest possible squad for Sat. Centre Jonny Holden is unavailable this week. The coach is pleased with the performances of several young players who have played well over the last couple of weeks and gained valuable playing experience on the first xv. CIYMS has always been a difficult place for Portadown to travel to. Progress in a Cup is important to the club and team this season.
Belfast Harlequins 2XV v Ballynahinch 2XV
Ballymena seconds v Bangor
Coleraine v Dromore
Larne v Clogher Valley
Lisburn v Instonians
Omagh v Academy. Played Thursday 15.10.15.
Ballyclare v Enniskillen
CIYMS v Portadown
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
Holywood v BHSFP
Lurgan v Letterkenny
Monaghan v Limavady
Ophir v Strabane
PSNI v Newry
UUC v Civil Service
SECOND XV LEAGUE
Malone 2XV v Banbridge 2XV
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
This weekend we see the resumption of the Ulster Bank All Ireland league programme with two Ulster derbies involving Dungannon against City of Derry at Stevenson Park and Armagh against Rainey OB at the Palace Grounds. Ballynahinch remain bottom of Div 1A without a win. Ballymena remain undefeated in Div 1B - one point behind leaders Old Wesley with Belfast Harlequins seeking their first win. In Div 2 A Banbridge are top - two points ahead of second placed Cashel with Malone and Queens sitting fifth and sixth respectively. City of Derry are top of Div 2 B with Rainey fourth, Dungannon sixth and Armagh in nineth place.
DIVISION 1A
Ballynahinch v Young Munster
There would have been all round relief that Ballynahinch overturned a 24 - 8 deficit at home to City of Derry last Saturday to win their Senior Cup quarter final 32 - 29. Both the coaches and the players needed this momentum swing before taking on Young Munster at Ballymacarn this weekend. Head coach, Derek Suffern has made several changes - some positional. He includes Ulster players Ruairdhi Murphy, Kyle McCall, Conor Joyce, Lorcan Dow and Paul Rowley with David Busby and John Donnan unavailable. Manihera Eden starts at full back with Stuart Morrow and David Nicholson on the wings. Robin Harte and Will Stewart continue their centre pairing, with Paul Rowley and Richard Reaney at nine and ten. Both number 8 Mike Graham and Captain John Pritchard remain on the injured list. Thomas Donnan comes in at number 8 to join Conor Joyce and Lorcan Dow in the back row. James Simpson and Jonny Madden continue in the second row with Ruairdhi Murphy, Andrew Harper and Kyle McCall in the front row. Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan believes the team are starting to get a more settled feel to it, with the new players (8) now well aware that the league allows no room for error. He is expecting a performance over the entire eighty minutes and a first AIL league win this Saturday.
Old Belvedere v Lansdowne. Play Friday 16.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm
UCD v Terenure College. Play Friday 16.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm
Ballynahinch v Young Munster
Clontarf v Cork Constitution
Garryowen v Galwegians
DIVISION 1B
Ballymena v Blackrock College
Head coach Andy Graham will be without Ulster players John Andrew, Bronson Ross and David Shanahan along with the injured Alan O'Connor and Michael Lagan. Both Stephen Mulholland and Clive Ross have been released to form the back row along with Matthew Harkness. Matty Rea returns from injury to join David Whann in the second row. The front row will be Bryan Young, Adam McBurney and Ross Kane. John Creighton and Ritchie McMaster continue at 9 and 10. Rodger McBurney links up with Jordan Foster and Kieran Joyce in the three quarters. Marty Irwin and Callum Patterson continue with their successful centre partnership. On the bench will be Chris Cundell, James Taggart, Conor Smyth, Andrew McGrath and Glen Baillie. Oliver Millar was not available for selection this weekend. The coach expects another difficult game against an improving Blackrock team. His players turned around a deficit in Limerick against Shannon to win 22- 19. They will need to focus for the full eighty minutes to continue their winning start to the season.
Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin
Four points separate Quins and Dolphin as the Deramore side seek their first AIL win of the season. Head coach Adam Larkin was delighted with the resolve shown by his players to win their Cup tie in the seventh minute of injury time at Malone last Sat 33 - 28. Key players in that win were debutant winger Andrew McPhillips who scored two tries along with the experienced Captain Neil McComb and centre Mark Kettyle. More of the same commitment will be required on Sat. Quins will include Ulster players Ricky Lutton, Mark Best, Frank Taggart and Conor Young in their starting XV.
UL Bohemians v Shannon. Play Friday 16.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm
Ballymena v Blackrock College
Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin
Buccaneers v St Mary's College
Old Wesley v Dublin Uni
DIVISION 2A
Malone v Thomond
There was disappointment that Malone couldn't hold on to their lead against Belfast Harlequins in the Senior Cup last Saturday before losing in injury time. The positives were the coaches were able to look at several new players with some positional changes. One positive was the performance of winger Adam Liddell who moved into the centre and scored two excellent tries. He retains his place in the centre alongside Nathan Brown in the absence of the unavailable Michael Barker. Injuries continue to rule out Dave Cave, Chris Criffiths and Michael Cartmill. Gary Crawford returns to the front row along with Tristan King and Philip Eadie. Cory Tipping resumes his second row partnership with Richard Millar. Ross Todd returns at 8 alongside Captain Neil Alcorn and Max Porter who replaces the unavailable James McAllister. Vice Captain Josh Pentland is restored at out half alongside Shane Kelly. Forwards coach Paddy Armstrong was pleased with the work of his forwards in the loose last Sat and will look more of the same as they look to set up scoring opportunities for their talented back trio of Andy Bryan's, Mark O'Connor and Rory Campbell. Austen Blackburn, Ben Halliday, Lee Barlow, Jack McMurtry and Ricky McCullagh make up the bench cover.
Queens University v Naas
Head coach Bob Young continues to experience selection headaches with front row availability for this weekend. Full back Robert Lyttle who scored three tries in his last two AIL matches has not been released by Ulster. Interesting game this. Both sides have won two and lost two games so far in the AIL. Both teams have also been displaying their attacking games whilst conceding points. Should provide spectators with another high scoring spectacle.
Banbridge v Skerries
Skerries may have only won one game from four. Interestingly that was their last AIL fixture at Queens University. Banbridge Head coach Daniel Soper is aware that there is little to choose between the ten teams in this league. Several players who were rested in their 30 - 7 defeat at Ballymena last weekend return for this fixture. They include half backs Lee Steenson and Shandon Scott along with centre Jonny Little and winger Clark McAllister. Peter Cromie and James McCrum are reinstated in the front row along with second row Kallan Martin. Dale Carson returns at open side after missing last three weeks through injury.
Malone v Thomond
Naas v Queens Uni
Nenagh Ormond v Galway Corinthians
Skerries v Banbridge
UCC v Cashel RFC
DIVISION 2B
Armagh v Rainey OB
Both Head coaches - Alex McCloy of Armagh and John Andrews will be looking a morale boosting win after their teams suffered three successive defeats in the AIL and First Trust Senior Cup. Armagh retain the pack that lost 35 - 17 at City of Derry two weeks ago. Matthew Wright comes in at scrum half in place of Harry Doyle. Harry Boyd is restored at full back with Andy Willis dropping down to the bench. Hooker David Swann comes on to the bench that may include Matty Clarke subject to work commitments. Alex McCloy is looking forward to the game this weekend. His team has trained well and have shown glimpses of being a good side who want to play rugby in all their four AIL games. The team and players know they need to improve their discipline and execute the opportunities they are creating in the opposition twenty two.
Rainey coach John Andrews is looking forward to this Ulster Derby. They are great for focusing the team with a great deal of pride at stake with the reality that results are everything in these games. His players are looking forward to this game as Armagh have come through the Junior ranks with Rainey. Selection has been difficult with a lot of players returning from injury especially in the backs where centre Simon Derby returns along with Nicholas Stirling and Michael Wilson. Second row forward Ronan McCusker's injury in the First Trust Cup quarter final against Queens last Friday led to the Cup tie being abandoned in the second half with Queens winning 25 - 24. Thankfully his injury is not as serious as first thought. Ronan was diagnosed with concussion and is now following the return to play three week protocol. Coach John Andrews accepts this will be a tough game - but he is confident his Rainey players can get a result at the Palace grounds.
Dungannon v City of Derry
Head coach Andy Hughes has an ever lengthening injury list that includes Captain James McMahon, Mark Faloon, Marcus Mulgrew, David Leyburn, Matty Montgomery and Ross McCaughey. He includes Paul Magee, Robbie Anderson and John Buckley in his match day squad. Despite the injuries you can expect a highly motivated Dungannon team to compete with the high flying City of Derry side that have won their opening four AIL league games.
City of Derry Head coach Terry McMaster has delayed his team selection until training tonight. His team picked up four injuries in their narrow 32 - 29 First Trust Senior Cup defeat at Ballynahinch last Sat.
Seapoint v Bective Rangers. Play Friday 16.10.15. Kick off 7.30pm
Armagh v Rainey OB
Dungannon v City of Derry
Greystones v Highfield
DIVISION 2C
Boyne v Bruff
Dundalk v Navan
Kanturk v Tullamore
Middleton v Old Crescent
Wanderers v Sligo
MILLAR McCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP SECOND ROUND
Belfast Harlequins 2XV v Ballynahinch 2XV
Both sides suffered home defeats in their conference league fixtures with CIYMS and Dromore last Saturday. You cannot judge AIL club second XV's in the conference league games. When it comes to the Cup competitions these sides are focused on a good cup run and a final appearance at the Kingspan stadium. Last season Quins second XV defeated Hinch 2nds twice in the second XV league. Can they cause another upset on Saturday at Deramore Park. Quins had a bye in the first round whilst Hinch seconds required extra time to defeat Cooke 38 - 30.
Ballymena 2XV v Bangor
How will Bangor respond to their first defeat of the season at home to Instonians last weekend 22 - 21. They will face a strong Ballymena second XV at Eaton Park. Ballymena are able to include forwards Chris Allen, Andrew Ferguson, Aidy Kirkpatrick, Ian Caldwell, Willy McKay, Joe Thompson, Ben O'Ryan, Michael Shiells and Paddy McGowan along with backs Paddy James, Rory Drysdale, James Beattie and Jonny Rossborough.
Ballymena seconds scrumhalf, Richard McCrudden suffered a torn kidney and spleen in the conference league match at Ballymoney last weekend. He has been detained in Coleraine Hospital this week. The rugby family in Ulster wish him a speedy recovery.
Coleraine v Dromore
The North Coast side received a bye in the first round and have won their two conference league games with Queens and Malone seconds. The opposition on Sat will provide their players with much stiffer resistance as Dromore look to build on their impressive 36 - 14 win away to Ballynahinch seconds last week after suffering defeats against Instonians and Bangor. Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen is looking a good Cup run from his team with Richard McKelvey continuing at 7. Both Ryan Cobb and Sam Russell are included in the back line. Coleraine Head coach Richard Boyd has undertaken a quiet revolution at the club. Promotion has to be their target this season but like all teams there is nothing like a good run in a Cup competition. Difficult game to call. Can Coleraine cause an upset. No doubt the atmosphere at Rugby Road will ensure this game goes down to the wire.
Larne v Clogher Valley
The reward for the East Antrim side in winning their first round game at Carrickfergus was to draw the in form Clogher Valley who are annual visitors to the Kingspan stadium - such is their strong cup pedigree. Can Larne cause an upset. They deservedly won 20 - 19 at Carrick in a highly charged local derby game. Larne Head coach Ryan Milligan is aware of the test his players face at the Glynn on Sat. He is pleased by his teams start to the season. He makes a number of changes with Chris Rea returning to the front row. Both Jonny Hall and Rhys Thomas are unavailable with their talented out half Philip Andrews being rested. They are captained by their inspirational scrum half Ryan Garrett who will be looking to lead his side to another cup win. Clogher Valley are Captained by their talisman David Sharkey who will ensure the Fivemiletown side are totally focused for this cup tie. They make several changes with Fleming Agnew starting at fullback. Mark Ellis comes in on the wing along with Nathan Orr in the centre. Richard Primrose starts at prop with Philip Moore dropping down to the bench along with William McKeown. Injury continues to rule out half backs Aaron Best and Philip Holme along with Alastair Trenier and Andrew Breen. Should be a cracking game at the Glynn this weekend.
Lisburn v Instonians
Blaris will surely attract a large crowd for this Cup tie with Junior Cup holders Instonians. After defeating Randalstown in the first round Head coach Neil Hinds could not have anticipated drawing the Cup holders Instonians. Lisburn are undefeated in five matches after securing a bonus point in their 28 - 14 win at Grosvenor last Sat. Instonians showed why they are current Q 1 league champions by defeating previously undefeated Bangor 22 - 21 at Upritchard Park last Sat. Lisburn 1st xv manager Michael Knowles is delighted with the impact the new coaching team has had on the club. Injury continues to rule out second row Jonny Davis with fellow second row Alan Hughes a major doubt after suffering a nasty eye injury at Grosvenor.
Omagh v Academy
Head coach Philip Marshall is looking a morale boosting win tonight for his team against visitors Academy. Prop Mark Smyth returns after injury to take his place in the front row. Right winger Ryan Mitchell is unavailable and is replaced by Marty Eccles.
Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn is facing a selection dilemma with an ever lengthening injury list and unavailabilities. He is hoping his team get through this match tonight with no further injuries.
Ballyclare v Enniskillen
This is Ballyclare's third match in a row against teams from the South West of the province. So far it is a win at Omagh and a loss at home to Clogher Valley last Sat. Last Sat it was a case of the Ballyclare forwards struggling to match their County Tyrone visitors in the forwards. This week for the visit of Enniskillen they welcome back front row forwards David Lawther and Mo Finlay along with second row Adam Neill. Head coach Mike McKeever retains his inform back line that threatened to win their match at home to Clogher Valley.
Enniskillen Head coach Norman Richmond has a full squad at his disposal for the trip to the Cloughan. He believes that if his team play to their potential then it will be an excellent game for spectators. He is keen to measure his team against a Q 1 side like Ballyclare to see what level his team are at this season. Enniskillen reached the semi finals last season before losing to winners Instonians. They would like to go one step further. On paper both sides are evenly matched. Again a difficult game to predict a winner.
CIYMS v Portadown
Head coach Gareth Fry was relieved to see his team secure a much needed 31 - 12 win over Belfast Harlequins seconds last Sat. Injuries and unavailabilities continue to rule out players as the coach rotates his squad to find his best combinations. Several players return from injuries including centres Matt Butler and Philip McVitty along with winger Dave Irvine and hooker Simon Baillie while injury rules out Scott Dowle.
Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley has seen his side move into third place in Q 1 with the clubs seconds and thirds remaining undefeated in Junior Three and Four - such is the positive playing environment existing at Chambers Park. He welcomes back forwards Mal Allister, Dairmuid O'Kane and Mark Henderson with Ryan Purvis and Neil Irwin returning to the back line as the coach fields his strongest possible squad for Sat. Centre Jonny Holden is unavailable this week. The coach is pleased with the performances of several young players who have played well over the last couple of weeks and gained valuable playing experience on the first xv. CIYMS has always been a difficult place for Portadown to travel to. Progress in a Cup is important to the club and team this season.
Belfast Harlequins 2XV v Ballynahinch 2XV
Ballymena seconds v Bangor
Coleraine v Dromore
Larne v Clogher Valley
Lisburn v Instonians
Omagh v Academy. Played Thursday 15.10.15.
Ballyclare v Enniskillen
CIYMS v Portadown
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
Holywood v BHSFP
Lurgan v Letterkenny
Monaghan v Limavady
Ophir v Strabane
PSNI v Newry
UUC v Civil Service
SECOND XV LEAGUE
Malone 2XV v Banbridge 2XV