Preview of this weekend's club rugby action...
It was another frustrating weekend for the Ulster teams in the All Ireland league last week. There were wins for Banbridge, Malone, Armagh, City of Derry and Rainey OB with Ballymena, Ballynahinch, Queens Uni, Belfast Harlequins, Dungannon and Bangor all losing.
Banbridge remain top of Div 2A with Armagh one point behind Greystones in Div 2B. Both Malone and Queens Uni are battling out to finish in the top four of Div 2A. The relegation of Belfast Harlequins was confirmed in Div 2A. Ballynahinch and Ballymena both need points to be safe in Div 1B. Dungannon are safe in Div 2B with City of Derry needing one more win to be safe in Div 2B. Rainey OB are in 3rd place in Div 2C and are guaranteed a place in the playoffs. Bangor have slipped down to 8th place in Div 2C and need one more win to be safe.
We also have the first fixtures in the All Ireland Round Robin tournament taking place this weekend involving the four provincial winners from Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht. Omagh will represent Ulster and take on Leinster winners and favourites Malahide at the Thomas Mellon playing fields. Munster winners Clonmel will host Connacht winners Ballina.
In the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership, Div 1. Armagh travel to Ballymena knowing if they defeat Ballymena and secure the b/p they will lift the Stevenson Shield. Ballynahinch currently lead Div 1 by five points from 2nd place Armagh. If both teams finish level on points, Armagh will lift the title by virtue of defeating Ballynahinch 52 – 14 at the Palace Grounds on the 31.12.16.
We have one outstanding match in Div 1 involving City of Derry and Dungannon that will be played at Judges Road on the 29th April. The result will decide which one of these two teams will play in Div 1 this season.
In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship, Cooke and Clogher Valley will complete the outstanding fixture in Div 1 at Shaws bridge on Saturday. Both teams are safe and avoided being involved in the play off match with the 2nd place team in Div 2. Dromore who finished 9th wait to see whether they play CIYMS or Grosvenor at Barban Hill on the 15th April.
Both Cooke and Clogher Valley were involved in semi finals of the McCrea Cup and the River Rock Towns Cup last weekend. There was joy for the Cooke players as they won a highly entertaining match, 54 – 13 against CIYMS at Shaws bridge to progress as holders through to their third successive final.
For Clogher Valley there was last minute disappointment at Ballymacarn Park as they went down 18 – 17 to Junior Cup holders Ballynahinch seconds with winger Aaron Ferris scoring a late try and Chris Quinn kicking the all important conversion to win the match. This was the second occasion Clogher Valley had lost a Cup semi final this season after Ashbourne had defeated the Fivemiletown team 18 – 17 in the All Ireland Junior Cup.
Portadown saved their best for their last league game at Carrickfergus. Their 36 – 0 win secured 4th place in Div 1 and a place in the All Ireland Junior Cup next season. A season that promised so much in the first half of the season was followed by a dip in form that saw Portadown slip down the league table and out of contention for a top four finish. Head coach Richard Hedley will be delighted with the efforts of the players and several younger players who were introduced into the 1st xv squad during the season. With Portadown seconds winning their league and making the final of the Crawford Cup there is an expectation that we could see Portadown mount a challenge for the Div 1 title next season.
In Div 2 we have two outstanding matches to be played after this weekend with Limavady hosting Grosvenor on the 8th April. There is no confirmation on whether the postponed Donaghadee v Academy game will be played next Saturday as well. Coleraine as league champions completed their league programme with a 36 – 11 win at home against a Randalstown team that led 6 – 5 at HT.
All interest in the division this week is on whether CIYMS can win against Lisburn at Belmont to finish runners up in the league. They will then go on to play Dromore in the play off match. Grosvenor will travel to the Glynn to play Larne knowing nothing less than a maximum five points is required if CIYMS slip up.
Limavady won 34 – 18 at Academy to secure 4th place in Div 2 and extend their unbeaten league run to three matches. Limavady points scorers were Jamie Millar two tries with Robert Lamberton, Chris Hunter and Peter Wilson each scoring a try with Wilson converting three and kicking one penalty. Both Head coach Mark Nicholl and his players are anxious to complete their league programme with a win at home to Grosvenor on the 8th April. After winning promotion from Div 3 last season we can expect Limavady to be amongst the promotion chasing teams in Div 2 next season.
In Div 3 Ballymoney are expected to be confirmed as league winners when they host struggling Ophir at Kilraught Road in a match being played as a double header. This result would see 2nd place PSNI travel to UUC to play the students in the playoff match on the 22nd April. The remaining block of matches in this league will be played on Saturday the 8th April.
Ballymoney after suffering relegation in successive seasons have bounced back to reassert themselves as a force in Ulster junior rugby. The PSNI as a club are showing signs of also re-establishing themselves in Ulster rugby with the club fielding three adult sides. Their 1st xv have also made it through to the Final of the Gordon West Cup where they will play Cavan at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday 15th April.
There will be two Cup Finals staged at the Kingspan stadium on Easter Monday the 17th April 2017
McCrea Cup final between holders Cooke and Malone seconds with a 12.30PM kick off. River Rock Towns Cup final between Ballynahinch seconds and Enniskillen with a 2.30PM kick off.
Hopefully supporters of the club game in Ulster will come out in large numbers to support all four teams.
In the second xv league Ballynahinch seconds are favourites to win this league. Both Ballymena seconds and Ballynahinch seconds played in Conference league 1 with Ballynahinch winning the league before Xmas. Who will be the second team to join Ballynahinch in Conference league 1 next season. It would appear to be a contest between Malone, Armagh and Ballymena seconds for this place with Ballymena seconds and Armagh seconds meeting at Eaton Park on Sat.
It is interesting to see how many Ulster UBL club 2nd xv teams will be playing in the Conference league and second xv league next season. Will Omagh come through the Round Robin tournament to take their place in the All Ireland league next season. Their 2nds won Div 1 of the Ulster Rugby Provincial league.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 1B
Naas (4) v Ballynahinch (8). Kick off 4PM
When you look at the position of Ballynahinch in this league with three games remaining against Naas (A), UL Bohemians (H) and Buccaneers (A) you have to ask where is this Ballynahinch team going to pick up league points. They are five points ahead of 9th place Galwegians and six points ahead of 10th place Dolphin who have won their last two UBL matches.
Ballynahinch have lost their last four UBL games after winning their opening two games in 2017. Hinch lost 30 – 14 at Shannon last Saturday where they welcomed back, back row forward David McGuigan. Naas who are chasing 2nd place behind league winners Buccaneers lost narrowly 30 – 23 to Buccaneers in Athlone last Saturday. A win with a b/p will see Naas move ahead of UL Bohemians and Old Wesley into 2nd place.
Naas have won 4 and lost 2 games in 2017 as they chase promotion in successive seasons. The only team to beat Naas at home this season was Buccaneers who won 24 – 16 on the 8.10.16. Hard to believe Ballynahinch beat Buccaneers in their opening UBL game back in September.
At the bottom of this league eight points separate the bottom five teams that include Ballynahinch and Ballymena.
Ballynahinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan is expecting no changes to the squad that started against Shannon. His team need 5 points from these three games to be safe. He knows it will not be easy for the players who continue to work hard in training.
When these two teams met at Ballymacarn Park on the 8.10.16 Naas won 41 – 26.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2A
Galway Corinthians (9) v Queens Uni (5)
Nenagh Ormond (2) v Malone (4). Kick off 2PM
Sunday’s Well (8) v Highfield (3). Friday 31.3.17. Kick off 7.30PM
Queens Uni v Galway Corinthians
2017 has not been kind to Queens Head coach Bob Young and his players. Two wins and four defeats is not the form he was looking for from his playing squad. It was not helped by a last minute penalty kick that won the game 21 – 18 for Malone at Gibson Park last week. Corinthians like Queens need the points. They are trying to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs and are three points behind 8th place Sunday’s Well. Queens need the points as they battle out with Malone for 4th place and the playoffs.
Corinthians playing record in 2017 is like Queens, they have won two and lost four. Most importantly they defeated Cashel 24 – 13 at home last Sat. They have already defeated Banbridge and Malone at home this season with Quins winning early in the season at Corinthians Park. Connacht releases determine how strong a team Corinthians can field.
Malone v Nenagh Ormond
The Gibson Park side face back to back trips to Tipperary to play Nenagh Ormond this week and Cork next week to play Highfield that will challenge the focus and commitment of the Malone players with their final game at home to Cashel on the 15thApril. Three big weeks coming up for Head coach Paddy Armstrong and his playing squad.
In a pulsating game played at Gibson Park last week, winger Mark O’Connor was the hero kicking a last minute penalty to win the match 21 – 18 for his Malone team. It was a much needed result after the team suffered a 51 – 15 defeat at Banbridge.
Malone have won five and lost one in 2017 and travel to face an inform Nenagh Ormond team who defeated 2nd place Highfield at home 36 – 24 last Saturday. Nenagh have won four and lost two in 2017 and remain undefeated at home this season. If they win with a b/p they will draw level with league leaders Banbridge. Ten points currently separate the top four teams.
Nenagh have a formidable home record against Ulster teams. The last Ulster team to defeat them at New Ormond Park was Banbridge who defeated Nenagh 24 – 5 on the 28.1.2012. Not an easy venue to travel to. Malone lost 31 – 15 at Nenagh last season with referee Chris Farrington once again officiating this weekend. Can Malone end this five year home unbeaten record of Nenagh’s against Ulster teams. Both Banbridge and Queens have lost at Nenagh this season with Quins due to travel to New Ormond Park on the 15th April.
Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong was delighted his players had the patience to win a tense game against Queens and get the result that allows Malone to remain in the promotion mix. He is aware that it will be a tough game at Nenagh and is looking to his players to build on the result against the students. He feels the Nenagh game will be a good indicator of where his team are at this stage of the season.
Michael Shiels remains a long term injury concern with both Michael Cartmill and Phil Lucas returning to the squad this week. As with away fixtures he is still awaiting on the availability of several players with the travelling squad not being finalised until Thursday night.
When these two teams met at Gibson Park on the 29.10.16 Malone won an entertaining match 35 – 31.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2C
Boyne (10) v Seapoint (6)
Kanturk (9) v Tullamore (4)
Midleton (7) v Bangor (8)
Bangor v Midleton
Two teams who have struggled in 2017. Midleton have won one and lost five with their only win coming against Boyne. Bangor have drawn at home with Kanturk and lost their five other UBL matches. Midleton are three points ahead of Bangor and nine points ahead of 9th place Kanturk. Bangor are six points ahead of Kanturk and need one more win to secure their place in the Division next season.
Bangor last won an UBL game on the 12.11.16 when they defeated Seapoint 20 – 13 at Uprtichard Park. They have lost seven from eight of their UBL games. A season that started so well for Bangor in the UBL has become a fight for survival.
As Bangor 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong put it, it is now up to the players to pick up the much needed points required from their remaining three matches to stay in Div 2C. This week the pack is bolstered by former player/coach Michael Ferguson who comes into the second row. A player of his quality and leadership will be needed this week. Player availability is an issue with both second rows Darren Kelly and Craig Burton ruled out this week along with James Henley and Matty Agnew in the forwards. Ulster Academy player Lewis Sampson is unavailable as he has been selected to play for the Ulster A side against Leinster A at Banbridge on Friday evening.
Injuries keep mounting up at the club with 18 players out injured – 12 of them long term with four players unavailable to travel this weekend.
Bangor squad 1- 15 with bench to be finalised on Thursday night. Phil Whyte (Captain), Andrew Jackson, James Leary, Michael Ferguson, Glen Burton, Desi Fusco, Mike Apsley, David Bradford, Ali Lockhart, Gareth Millar, Mark Widdowson, Jason Morgan, Phil Broderick, Dave Charles and Gareth Wright.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT
Omagh (Ulster) v Malahide (Leinster)
Clonmel (Munster) v Ballina (Connacht)
Omagh v Malahide
Difficult opening fixture for Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall and his playing squad. He is already without five possibly six key players due to injury, work and family commitments. They include Ally Beckett, Ryan Mitchell, Yonga Taleni, Adam Stephenson, Stephen MacLaine and Alan Heaney with his wife expecting.
With two home games against Malahide and Clonmel, Omagh will be looking two wins with the team having to travel to play Connacht winners Ballina away.
Omagh squad 1 – 20 Kyle Alexander (captain), Richard Hemphill, David Thompson, Johnny Sproule, Jamie Sproule, Mervyn Edgar, Adam Longwell, James Catterson, Stewart McCain, Lee Murphy, Matthew Eccles, Neil MacLaine, Scott Barr, Neil Brown, Scott Elliott, Richard Smith, Mark Brown, Matthew Clyde, Alan Heaney and Neil Mellon.
SONI ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP DIV 1
Ballymena (2) v Armagh (3)
With both clubs’ 1st and 2nd xv’s involved in crucial games at Eaton Park this weekend. Can Armagh 1st xv secure their first piece of silverware this season by defeating Ballymena and taking the Stevenson Shield back to the Palace Grounds clubhouse. With Armagh challenging for promotion to Div 2A next season and Ballymena in need of much needed league points in Div 1B, both these teams will be keen to win this match before they complete their two remaining UBL fixtures.
Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham will be without Rodger McBurney, Mark Best, Josh McIIroy, John Creighton, Conal Boomer, Stephen Mulholland, Adam McBurney and David Shanahan from the team that played against UCC in their 26 – 24 home defeat last Sat for the game with Armagh. Both Conor Smyth and Chris Cundell are on the bench for Ulster A in their match against Leinster A at Banbridge on Friday evening with a 5PM Kick off and may be available to play on Sat. Other Ballymena players expected to be involved with Ulster A are Callum Patterson, Matthew Rea, Mark Best, John Creighton, Conal Boomer, Stephen Mulholland, Adam McBurney and David Shanahan.
Injuries and unavailability rule out Marty Irwin, Paddy James, James Beattie and Russell Blair with Josh McIIroy involved with the Irish Universities Squad. Matthew Rea was ruled out from playing for Ballymena last Sat after picking up an injury whilst training with Ulster.
Ballymena squad 1 – 20 Andrew Ferguson, James Taggart, Adrian Kirkpatrick, Mark Foster, David Whann, Conor Smyth, Dominic Gallagher/Tony McGuinness, Adrian Hamilton, Chris Smyth, Richie McMaster, Jonny Rossborough, Glenn Baillie, Daryl Montgomery, Jordan Foster, Matthew Norris, Chris Cundell, Andrew Cundell, Dominic Gallagher/Tony McGuinness with remaining back line replacements to be finalised on Thursday night.
Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy has no injury concerns and hopes to add Neil Faloon to the squad that defeated Dungannon 24 – 16 at the Palace Grounds last Saturday for this match at Ballymena.
ULSTER RUGBY SECOND XV LEAGUE
Ballymena seconds (4) v Armagh seconds (3)
Ballynahinch seconds (1) v Belfast Harlequins seconds (6)
ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
Cooke (8) v Clogher Valley (7)
Head coach Colin Atkinson was delighted with the performance of his Cooke team in defeating CIYMS 54 – 13 at Shaws bridge last Saturday. What was also important was the players kept going for the full 80 minutes. CIYMS had started the game strongly and put his defence under pressure in the first quarter. With all eight tries coming from the backline the coach was full of praise for the work being put in by backs coach Philip Cartmill.
Cooke are expected to make only one change to their starting xv from last week with Jonathan McClure replacing Karl Sloan in the front row.
Clogher Valley are expected to retain the playing squad that lost 18 – 17 at Ballynahinch last week. The focus for the club is the continued development of young players to strengthen the teams playing options for next season. Players to impress this season include full back Philip Wilson, centre Toby McAlpine and forwards Tom Mills and Ian Mulligan.
ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
CIYMS (2) v Lisburn (8)
Donaghadee (10) v Randalstown (6)
Larne (5) v Grosvenor (3)
CIYMS v Lisburn
Crucial game for CI this weekend. Win and they will finish in 2nd place and the playoff match at Dromore on the 15th April. It has been a fascinating season following the contest between Coleraine and CIYMS for the league title and latterly the contest between CIYMS and Grosvenor for 2nd place.
Head coach Gareth Fry was missing several key players for the match at Cooke last week due to injuries and unavailabilies. These included backs, Callum Irvine, Paddy Beverland and Harry Howard along with forwards Aaron Kilpatrick, Gavin Woods and David Cobaine. Andy Hodgin continues his rehabilitation after being out injured with an ankle injury. There was a welcome return for prop Ali Coulson with the impressive back row forward Jason Gilliland hoping to add to the 22 tries he has scored this season. The former centre has been a stand out player for the 1st xv this season.
The coach was impressed with the Cooke team who played some good rugby and fully deserved their win albeit he thought the scoreline did flatter Cooke slightly.
Despite the defeat the coach was pleased with the work of Scott Dowle, Jason Gilliland and Scott McNarry in the back row along with Paddy Agnew and Captain Mark McConkey in the lineout.
For this week he is hoping to have most of the players who were unavailable back. He is also looking a much better all round performance from his players. Lisburn are a much improved side from our meetings in September. However he believes it is all about his CI team and their motivation to make the playoff. The teams goal in July was to get promotion so this is the next step on the ladder.
He is awaiting confirmation on a few players before finalising his team on Thursday night. Former Captain Gavin Woods is expected to make his final appearance for the 1st xv at Belmont on Saturday. The coach is expecting a big performance from his team.
These two teams have already met twice this season. Lisburn losing 74 – 0 at home to CI in their opening league game at Blaris. CI returned two weeks later in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup to defeat Lisburn 41 – 12.
Lisburn have had a strong second half to the season that has seen them retain their position in Div 2 this season.
Donaghadee v Randalstown
These two teams have already met twice this season with Randalstown winning their league game 36 – 0 at Nelisbrook on the 27.8.16. Two weeks later Donaghadee returned to the same venue in the Junior Cup and lost 51 – 0 on the 10.9.16.
For Randalstown Head coach Gary Longwell it has been a frustrating season with over 50 players representing the 1st xv, mainly due to injuries and work commitments. He feels his team have not been consistent enough over the season, but hopefully can take confidence from several excellent performances.
Larne v Grosvenor
Both teams come into this match on the back of good results with Larne winning 20 – 15 at Lisburn and Grosvenor winning 31 – 6 at home to Randalstown. Grosvenor have an outside chance of finishing in 2nd place and making the playoff. They need Lisburn to win at CIYMS with Grosvenor picking up maximum points from their two remaining games away to Larne and Limavady next week.
When these two teams met at Gibson Park on the 27.8.16 Larne won 28 – 6.
ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
Ballymoney (1) v Ophir (12). (Being playable as a double header)
Cavan (9) v Strabane (4)
Letterkenny (6) v PSNI (2)
Lurgan (3) v Virginia (8)
Monaghan (11) v Holywood (7)
Newry (5) v BHSFP (10)
It was another frustrating weekend for the Ulster teams in the All Ireland league last week. There were wins for Banbridge, Malone, Armagh, City of Derry and Rainey OB with Ballymena, Ballynahinch, Queens Uni, Belfast Harlequins, Dungannon and Bangor all losing.
Banbridge remain top of Div 2A with Armagh one point behind Greystones in Div 2B. Both Malone and Queens Uni are battling out to finish in the top four of Div 2A. The relegation of Belfast Harlequins was confirmed in Div 2A. Ballynahinch and Ballymena both need points to be safe in Div 1B. Dungannon are safe in Div 2B with City of Derry needing one more win to be safe in Div 2B. Rainey OB are in 3rd place in Div 2C and are guaranteed a place in the playoffs. Bangor have slipped down to 8th place in Div 2C and need one more win to be safe.
We also have the first fixtures in the All Ireland Round Robin tournament taking place this weekend involving the four provincial winners from Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht. Omagh will represent Ulster and take on Leinster winners and favourites Malahide at the Thomas Mellon playing fields. Munster winners Clonmel will host Connacht winners Ballina.
In the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership, Div 1. Armagh travel to Ballymena knowing if they defeat Ballymena and secure the b/p they will lift the Stevenson Shield. Ballynahinch currently lead Div 1 by five points from 2nd place Armagh. If both teams finish level on points, Armagh will lift the title by virtue of defeating Ballynahinch 52 – 14 at the Palace Grounds on the 31.12.16.
We have one outstanding match in Div 1 involving City of Derry and Dungannon that will be played at Judges Road on the 29th April. The result will decide which one of these two teams will play in Div 1 this season.
In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship, Cooke and Clogher Valley will complete the outstanding fixture in Div 1 at Shaws bridge on Saturday. Both teams are safe and avoided being involved in the play off match with the 2nd place team in Div 2. Dromore who finished 9th wait to see whether they play CIYMS or Grosvenor at Barban Hill on the 15th April.
Both Cooke and Clogher Valley were involved in semi finals of the McCrea Cup and the River Rock Towns Cup last weekend. There was joy for the Cooke players as they won a highly entertaining match, 54 – 13 against CIYMS at Shaws bridge to progress as holders through to their third successive final.
For Clogher Valley there was last minute disappointment at Ballymacarn Park as they went down 18 – 17 to Junior Cup holders Ballynahinch seconds with winger Aaron Ferris scoring a late try and Chris Quinn kicking the all important conversion to win the match. This was the second occasion Clogher Valley had lost a Cup semi final this season after Ashbourne had defeated the Fivemiletown team 18 – 17 in the All Ireland Junior Cup.
Portadown saved their best for their last league game at Carrickfergus. Their 36 – 0 win secured 4th place in Div 1 and a place in the All Ireland Junior Cup next season. A season that promised so much in the first half of the season was followed by a dip in form that saw Portadown slip down the league table and out of contention for a top four finish. Head coach Richard Hedley will be delighted with the efforts of the players and several younger players who were introduced into the 1st xv squad during the season. With Portadown seconds winning their league and making the final of the Crawford Cup there is an expectation that we could see Portadown mount a challenge for the Div 1 title next season.
In Div 2 we have two outstanding matches to be played after this weekend with Limavady hosting Grosvenor on the 8th April. There is no confirmation on whether the postponed Donaghadee v Academy game will be played next Saturday as well. Coleraine as league champions completed their league programme with a 36 – 11 win at home against a Randalstown team that led 6 – 5 at HT.
All interest in the division this week is on whether CIYMS can win against Lisburn at Belmont to finish runners up in the league. They will then go on to play Dromore in the play off match. Grosvenor will travel to the Glynn to play Larne knowing nothing less than a maximum five points is required if CIYMS slip up.
Limavady won 34 – 18 at Academy to secure 4th place in Div 2 and extend their unbeaten league run to three matches. Limavady points scorers were Jamie Millar two tries with Robert Lamberton, Chris Hunter and Peter Wilson each scoring a try with Wilson converting three and kicking one penalty. Both Head coach Mark Nicholl and his players are anxious to complete their league programme with a win at home to Grosvenor on the 8th April. After winning promotion from Div 3 last season we can expect Limavady to be amongst the promotion chasing teams in Div 2 next season.
In Div 3 Ballymoney are expected to be confirmed as league winners when they host struggling Ophir at Kilraught Road in a match being played as a double header. This result would see 2nd place PSNI travel to UUC to play the students in the playoff match on the 22nd April. The remaining block of matches in this league will be played on Saturday the 8th April.
Ballymoney after suffering relegation in successive seasons have bounced back to reassert themselves as a force in Ulster junior rugby. The PSNI as a club are showing signs of also re-establishing themselves in Ulster rugby with the club fielding three adult sides. Their 1st xv have also made it through to the Final of the Gordon West Cup where they will play Cavan at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday 15th April.
There will be two Cup Finals staged at the Kingspan stadium on Easter Monday the 17th April 2017
McCrea Cup final between holders Cooke and Malone seconds with a 12.30PM kick off. River Rock Towns Cup final between Ballynahinch seconds and Enniskillen with a 2.30PM kick off.
Hopefully supporters of the club game in Ulster will come out in large numbers to support all four teams.
In the second xv league Ballynahinch seconds are favourites to win this league. Both Ballymena seconds and Ballynahinch seconds played in Conference league 1 with Ballynahinch winning the league before Xmas. Who will be the second team to join Ballynahinch in Conference league 1 next season. It would appear to be a contest between Malone, Armagh and Ballymena seconds for this place with Ballymena seconds and Armagh seconds meeting at Eaton Park on Sat.
It is interesting to see how many Ulster UBL club 2nd xv teams will be playing in the Conference league and second xv league next season. Will Omagh come through the Round Robin tournament to take their place in the All Ireland league next season. Their 2nds won Div 1 of the Ulster Rugby Provincial league.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 1B
Naas (4) v Ballynahinch (8). Kick off 4PM
When you look at the position of Ballynahinch in this league with three games remaining against Naas (A), UL Bohemians (H) and Buccaneers (A) you have to ask where is this Ballynahinch team going to pick up league points. They are five points ahead of 9th place Galwegians and six points ahead of 10th place Dolphin who have won their last two UBL matches.
Ballynahinch have lost their last four UBL games after winning their opening two games in 2017. Hinch lost 30 – 14 at Shannon last Saturday where they welcomed back, back row forward David McGuigan. Naas who are chasing 2nd place behind league winners Buccaneers lost narrowly 30 – 23 to Buccaneers in Athlone last Saturday. A win with a b/p will see Naas move ahead of UL Bohemians and Old Wesley into 2nd place.
Naas have won 4 and lost 2 games in 2017 as they chase promotion in successive seasons. The only team to beat Naas at home this season was Buccaneers who won 24 – 16 on the 8.10.16. Hard to believe Ballynahinch beat Buccaneers in their opening UBL game back in September.
At the bottom of this league eight points separate the bottom five teams that include Ballynahinch and Ballymena.
Ballynahinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan is expecting no changes to the squad that started against Shannon. His team need 5 points from these three games to be safe. He knows it will not be easy for the players who continue to work hard in training.
When these two teams met at Ballymacarn Park on the 8.10.16 Naas won 41 – 26.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2A
Galway Corinthians (9) v Queens Uni (5)
Nenagh Ormond (2) v Malone (4). Kick off 2PM
Sunday’s Well (8) v Highfield (3). Friday 31.3.17. Kick off 7.30PM
Queens Uni v Galway Corinthians
2017 has not been kind to Queens Head coach Bob Young and his players. Two wins and four defeats is not the form he was looking for from his playing squad. It was not helped by a last minute penalty kick that won the game 21 – 18 for Malone at Gibson Park last week. Corinthians like Queens need the points. They are trying to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs and are three points behind 8th place Sunday’s Well. Queens need the points as they battle out with Malone for 4th place and the playoffs.
Corinthians playing record in 2017 is like Queens, they have won two and lost four. Most importantly they defeated Cashel 24 – 13 at home last Sat. They have already defeated Banbridge and Malone at home this season with Quins winning early in the season at Corinthians Park. Connacht releases determine how strong a team Corinthians can field.
Malone v Nenagh Ormond
The Gibson Park side face back to back trips to Tipperary to play Nenagh Ormond this week and Cork next week to play Highfield that will challenge the focus and commitment of the Malone players with their final game at home to Cashel on the 15thApril. Three big weeks coming up for Head coach Paddy Armstrong and his playing squad.
In a pulsating game played at Gibson Park last week, winger Mark O’Connor was the hero kicking a last minute penalty to win the match 21 – 18 for his Malone team. It was a much needed result after the team suffered a 51 – 15 defeat at Banbridge.
Malone have won five and lost one in 2017 and travel to face an inform Nenagh Ormond team who defeated 2nd place Highfield at home 36 – 24 last Saturday. Nenagh have won four and lost two in 2017 and remain undefeated at home this season. If they win with a b/p they will draw level with league leaders Banbridge. Ten points currently separate the top four teams.
Nenagh have a formidable home record against Ulster teams. The last Ulster team to defeat them at New Ormond Park was Banbridge who defeated Nenagh 24 – 5 on the 28.1.2012. Not an easy venue to travel to. Malone lost 31 – 15 at Nenagh last season with referee Chris Farrington once again officiating this weekend. Can Malone end this five year home unbeaten record of Nenagh’s against Ulster teams. Both Banbridge and Queens have lost at Nenagh this season with Quins due to travel to New Ormond Park on the 15th April.
Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong was delighted his players had the patience to win a tense game against Queens and get the result that allows Malone to remain in the promotion mix. He is aware that it will be a tough game at Nenagh and is looking to his players to build on the result against the students. He feels the Nenagh game will be a good indicator of where his team are at this stage of the season.
Michael Shiels remains a long term injury concern with both Michael Cartmill and Phil Lucas returning to the squad this week. As with away fixtures he is still awaiting on the availability of several players with the travelling squad not being finalised until Thursday night.
When these two teams met at Gibson Park on the 29.10.16 Malone won an entertaining match 35 – 31.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2C
Boyne (10) v Seapoint (6)
Kanturk (9) v Tullamore (4)
Midleton (7) v Bangor (8)
Bangor v Midleton
Two teams who have struggled in 2017. Midleton have won one and lost five with their only win coming against Boyne. Bangor have drawn at home with Kanturk and lost their five other UBL matches. Midleton are three points ahead of Bangor and nine points ahead of 9th place Kanturk. Bangor are six points ahead of Kanturk and need one more win to secure their place in the Division next season.
Bangor last won an UBL game on the 12.11.16 when they defeated Seapoint 20 – 13 at Uprtichard Park. They have lost seven from eight of their UBL games. A season that started so well for Bangor in the UBL has become a fight for survival.
As Bangor 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong put it, it is now up to the players to pick up the much needed points required from their remaining three matches to stay in Div 2C. This week the pack is bolstered by former player/coach Michael Ferguson who comes into the second row. A player of his quality and leadership will be needed this week. Player availability is an issue with both second rows Darren Kelly and Craig Burton ruled out this week along with James Henley and Matty Agnew in the forwards. Ulster Academy player Lewis Sampson is unavailable as he has been selected to play for the Ulster A side against Leinster A at Banbridge on Friday evening.
Injuries keep mounting up at the club with 18 players out injured – 12 of them long term with four players unavailable to travel this weekend.
Bangor squad 1- 15 with bench to be finalised on Thursday night. Phil Whyte (Captain), Andrew Jackson, James Leary, Michael Ferguson, Glen Burton, Desi Fusco, Mike Apsley, David Bradford, Ali Lockhart, Gareth Millar, Mark Widdowson, Jason Morgan, Phil Broderick, Dave Charles and Gareth Wright.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT
Omagh (Ulster) v Malahide (Leinster)
Clonmel (Munster) v Ballina (Connacht)
Omagh v Malahide
Difficult opening fixture for Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall and his playing squad. He is already without five possibly six key players due to injury, work and family commitments. They include Ally Beckett, Ryan Mitchell, Yonga Taleni, Adam Stephenson, Stephen MacLaine and Alan Heaney with his wife expecting.
With two home games against Malahide and Clonmel, Omagh will be looking two wins with the team having to travel to play Connacht winners Ballina away.
Omagh squad 1 – 20 Kyle Alexander (captain), Richard Hemphill, David Thompson, Johnny Sproule, Jamie Sproule, Mervyn Edgar, Adam Longwell, James Catterson, Stewart McCain, Lee Murphy, Matthew Eccles, Neil MacLaine, Scott Barr, Neil Brown, Scott Elliott, Richard Smith, Mark Brown, Matthew Clyde, Alan Heaney and Neil Mellon.
SONI ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP DIV 1
Ballymena (2) v Armagh (3)
With both clubs’ 1st and 2nd xv’s involved in crucial games at Eaton Park this weekend. Can Armagh 1st xv secure their first piece of silverware this season by defeating Ballymena and taking the Stevenson Shield back to the Palace Grounds clubhouse. With Armagh challenging for promotion to Div 2A next season and Ballymena in need of much needed league points in Div 1B, both these teams will be keen to win this match before they complete their two remaining UBL fixtures.
Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham will be without Rodger McBurney, Mark Best, Josh McIIroy, John Creighton, Conal Boomer, Stephen Mulholland, Adam McBurney and David Shanahan from the team that played against UCC in their 26 – 24 home defeat last Sat for the game with Armagh. Both Conor Smyth and Chris Cundell are on the bench for Ulster A in their match against Leinster A at Banbridge on Friday evening with a 5PM Kick off and may be available to play on Sat. Other Ballymena players expected to be involved with Ulster A are Callum Patterson, Matthew Rea, Mark Best, John Creighton, Conal Boomer, Stephen Mulholland, Adam McBurney and David Shanahan.
Injuries and unavailability rule out Marty Irwin, Paddy James, James Beattie and Russell Blair with Josh McIIroy involved with the Irish Universities Squad. Matthew Rea was ruled out from playing for Ballymena last Sat after picking up an injury whilst training with Ulster.
Ballymena squad 1 – 20 Andrew Ferguson, James Taggart, Adrian Kirkpatrick, Mark Foster, David Whann, Conor Smyth, Dominic Gallagher/Tony McGuinness, Adrian Hamilton, Chris Smyth, Richie McMaster, Jonny Rossborough, Glenn Baillie, Daryl Montgomery, Jordan Foster, Matthew Norris, Chris Cundell, Andrew Cundell, Dominic Gallagher/Tony McGuinness with remaining back line replacements to be finalised on Thursday night.
Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy has no injury concerns and hopes to add Neil Faloon to the squad that defeated Dungannon 24 – 16 at the Palace Grounds last Saturday for this match at Ballymena.
ULSTER RUGBY SECOND XV LEAGUE
Ballymena seconds (4) v Armagh seconds (3)
Ballynahinch seconds (1) v Belfast Harlequins seconds (6)
ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
Cooke (8) v Clogher Valley (7)
Head coach Colin Atkinson was delighted with the performance of his Cooke team in defeating CIYMS 54 – 13 at Shaws bridge last Saturday. What was also important was the players kept going for the full 80 minutes. CIYMS had started the game strongly and put his defence under pressure in the first quarter. With all eight tries coming from the backline the coach was full of praise for the work being put in by backs coach Philip Cartmill.
Cooke are expected to make only one change to their starting xv from last week with Jonathan McClure replacing Karl Sloan in the front row.
Clogher Valley are expected to retain the playing squad that lost 18 – 17 at Ballynahinch last week. The focus for the club is the continued development of young players to strengthen the teams playing options for next season. Players to impress this season include full back Philip Wilson, centre Toby McAlpine and forwards Tom Mills and Ian Mulligan.
ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
CIYMS (2) v Lisburn (8)
Donaghadee (10) v Randalstown (6)
Larne (5) v Grosvenor (3)
CIYMS v Lisburn
Crucial game for CI this weekend. Win and they will finish in 2nd place and the playoff match at Dromore on the 15th April. It has been a fascinating season following the contest between Coleraine and CIYMS for the league title and latterly the contest between CIYMS and Grosvenor for 2nd place.
Head coach Gareth Fry was missing several key players for the match at Cooke last week due to injuries and unavailabilies. These included backs, Callum Irvine, Paddy Beverland and Harry Howard along with forwards Aaron Kilpatrick, Gavin Woods and David Cobaine. Andy Hodgin continues his rehabilitation after being out injured with an ankle injury. There was a welcome return for prop Ali Coulson with the impressive back row forward Jason Gilliland hoping to add to the 22 tries he has scored this season. The former centre has been a stand out player for the 1st xv this season.
The coach was impressed with the Cooke team who played some good rugby and fully deserved their win albeit he thought the scoreline did flatter Cooke slightly.
Despite the defeat the coach was pleased with the work of Scott Dowle, Jason Gilliland and Scott McNarry in the back row along with Paddy Agnew and Captain Mark McConkey in the lineout.
For this week he is hoping to have most of the players who were unavailable back. He is also looking a much better all round performance from his players. Lisburn are a much improved side from our meetings in September. However he believes it is all about his CI team and their motivation to make the playoff. The teams goal in July was to get promotion so this is the next step on the ladder.
He is awaiting confirmation on a few players before finalising his team on Thursday night. Former Captain Gavin Woods is expected to make his final appearance for the 1st xv at Belmont on Saturday. The coach is expecting a big performance from his team.
These two teams have already met twice this season. Lisburn losing 74 – 0 at home to CI in their opening league game at Blaris. CI returned two weeks later in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup to defeat Lisburn 41 – 12.
Lisburn have had a strong second half to the season that has seen them retain their position in Div 2 this season.
Donaghadee v Randalstown
These two teams have already met twice this season with Randalstown winning their league game 36 – 0 at Nelisbrook on the 27.8.16. Two weeks later Donaghadee returned to the same venue in the Junior Cup and lost 51 – 0 on the 10.9.16.
For Randalstown Head coach Gary Longwell it has been a frustrating season with over 50 players representing the 1st xv, mainly due to injuries and work commitments. He feels his team have not been consistent enough over the season, but hopefully can take confidence from several excellent performances.
Larne v Grosvenor
Both teams come into this match on the back of good results with Larne winning 20 – 15 at Lisburn and Grosvenor winning 31 – 6 at home to Randalstown. Grosvenor have an outside chance of finishing in 2nd place and making the playoff. They need Lisburn to win at CIYMS with Grosvenor picking up maximum points from their two remaining games away to Larne and Limavady next week.
When these two teams met at Gibson Park on the 27.8.16 Larne won 28 – 6.
ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
Ballymoney (1) v Ophir (12). (Being playable as a double header)
Cavan (9) v Strabane (4)
Letterkenny (6) v PSNI (2)
Lurgan (3) v Virginia (8)
Monaghan (11) v Holywood (7)
Newry (5) v BHSFP (10)