Preview of this weekend's club rugby action...
Round 17 of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League coming up this weekend with one round of regular games left to be played on the 15th April. Omagh came up short at home to Leinster champions Malahide last week in the Round Robin Tournament before going down 26 – 17. They face a must win match at Ballina this weekend after the Connacht side lost 10 – 6 at Clonmel with the Munster champions travelling to play Malahide.
Armagh secured their first SONI Ulster league title by defeating holders Ballymena 34 – 12 at Eaton Park on Saturday. Try scorers for Armagh at Ballymena were James Morton, Stewart Lester, Neil Faloon and Ali Birch with Harvey Young kicking one conversion and Cormac Fox converting two conversions and two penalties.
Ballymoney were confirmed as winners of the Kukri Div 3 league title and will play in Div 2 next season. PSNI have secured 2nd place and will play UUC in the playoff match on the 15th April to decide who plays in Div 2 next season.
Both Cooke and Clogher Valley completed their Div 1 schedule with Cooke winning 26 – 21. Once again the lively Cooke threequarters of Alex Gourley (1), Andrew Nelson (2) and Jonathan Backus (1) scored the teams tries with out half Alan Gourley kicking three conversions.
In Div 2 CIYMS defeated Lisburn 41 – 7 to finish in 2nd place with tries from Captain Mark McConkey, Gavin Woods, Simon Baillie, Peter Raine, Matty Butler and Scott Dowle with scrum half Cameron Scott kicking one penalty and four conversions. They will travel to play Dromore at Barban Hill on Saturday the 15th April in the playoff match to decide who plays in Div 1 next season.
NUTTY KRUST UNDER 18 TOURNAMENT
Below is the draw for the semi finals of the Nutty Krust U18 Tournament:
Tuesday 11th April: Ballynahinch v Dungannon
Wednesday 12th April: Armagh v Malone.
Both games will be played at Chambers Park, home of Portadown RFC, with a 7.45pm kick off.
The Final will take place on Wednesday 26th April with a 7.45pm kick off.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
In Div 1A the top four teams have been confirmed for the playoffs with last year’s winners Clontarf and runners up Cork Constitution in 2nd and 4th place. It is very much a contest between two Leinster teams and two Munster teams with Lansdowne in 1st place and Young Munster in 3rd place. 1st place will play 4th with 2nd against 3rd in the semi finals. There are eight points between Old Belvedere, Garryowen, Terenure College and Dublin Uni in the battle to avoid 9th place and the playoffs and 10th place with automatic relegation to Div 1B.
In Div 1B the top four teams appear to have been confirmed with Buccaneers as league champions with UCC needing to overtake 4th place Naas’ five point advantage to make the playoffs. Eight points separate the bottom four teams of Dolphin, Galwegians , Shannon and Ballymena as they look to avoid 10th place and automatic relegation with the 9th place team to play the 4th place team in Div 2A in the playoffs.
In Div 2A the top four teams have been confirmed with Banbridge and Malone currently in 1st and 4th place. At the bottom Belfast Harlequins have been relegated. Five points separate Sunday’s Well, Galway Corinthians, Cashel RFC and Blackrock College as they look to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs against the team in 4th place in Div 2B.
In Div 2B Greystones, Armagh and Wanderers will finish in the top four with 5th place MU Barnhall needing to overhaul the four point advantage of 4th place Old Crescent to finish in the top four. Thomond have been relegated to Div 2C with five points separating Bective Rangers, Skerries and City of Derry in the battle to avoid finishing in 9th place and a playoff match with the 4th place team in Div 2C.
In Div 2C the top four teams have been confirmed with Rainey OB in 3rd place. Three points separate 10th place Kanturk and 9th place Boyne in the contest to avoid automatic relegation from the UBL and a playoff match for the 9th place team against the runners up in the Round Robin Tournament.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 1B ROUND 17
Ballynahinch (6) v UL Bohemians (2)
Naas (4) v Ballymena (7)
Shannon (8) v Buccaneers (1)
UCC (5) v Galwegians (9)
Dolphin (10) v Old Wesley (3). Played Sunday 9.4.17. Kick Off 2.30PM
Ballynahinch V UL Bohemians
Against all the odds Ballynahinch pulled off a dramatic 16 – 14 win at top four side Naas to hopefully secure their place in Div 1B next season. With Ulster players Craig Trenier, John Donnan, Aaron Cairns, Peter Nelson and David Busby being released it was a moment of magic instigated by Peter Nelson and David Busby to put away Ireland Sevens back row forward David McGuigan for a superb try with Nelson adding the points to give his team a much needed and dramatic late win. With Ballynahinch playing the top two teams UL Bohemians and league champions Buccaneers in their remaining two games this was the win Head coach Derek Suffern and his players were looking for. Several of the players involved in the success of the 2nd xv in winning the Junior Cup and progressing to the Easter Monday final of the Towns Cup had played their part in this win including Ben Pentland, Aaron Ferris, Paddy Wright, Ben Pentland, Andrew Harper, Stewart Evans, Brian Howard, Callum Mclaughlin and Andrew Weir. What will have pleased the coaching and management staff at Ballynahinch this season is how the younger players are stepping up to gain crucial All Ireland league experience for next season.
Ballynahinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan was delighted with the win at Naas. The team and replacements all played well and showed great heart and determination which was very satisfying and very timely. Both Justin Rea and Jonny Blair picked up injuries at Naas that will rule them out for the remainder of the season. There will be no other changes to the squad that played last Saturday with Ben Cullen coming into replace Jonny Blair and Blane McIlroy replacing Justin Rea. Ballynahinch are targeting two points from their remaining games to be certain of keeping their place in Div 1B. You can expect a large and vociferous crowd at Ballymacarn Park for the last home game against UL Bohemians this weekend.
When these two teams met in Limerick on the 24.9.16 UL Bohs won 38 – 22. UL Bohemians will be looking to return to winning ways after losing their last UBL game on the 25.3.17 at Donnybrook against Old Wesley 31 – 27.
Ballymena v Naas
Can this Ballymena team match the performance of Ballynahinch and return with a win in County Kildare against Naas this week. The Eaton Park side have won one drawn one and lost five of their last seven UBL games in 2017. A further 34 – 12 home defeat against new SONI Ulster league Champions Armagh at Eaton Park last Saturday has not lifted confidence. Head coach Andy Graham felt the team played poorly with too many defensive errors that have been a focus in rectifying in training this week. As Ulster league Champions last year the coach was disappointed to lose the Stevenson Shield, but he was full of praise for how well Armagh played in their win.
For the game with Naas Ulster players David Shanahan, Adam McMcBurney and Conall Boomer have been released with injuries ruling out Matthew Rea, Stephen Mulholland, Mark Best, Callum Patterson, Michael Lagan and Ross Kane.
Josh McIlroy returns to the 1st xv team after starring for the Irish Universities team in their 36 – 36 draw with English Universities last week.
Ballymena squad for Naas. 1 – 20 Adrian Kirkpatrick, Adam McBurney, Chris Cundell, Conor Smyth, David Whann, Adrian Hamilton, Conall Boomer, James Gallagher, David Shanahan, Richie McMaster, Jonny Rossborough, Glenn Baillie, Josh McIlroy, Matthew Norris, Rodger McBurney, Andrew Ferguson, James Taggart, Mark Foster, John Cgeighton, Alan Smyth.
The coach is expecting a tough game against a Naas side that has lost their last two UBL games against Ballynahinch and Buccaneers. They are a physical team and like to attack out wide. He knows it is going to be difficult for his players. It is all about the players getting the fundamentals right with the players backing each other up on the pitch. If the team get it right and cut out the errors they can win on Sat.
When these two teams met at Eaton Park on the 24.9.16 Ballymena won 15 – 8.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2A
Cashel RFC (7) v Nenagh Ormond. Played Friday 7.4.17. Kick Off 7.30PM
Banbridge (1) v Queens Uni (5)
Belfast Harlequins (10) v Galway Corinthians (8)
Blackrock College (6) v Sunday’s Well v (9)
Highfield (2) v Malone (4)
Banbridge v Queens Uni
Head coach Daniel Soper is hoping his team take advantage of their two point lead on 2nd place Highfield, as his side take on Ulster neighbours Queens Uni in their final regular UBL game at Rifle Park this week. With the three teams below Banbridge playing each other results have favoured his Bann team in the run in. If Banbridge can win their two remaining games with a bonus point none of the chasing teams can overtake them. First up are the students followed by a trip to Cork next week to play a struggling Sunday’s Well team.
This week the coach is missing forwards Chris Allen and Colin Bickerstaff who are both suspended for two weeks. With these enforced changes Kallan Martin comes into the second row with Philip Jordan taking his place on the bench. Kiwi Simon Lloyd who joined Banbridge at the beginning of the season has returned home and will be replaced by John Porter on the wing.
Daniel Soper is aware his team have got to learn from previous seasons when they had the opportunity to finish top but got distracted by the prize and forgot about playing well in the moment.
In their last match at Blackrock College on the 25 .3.17 Banbridge won 25 – 20. Queens have lost their last three UBL matches and lost a keenly contested match in Galway last Saturday against Galway Corinthians 32 – 24 with tries from Nick Timoney, Ali Wright and Conor Kelly with out half Jack Milligan kicking 9 points.
When these two teams met at the Dub on the 24.9.16 the match finished in a 19 – 19 draw.
Belfast Harlequins v Galway Corinthians
In their last game played on the 25.3.17 Quins lost 32 – 17 at Sunday’s Well in Cork. Galway Corinthians have won their last two games with a 24 – 13 win over Cashel followed by a 32 – 24 win over Queens Uni last Sat.
Quins Head coach Andrew Gillespie keeps the same team that lost at Sunday’s Well with Joe Rooyakkers coming back into contention from injury along with the unavailable Ollie McCollum.
Quins won the fixture in Galway 16 - 11 on the 24.9.16 to record their first UBL win.
Malone v Highfield
2nd place Highfield against 4th place Malone with three points separating the two teams. Both teams were in action last weekend with Highfield winning the Cork derby against Sunday’s Well 20 – 6 last Friday night. Malone upset the form book by defeating Nenagh Ormond 29 – 22 at New Ormond Park. Can Malone return to Munster this week and maintain their challenge for 2nd place with Banbridge favourites to win the league. 2nd place in the league would guarantee Malone home advantage in the playoff semi final.
It is three years since a Ulster side defeated Highfield at home. Ballymena being the last team to win at the Woodleigh Park venue.
Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong was delighted with the performance of his players in their win at Nenagh Ormond. It was a great defensive effort from the players with the likes of Dave Cave, Dane Fitzpatrick and Michael Cartmill at the forefront of the defensive effort.
The coach is expecting Highfield to be very physical and powerful up front . Will be another challenge for his team with the players looking forward to it.
He is awaiting on the availability and late fitness tests on several players before finalising his squad. Again he emphasises how hard the squad has been working to get themselves into this position this season.
When these two teams met at Gibson Park on the 24.9.16 both sides played out a 3 – 3 draw.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2B
Bective (9) v Thomond (10)
City of Derry (7) v Armagh (2)
Dungannon (6) v Skerries (8)
Old Crescent (4) v MU Barnhall (5)
Wanderers (3) v Greystones (1)
City of Derry v Armagh
Both teams need the points from this game on Saturday. Armagh remain one point behind leaders Greystones with two games remaining at the top of Div 2B. City of Derry need the points to stay ahead of Bective Rangers and Skerries and avoid 9th place. All adds up to another thrilling Ulster derby between these two teams at Judges Road.
City of Derry won their last UBL match on the 25.3.17 at Thomond 27 -14 with Armagh winning a closely contested derby with Ulster neighbours Dungannon 24 – 16.
City of Derry Player coach Richard McCarter is not expecting any changes to the playing squad that won at Thomond. The feeling is that Derry definitely need something out of their last 2 games with the fate of the team in their own hands.
Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy is delaying selection until Thursday night but he is hoping to have John Faloon and Andrew Willis back in the squad after missing the game at Ballymena last week.
Dungannon v Skerries
Head coach Andy Hughes felt it was a case of a few errors at crucial times that cost his Dungannon team in their 24 – 16 defeat at Armagh two weeks ago. He described the match as a typical good old derby game with his players disappointed that they didn’t come away with any league points. He felt the Dungannon backline caused Armagh a lot of problems but unfortunately he had too many injuries in the forwards to live with a very dynamic Armagh pack.
For his Dungannon team it is all about finishing the season on a positive note and that starts with an improvement on last years standings.
Skerries will be a tough game as they are fighting to avoid the relegation playoff. They are a side who want to play with a bit of width, so weather permitting he is hoping foe an open game of rugby.
This season the coach has witnessed a number of players stepping up and showing great potential with recent performances. These include Sean O’Hagan, Daniel Maxwell, Peter Doran and Paul Armstrong who has made the transition from full back to centre which has been a big plus to the season.
This week Pete Doran is out due to an eye injury with Kiwi Tianua Poto returning home to New Zealand after suffering a concussion injury against Armagh. They will be replaced by John Buckley and Mark Riddell.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2C
Bangor (7) v Navan RFC (1)
Boyne (9) v Rainey OB (3)
Midleton (8) v Bruff (5)
Seapoint (6) v Kanturk (10)
Sligo (2) v Tullamore (4)
Bangor v Navan RFC
With the presence of former player coach Michael Ferguson in the forwards and Ulster A star Lewis Sampson in the backs it was a relieved Bangor Head coach Jason Morgan who held his nerve to watch 19 year old out half Gareth Millar land a penalty in injury time for his side to win 29 – 28 at Midleton last week. It was a much needed win as the North Down side allayed their relegation fears. The bonus point win was built on the back of two tries scored by Lewis Sampson and a try a piece from Michael Ferguson and Desi Fusco.
Bangor 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong was delighted by his teams win in Cork against Midleton. He felt his team had been losing those tight games this season. This time around it was great to get the win. The most pleasing aspect was how this young playing squad performed. Two of the younger players Glenn Burton and former Sullivan Head boy Matt Nesbitt will relive the experience of winning an AIL game in Cork for the rest of their lives. Schools rugby can be regarded as the pinnacle for Schools players. What these young players will remember is what it means to play for your club 1st xv and the camaraderie that comes from within club rugby and what it means to wear your club jersey and represent your home club.
Ricky Armstrong is keen to get that message across that playing club rugby is a worthwhile alternative for players leaving the Schools structure.
Bangor squad for Navan 1 – 20 Philip Whyte (captain), Andrew Jackson, James leary, Mike Ferguson, Matt Nesbitt, Mike Apsley, Matty Agnew, David Bradford, Ali Lockhart, Gareth Millar, Desi Fusco, Lewis Sampson, Phil Broderick, Mark Widdowson, Gareth Wright, Replacements from Evan Wellard McMillen, Andrew Shaw, Glenn Burton, James Henley, Jason Morgan, Rob Gamble and David Charles.
With 80+ coming to the pre match lunch there promises to be a special atmosphere at Upritchard Park for the teams final home UBL game.
Bangor are the only side to have beaten Navan at their home venue this season recording a 23 – 19 win on the 24.9.16. After their win in Cork last week can Bangor become the only team to complete the double over league leaders Navan.
In their last outing at Tullamore on the 25.3.17 Navan won a close game 22 – 18.
Rainey OB v Boyne
Two weeks ago you would have tipped Rainey to win this match at Boyne as the Drogheda side were firmly rooted to the bottom of Div 2C. Two wins have moved the County Louth team into 9th place above Munster side Kanturk with two games to play.
Rainey Head coach John Andrews is still without hooker George Fritz and back row forward Jonny Lees. Tommy O’Hagan has been released by Ulster with injury ruling out John McCusker after both players played for Ulster A against Leinster A last Friday night.
The coach retains 19 of the squad that defeated Midleton 42 – 26 at Hatrick Park two weeks ago.
ULSTER BANK ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
Ballina v Omagh
Malahide v Clonmel
Omagh v Ballina
It was a case of Omagh showing too much respect for their Leinster opponents Malahide in the 1st half at the Thomas Mellon Playing fields last Saturday to trail 19 – 5. A much improved 2nd half performance failed to overturn the scoreline with Omagh losing 26 – 17. With Clonmel scoring a late converted try to defeat Connacht champions Ballina 10 – 6 it is a must win game for Omagh at Ballina this week if they are to remain in contention for promotion to the UBL. Despite missing several 1st xv players last week Omagh showed the depth in strength they have to be competitive against promotion favourites Malahide.
Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall felt his defence left his team too much to do after a poor opening display in the 1st quarter. The team had planned how to defend against Malahide close in only for visitors to dominate this area. For a coach he felt really frustrated.
Injuries and unavailabilities continue to impact on selection with out half Lee Murphy joining the list. He is hoping to add Alan Heaney and Stephen MacLaine to his squad this week.
Omagh squad for Ballina 1 – 20 Kyle Alexander (Captain), Richard Hemphill, David Thompson, Johnny Sproule, Jamie Sproule, Mervyn Edgar, Adam Longwell, James Catterson, Stewart McCain, Neil MacLaine, Stephen MacLaine, Alan Heaney, Scott Barr, Neil Brown, Scott Elliott, Richard Smith, Adam Pollock, Matthew Clyde, Matthew Eccles and Michael Gibson.
Phil Marshall is expecting a really tough game at Ballina with the loser out of the Round Robin. He knows the team is capable of getting an result. Can the players deliver.
Ulster Rugby Second xv League
Armagh seconds (2) v Belfast Harlequins seconds (6)
Ballymena seconds (4) v Banbridge seconds (5)
Ballynahinch seconds (1) v Malone seconds (3)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Limavady (4) v Grosvenor (3)
Head coach Mark Nicholl is looking his Limavady players to end their season with a win against the in form Grosvenor team. He acknowledges that Grosvenor have had a great season and have gone from strength to strength throughout the season. His players want to end the season on a high and build towards next season when he is hoping to add to his young playing squad.
The coach has a few injury worries this week with selection being finalised on Thursday night.
The goal for Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford is to build on the progress made this season with his team narrowly missing out on finishing in 2nd place and the playoffs to Belfast neighbours CIYMS. For this weekend he will be missing a lot of players for this rescheduled game with 9/10 changes from the team that beat Larne.
This weekend will be about taking the chance to look at some new combinations against a strong Limavady side.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
BHSFP (10) v Cavan (7)
Holywood (8) v Letterkenny (6)
Ophir (12) v Monaghan (11)
PSNI (2) v Lurgan (3)
Strabane (4) v Ballymoney (1). Played Friday 7.4.17. Kick Off 6.45PM
Virginia (9) v Newry (5)
Round 17 of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League coming up this weekend with one round of regular games left to be played on the 15th April. Omagh came up short at home to Leinster champions Malahide last week in the Round Robin Tournament before going down 26 – 17. They face a must win match at Ballina this weekend after the Connacht side lost 10 – 6 at Clonmel with the Munster champions travelling to play Malahide.
Armagh secured their first SONI Ulster league title by defeating holders Ballymena 34 – 12 at Eaton Park on Saturday. Try scorers for Armagh at Ballymena were James Morton, Stewart Lester, Neil Faloon and Ali Birch with Harvey Young kicking one conversion and Cormac Fox converting two conversions and two penalties.
Ballymoney were confirmed as winners of the Kukri Div 3 league title and will play in Div 2 next season. PSNI have secured 2nd place and will play UUC in the playoff match on the 15th April to decide who plays in Div 2 next season.
Both Cooke and Clogher Valley completed their Div 1 schedule with Cooke winning 26 – 21. Once again the lively Cooke threequarters of Alex Gourley (1), Andrew Nelson (2) and Jonathan Backus (1) scored the teams tries with out half Alan Gourley kicking three conversions.
In Div 2 CIYMS defeated Lisburn 41 – 7 to finish in 2nd place with tries from Captain Mark McConkey, Gavin Woods, Simon Baillie, Peter Raine, Matty Butler and Scott Dowle with scrum half Cameron Scott kicking one penalty and four conversions. They will travel to play Dromore at Barban Hill on Saturday the 15th April in the playoff match to decide who plays in Div 1 next season.
NUTTY KRUST UNDER 18 TOURNAMENT
Below is the draw for the semi finals of the Nutty Krust U18 Tournament:
Tuesday 11th April: Ballynahinch v Dungannon
Wednesday 12th April: Armagh v Malone.
Both games will be played at Chambers Park, home of Portadown RFC, with a 7.45pm kick off.
The Final will take place on Wednesday 26th April with a 7.45pm kick off.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
In Div 1A the top four teams have been confirmed for the playoffs with last year’s winners Clontarf and runners up Cork Constitution in 2nd and 4th place. It is very much a contest between two Leinster teams and two Munster teams with Lansdowne in 1st place and Young Munster in 3rd place. 1st place will play 4th with 2nd against 3rd in the semi finals. There are eight points between Old Belvedere, Garryowen, Terenure College and Dublin Uni in the battle to avoid 9th place and the playoffs and 10th place with automatic relegation to Div 1B.
In Div 1B the top four teams appear to have been confirmed with Buccaneers as league champions with UCC needing to overtake 4th place Naas’ five point advantage to make the playoffs. Eight points separate the bottom four teams of Dolphin, Galwegians , Shannon and Ballymena as they look to avoid 10th place and automatic relegation with the 9th place team to play the 4th place team in Div 2A in the playoffs.
In Div 2A the top four teams have been confirmed with Banbridge and Malone currently in 1st and 4th place. At the bottom Belfast Harlequins have been relegated. Five points separate Sunday’s Well, Galway Corinthians, Cashel RFC and Blackrock College as they look to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs against the team in 4th place in Div 2B.
In Div 2B Greystones, Armagh and Wanderers will finish in the top four with 5th place MU Barnhall needing to overhaul the four point advantage of 4th place Old Crescent to finish in the top four. Thomond have been relegated to Div 2C with five points separating Bective Rangers, Skerries and City of Derry in the battle to avoid finishing in 9th place and a playoff match with the 4th place team in Div 2C.
In Div 2C the top four teams have been confirmed with Rainey OB in 3rd place. Three points separate 10th place Kanturk and 9th place Boyne in the contest to avoid automatic relegation from the UBL and a playoff match for the 9th place team against the runners up in the Round Robin Tournament.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 1B ROUND 17
Ballynahinch (6) v UL Bohemians (2)
Naas (4) v Ballymena (7)
Shannon (8) v Buccaneers (1)
UCC (5) v Galwegians (9)
Dolphin (10) v Old Wesley (3). Played Sunday 9.4.17. Kick Off 2.30PM
Ballynahinch V UL Bohemians
Against all the odds Ballynahinch pulled off a dramatic 16 – 14 win at top four side Naas to hopefully secure their place in Div 1B next season. With Ulster players Craig Trenier, John Donnan, Aaron Cairns, Peter Nelson and David Busby being released it was a moment of magic instigated by Peter Nelson and David Busby to put away Ireland Sevens back row forward David McGuigan for a superb try with Nelson adding the points to give his team a much needed and dramatic late win. With Ballynahinch playing the top two teams UL Bohemians and league champions Buccaneers in their remaining two games this was the win Head coach Derek Suffern and his players were looking for. Several of the players involved in the success of the 2nd xv in winning the Junior Cup and progressing to the Easter Monday final of the Towns Cup had played their part in this win including Ben Pentland, Aaron Ferris, Paddy Wright, Ben Pentland, Andrew Harper, Stewart Evans, Brian Howard, Callum Mclaughlin and Andrew Weir. What will have pleased the coaching and management staff at Ballynahinch this season is how the younger players are stepping up to gain crucial All Ireland league experience for next season.
Ballynahinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan was delighted with the win at Naas. The team and replacements all played well and showed great heart and determination which was very satisfying and very timely. Both Justin Rea and Jonny Blair picked up injuries at Naas that will rule them out for the remainder of the season. There will be no other changes to the squad that played last Saturday with Ben Cullen coming into replace Jonny Blair and Blane McIlroy replacing Justin Rea. Ballynahinch are targeting two points from their remaining games to be certain of keeping their place in Div 1B. You can expect a large and vociferous crowd at Ballymacarn Park for the last home game against UL Bohemians this weekend.
When these two teams met in Limerick on the 24.9.16 UL Bohs won 38 – 22. UL Bohemians will be looking to return to winning ways after losing their last UBL game on the 25.3.17 at Donnybrook against Old Wesley 31 – 27.
Ballymena v Naas
Can this Ballymena team match the performance of Ballynahinch and return with a win in County Kildare against Naas this week. The Eaton Park side have won one drawn one and lost five of their last seven UBL games in 2017. A further 34 – 12 home defeat against new SONI Ulster league Champions Armagh at Eaton Park last Saturday has not lifted confidence. Head coach Andy Graham felt the team played poorly with too many defensive errors that have been a focus in rectifying in training this week. As Ulster league Champions last year the coach was disappointed to lose the Stevenson Shield, but he was full of praise for how well Armagh played in their win.
For the game with Naas Ulster players David Shanahan, Adam McMcBurney and Conall Boomer have been released with injuries ruling out Matthew Rea, Stephen Mulholland, Mark Best, Callum Patterson, Michael Lagan and Ross Kane.
Josh McIlroy returns to the 1st xv team after starring for the Irish Universities team in their 36 – 36 draw with English Universities last week.
Ballymena squad for Naas. 1 – 20 Adrian Kirkpatrick, Adam McBurney, Chris Cundell, Conor Smyth, David Whann, Adrian Hamilton, Conall Boomer, James Gallagher, David Shanahan, Richie McMaster, Jonny Rossborough, Glenn Baillie, Josh McIlroy, Matthew Norris, Rodger McBurney, Andrew Ferguson, James Taggart, Mark Foster, John Cgeighton, Alan Smyth.
The coach is expecting a tough game against a Naas side that has lost their last two UBL games against Ballynahinch and Buccaneers. They are a physical team and like to attack out wide. He knows it is going to be difficult for his players. It is all about the players getting the fundamentals right with the players backing each other up on the pitch. If the team get it right and cut out the errors they can win on Sat.
When these two teams met at Eaton Park on the 24.9.16 Ballymena won 15 – 8.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2A
Cashel RFC (7) v Nenagh Ormond. Played Friday 7.4.17. Kick Off 7.30PM
Banbridge (1) v Queens Uni (5)
Belfast Harlequins (10) v Galway Corinthians (8)
Blackrock College (6) v Sunday’s Well v (9)
Highfield (2) v Malone (4)
Banbridge v Queens Uni
Head coach Daniel Soper is hoping his team take advantage of their two point lead on 2nd place Highfield, as his side take on Ulster neighbours Queens Uni in their final regular UBL game at Rifle Park this week. With the three teams below Banbridge playing each other results have favoured his Bann team in the run in. If Banbridge can win their two remaining games with a bonus point none of the chasing teams can overtake them. First up are the students followed by a trip to Cork next week to play a struggling Sunday’s Well team.
This week the coach is missing forwards Chris Allen and Colin Bickerstaff who are both suspended for two weeks. With these enforced changes Kallan Martin comes into the second row with Philip Jordan taking his place on the bench. Kiwi Simon Lloyd who joined Banbridge at the beginning of the season has returned home and will be replaced by John Porter on the wing.
Daniel Soper is aware his team have got to learn from previous seasons when they had the opportunity to finish top but got distracted by the prize and forgot about playing well in the moment.
In their last match at Blackrock College on the 25 .3.17 Banbridge won 25 – 20. Queens have lost their last three UBL matches and lost a keenly contested match in Galway last Saturday against Galway Corinthians 32 – 24 with tries from Nick Timoney, Ali Wright and Conor Kelly with out half Jack Milligan kicking 9 points.
When these two teams met at the Dub on the 24.9.16 the match finished in a 19 – 19 draw.
Belfast Harlequins v Galway Corinthians
In their last game played on the 25.3.17 Quins lost 32 – 17 at Sunday’s Well in Cork. Galway Corinthians have won their last two games with a 24 – 13 win over Cashel followed by a 32 – 24 win over Queens Uni last Sat.
Quins Head coach Andrew Gillespie keeps the same team that lost at Sunday’s Well with Joe Rooyakkers coming back into contention from injury along with the unavailable Ollie McCollum.
Quins won the fixture in Galway 16 - 11 on the 24.9.16 to record their first UBL win.
Malone v Highfield
2nd place Highfield against 4th place Malone with three points separating the two teams. Both teams were in action last weekend with Highfield winning the Cork derby against Sunday’s Well 20 – 6 last Friday night. Malone upset the form book by defeating Nenagh Ormond 29 – 22 at New Ormond Park. Can Malone return to Munster this week and maintain their challenge for 2nd place with Banbridge favourites to win the league. 2nd place in the league would guarantee Malone home advantage in the playoff semi final.
It is three years since a Ulster side defeated Highfield at home. Ballymena being the last team to win at the Woodleigh Park venue.
Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong was delighted with the performance of his players in their win at Nenagh Ormond. It was a great defensive effort from the players with the likes of Dave Cave, Dane Fitzpatrick and Michael Cartmill at the forefront of the defensive effort.
The coach is expecting Highfield to be very physical and powerful up front . Will be another challenge for his team with the players looking forward to it.
He is awaiting on the availability and late fitness tests on several players before finalising his squad. Again he emphasises how hard the squad has been working to get themselves into this position this season.
When these two teams met at Gibson Park on the 24.9.16 both sides played out a 3 – 3 draw.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2B
Bective (9) v Thomond (10)
City of Derry (7) v Armagh (2)
Dungannon (6) v Skerries (8)
Old Crescent (4) v MU Barnhall (5)
Wanderers (3) v Greystones (1)
City of Derry v Armagh
Both teams need the points from this game on Saturday. Armagh remain one point behind leaders Greystones with two games remaining at the top of Div 2B. City of Derry need the points to stay ahead of Bective Rangers and Skerries and avoid 9th place. All adds up to another thrilling Ulster derby between these two teams at Judges Road.
City of Derry won their last UBL match on the 25.3.17 at Thomond 27 -14 with Armagh winning a closely contested derby with Ulster neighbours Dungannon 24 – 16.
City of Derry Player coach Richard McCarter is not expecting any changes to the playing squad that won at Thomond. The feeling is that Derry definitely need something out of their last 2 games with the fate of the team in their own hands.
Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy is delaying selection until Thursday night but he is hoping to have John Faloon and Andrew Willis back in the squad after missing the game at Ballymena last week.
Dungannon v Skerries
Head coach Andy Hughes felt it was a case of a few errors at crucial times that cost his Dungannon team in their 24 – 16 defeat at Armagh two weeks ago. He described the match as a typical good old derby game with his players disappointed that they didn’t come away with any league points. He felt the Dungannon backline caused Armagh a lot of problems but unfortunately he had too many injuries in the forwards to live with a very dynamic Armagh pack.
For his Dungannon team it is all about finishing the season on a positive note and that starts with an improvement on last years standings.
Skerries will be a tough game as they are fighting to avoid the relegation playoff. They are a side who want to play with a bit of width, so weather permitting he is hoping foe an open game of rugby.
This season the coach has witnessed a number of players stepping up and showing great potential with recent performances. These include Sean O’Hagan, Daniel Maxwell, Peter Doran and Paul Armstrong who has made the transition from full back to centre which has been a big plus to the season.
This week Pete Doran is out due to an eye injury with Kiwi Tianua Poto returning home to New Zealand after suffering a concussion injury against Armagh. They will be replaced by John Buckley and Mark Riddell.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 2C
Bangor (7) v Navan RFC (1)
Boyne (9) v Rainey OB (3)
Midleton (8) v Bruff (5)
Seapoint (6) v Kanturk (10)
Sligo (2) v Tullamore (4)
Bangor v Navan RFC
With the presence of former player coach Michael Ferguson in the forwards and Ulster A star Lewis Sampson in the backs it was a relieved Bangor Head coach Jason Morgan who held his nerve to watch 19 year old out half Gareth Millar land a penalty in injury time for his side to win 29 – 28 at Midleton last week. It was a much needed win as the North Down side allayed their relegation fears. The bonus point win was built on the back of two tries scored by Lewis Sampson and a try a piece from Michael Ferguson and Desi Fusco.
Bangor 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong was delighted by his teams win in Cork against Midleton. He felt his team had been losing those tight games this season. This time around it was great to get the win. The most pleasing aspect was how this young playing squad performed. Two of the younger players Glenn Burton and former Sullivan Head boy Matt Nesbitt will relive the experience of winning an AIL game in Cork for the rest of their lives. Schools rugby can be regarded as the pinnacle for Schools players. What these young players will remember is what it means to play for your club 1st xv and the camaraderie that comes from within club rugby and what it means to wear your club jersey and represent your home club.
Ricky Armstrong is keen to get that message across that playing club rugby is a worthwhile alternative for players leaving the Schools structure.
Bangor squad for Navan 1 – 20 Philip Whyte (captain), Andrew Jackson, James leary, Mike Ferguson, Matt Nesbitt, Mike Apsley, Matty Agnew, David Bradford, Ali Lockhart, Gareth Millar, Desi Fusco, Lewis Sampson, Phil Broderick, Mark Widdowson, Gareth Wright, Replacements from Evan Wellard McMillen, Andrew Shaw, Glenn Burton, James Henley, Jason Morgan, Rob Gamble and David Charles.
With 80+ coming to the pre match lunch there promises to be a special atmosphere at Upritchard Park for the teams final home UBL game.
Bangor are the only side to have beaten Navan at their home venue this season recording a 23 – 19 win on the 24.9.16. After their win in Cork last week can Bangor become the only team to complete the double over league leaders Navan.
In their last outing at Tullamore on the 25.3.17 Navan won a close game 22 – 18.
Rainey OB v Boyne
Two weeks ago you would have tipped Rainey to win this match at Boyne as the Drogheda side were firmly rooted to the bottom of Div 2C. Two wins have moved the County Louth team into 9th place above Munster side Kanturk with two games to play.
Rainey Head coach John Andrews is still without hooker George Fritz and back row forward Jonny Lees. Tommy O’Hagan has been released by Ulster with injury ruling out John McCusker after both players played for Ulster A against Leinster A last Friday night.
The coach retains 19 of the squad that defeated Midleton 42 – 26 at Hatrick Park two weeks ago.
ULSTER BANK ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
Ballina v Omagh
Malahide v Clonmel
Omagh v Ballina
It was a case of Omagh showing too much respect for their Leinster opponents Malahide in the 1st half at the Thomas Mellon Playing fields last Saturday to trail 19 – 5. A much improved 2nd half performance failed to overturn the scoreline with Omagh losing 26 – 17. With Clonmel scoring a late converted try to defeat Connacht champions Ballina 10 – 6 it is a must win game for Omagh at Ballina this week if they are to remain in contention for promotion to the UBL. Despite missing several 1st xv players last week Omagh showed the depth in strength they have to be competitive against promotion favourites Malahide.
Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall felt his defence left his team too much to do after a poor opening display in the 1st quarter. The team had planned how to defend against Malahide close in only for visitors to dominate this area. For a coach he felt really frustrated.
Injuries and unavailabilities continue to impact on selection with out half Lee Murphy joining the list. He is hoping to add Alan Heaney and Stephen MacLaine to his squad this week.
Omagh squad for Ballina 1 – 20 Kyle Alexander (Captain), Richard Hemphill, David Thompson, Johnny Sproule, Jamie Sproule, Mervyn Edgar, Adam Longwell, James Catterson, Stewart McCain, Neil MacLaine, Stephen MacLaine, Alan Heaney, Scott Barr, Neil Brown, Scott Elliott, Richard Smith, Adam Pollock, Matthew Clyde, Matthew Eccles and Michael Gibson.
Phil Marshall is expecting a really tough game at Ballina with the loser out of the Round Robin. He knows the team is capable of getting an result. Can the players deliver.
Ulster Rugby Second xv League
Armagh seconds (2) v Belfast Harlequins seconds (6)
Ballymena seconds (4) v Banbridge seconds (5)
Ballynahinch seconds (1) v Malone seconds (3)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Limavady (4) v Grosvenor (3)
Head coach Mark Nicholl is looking his Limavady players to end their season with a win against the in form Grosvenor team. He acknowledges that Grosvenor have had a great season and have gone from strength to strength throughout the season. His players want to end the season on a high and build towards next season when he is hoping to add to his young playing squad.
The coach has a few injury worries this week with selection being finalised on Thursday night.
The goal for Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford is to build on the progress made this season with his team narrowly missing out on finishing in 2nd place and the playoffs to Belfast neighbours CIYMS. For this weekend he will be missing a lot of players for this rescheduled game with 9/10 changes from the team that beat Larne.
This weekend will be about taking the chance to look at some new combinations against a strong Limavady side.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
BHSFP (10) v Cavan (7)
Holywood (8) v Letterkenny (6)
Ophir (12) v Monaghan (11)
PSNI (2) v Lurgan (3)
Strabane (4) v Ballymoney (1). Played Friday 7.4.17. Kick Off 6.45PM
Virginia (9) v Newry (5)