Preview of this weekend's club rugby action...
This weekend we have four quarter final matches in the First Trust Senior Cup. Holders Ballynahinch will be expected to progress at the expense of Bangor along with tournament favourites Armagh who missed out last season contesting the latter stages of the Cup. First up for Armagh is an in-form Banbridge side who defeated Armagh last season at the Palace Grounds in the Premiership league. Interesting tie at Gibson Park. Last seasons finalists Dungannon will look to return to the Kingspan stadium. Again they will face in form Malone who have won their opening four matches in the UBL. Another tie that will be watched closely is the one between Ballymena and Omagh at Eaton Park. Ballymena will be favourites but don’t write off Phil Marshall and his team.
For the teams in the Ulster Rugby Championship there is valuable league points at stake. In Div 1 Ballyclare and Instonians continue their pursuit of the league title. The race is on behind them for the remaining two places + 5th if either Ballyclare or Instonians are promoted to the All Ireland League. Carrickfergus and Dromore are looking serious contenders after recent wins at the weekend over CIYMS and Enniskillen with Dromore entertaining Instonians at Barban Hill this week. Carrickfergus are expected to extend their winning run when they travel to play Cooke at Shaws bridge. Clogher Valley are firmly rooted to the bottom end of the table with no wins from 4 games played. Portadown upset the form book by defeating Coleraine at Chambers Park in the league to make it back to back wins for the team. The return of Captain Craig Woods was welcomed as he contributed 15 of his team’s points in their 23 – 21 win. This weekend Portadown make the trip to Fivemiletown to play struggling Clogher Valley. Big game for both teams. Another crucial match is at Belmont between CIYMS and Enniskillen with both teams needing to pick up league points. Both Portadown and Enniskillen have Quarter final matches of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup on Sat 21st October with both them joining Ballyclare and Instonians in the opening round of the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup on Saturday 28th October. Busy schedule for these four teams with Instonians meeting Ballyclare at Shaws bridge in league on the 4th November followed by the 2nd round of the AIL Junior Cup on the 11th November.
In Div 2 of the Ulster Rugby Championship leaders Grosvenor showed no mercy to struggling Lisburn at Gibson Park as they ran in 13 tries in an emphatic 85 – 3 win. In the contest between the other two undefeated teams in this league at ‘Nelisbrook’, home side Randalstown outscored visitors Ballymoney five tries to two to win 38 – 13. This weekend these three teams face mid table opposition with Grosvenor travelling to Larne and Randalstown journeying to Mallusk to play Academy with Ballymoney entertaining a much improved Ards team at Kilraughts. One result that maybe escaped many rugby followers was the win by Coleraine students UUC winning their first league game at Limavady 13 – 12. Well done to coach Jonny Black and his players.
At the bottom end of Div 2 Lisburn entertain PSNI in a must win game this weekend at Blaris, still searching for their first league win against a PSNI team that won 22 – 11 against UUC two weeks ago.
In Div 3 Lurgan and Donaghadee remain the pacesetters with Lurgan winning 34 – 19 at home to Newry and Donaghadee overcoming a determined Strabane team 20 – 13 at Donaldson Park. Both teams are on their travels this weekend to County Cavan with Lurgan playing Cavan and Donaghadee entertaining neighbours Virginia.
This weekend we will have first round matches in the Crawford Cup and the Forster Cup for teams competing in Divisions 1 – 6 of the Ulster Rugby Provincial leagues. The Crawford Cup is open to teams in Divisions 1 – 3 with exceptions for teams that enter either the Towns Cup or McCrea Cup. We have six Ulster UBL 2nd xv sides who compete in Divisions I and 2. Div 1 we have Dungannon 2nds, Bangor 2nds, Belfast Harlequins 2nds and Queens Uni 2nds with Rainey OB and City of Derry 2nds competing in Div 2. You will notice in the 1st Rd draw of the Crawford Cup Bangor seconds will compete in the Crawford Cup this season instead of the Towns Cup. Queens Uni seconds will play in the McCrea Cup. Rainey OB, Dungannon and City of Derry seconds will compete in the Towns Cup.
The six UBL 2nd xv sides in Conference league 1 and 2 : Ballynahinch, Armagh, Malone, Banbridge, Ballymena and Omagh compete in the Junior Cup, Towns Cup and the McCrea Cup.
FIRST TRUST SENIOR CUP: QUARTER FINALS
Malone v Dungannon
City of Armagh v Banbridge
Bangor v Ballynahinch
Ballymena v Omagh
Malone v Dungannon
Malone undefeated in their opening four UBL matches, rounded off their block of games with an emphatic 70 – 15 win over Galwegians at Gibson Park last week, whereas a talented Dungannon squad have lost both their home games with the team winning one and drawing one game away from home. Not the form Dungannon Head coach Andy Hughes expected from this talented squad of players he assembled in the off season. One of his difficulties has been getting the new combinations to gel. The coach will use the match this week to further develop those playing relationships to strengthen the continuity and accuracy in their play. Backs player/coach Seamus Mallon was absent from the pitch and his presence on the park will help to address the improvements needed before the UBL resumes on the 28thOctober.
Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong is trying to balance using this game to give players opportunities as well as keeping momentum going.
Stuart Doddington will start in the back row with seconds 2nd row Tom Dullage getting his first start on the 1st xv and Jack McMurtry on the wing. Both Peter Cooper and Callum Harkin (Academy players) have been released by Ulster to play this weekend.
Paddy Armstrong has a lot of respect for Dungannon rugby club and knows Head coach Andy Hughes will have his team well coached. He is expecting a tough battle on Saturday, but at the same time is looking forward to the game.
Dungannon coach Andy Hughes was delighted to pick up the much needed league points in the 15 – 15 draw at Navan on Saturday. He was not happy that Navan were allowed to score a converted try in the last play to level the match.
Despite the draw it was a much better performance from the team. Their work rate and organisation in defence was greatly improved. A few errors in crucial areas prevented the team from getting the rewards they deserved for their efforts.
He is looking forward to the Malone match. The pressure of the UBL is off with a different kind of pressure presenting itself. Malone are on form at the minute and the players know that if they are not 100% focused it will be a long afternoon for the players. The game will be a good test for the team and an opportunity for the new players to see what it takes to be at the top level in Div 2A. It is also another game to build that cohesion within the team and look at a few more options.
Last weekend at Navan took its toll on the team. Rodney Bennett, Jonny Black, Andrew McPhillips and John Russell picked up injuries. Ben Matchett is unavailable with NZ second row, Adam Batt cup tied, (signed after the start of the competition). There are a few areas of the team the coach will have to make selections decisions on. Opportunities are given this week to Matthew Montgomery, Mark Faloon and Jack Ravey.
City of Armagh v Banbridge
Two teams that will attract a large crowd to the Palace Grounds for this eagerly awaited Cup tie. Banbridge won three and drew one of the four UBL games with Armagh winning their opening three matches only to go down to a surprise 28 – 20 defeat at Blackrock last Saturday.
Armagh assistant coach Chris Parker acknowledges Banbridge deservedly won the Ulster Premiership game between the two teams last season. They are one of the form teams in Ireland at present and will pose a huge task at the weekend.
Selection wise Jonny Pollock is unavailable with Chris Cousens coming in to replace him. John Faloon returns to the squad with both Robert Whitten and James Morton taking their place in the pack. Daryl Morton will face a late fitness test on Thursday night, but he is expected to play. Andrew Morton is injured and will be replaced by Phil Matthews.
Bann Head coach Daniel Soper is looking to the fact his players will have next week off in finalising his selection. He is keen to keep most of the players playing this week whilst using his bench. The match at Armagh will give opportunities to Stuart Cromie, Jonny Weir and Tom O’Toole up front and Jason Gribben, Andrew Kirkwood and Tom Caesar in the backs.
The coach is delighted that Michael Cromie, Caleb Montgomery, Rob Lyttle, Michael Lowry and Greg Jones are involved with Ulster A this week. He is really pleased that Michael Cromie has been given that opportunity on the back of very good form for the club and in the recent Ulster clubs v Ulster Academy match played in August at Banbridge.
Armagh have been setting quite a standard in the domestic competitions in the last couple of years with his players expecting a very difficult afternoon at the Palace Grounds.
Bangor v Ballynahinch
Now it is the turn of Bangor 1st xv to play Ballynahich 1st xv instead of their 2nd xv. Hopefully the supporters will turn out in large numbers at Upritchard Park to get behind their team. It is a really ‘David v Goliath’ game. Both teams have won 3/4 of their opening games in the UBL and are well placed for a top four finish.
Bangor 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong has been delighted with the start by his team to their UBL campaign. They are also aware they done the same last season and fell away after Xmas. The focus for coaches Jason Morgan and Lewis Stevenson is to maintain that league form over the winter months. The team did not play well in losing at Seapoint and yet came away with a losing bonus point which could prove crucial come the end of the season.
What has pleased everybody at Bangor is the schools players coming into the club and how they are enjoying their Senior rugby experience.
With three teams playing this weekend there are several players carrying knocks and niggles from previous UBL games. The coaches have taken the decision to rest Desi Fusco, James Henley, Lewis Stevenson and Andrew Shaw. They join Jamie Clegg and Ali Lockhart on the injury list with Ryan Latimer making a welcome return to play for the seconds this week.
Changes to the team see Andrew Jackson replace Andrew Shaw at hooker with Captain Phil Whyte moving to tight head and Charlie Clegg starting at loose head. James Leary drops down to the bench after playing every minute of every game played this season for the 1st xv. David Caughey is joined in the 2nd row by Martin Withers who scored on his debut at Midleton. David Bradford switches to blind side with James Stewart continuing on the openside. Jack Cooke gets his first start for the 1st xv at number 8. Lewis Bret switches from 9 to 10 with Gareth Wright starting at scrum half. Mikey Weir comes into the centre after playing for the 2nds last week in place of Desi Fusco and is joined by Mark Widdowson who also made a return for the 2nd xv last week. Can both these players challenge Desi Fusco and Phil Broderick for the 12 and 13 jerseys in the coming weeks. Rob Gamble continues on the wing with Adam McCusker coming off the bench to start on the other wing with Nathan Graham continuing at full back.
The bench includes Evan Wellard Mcmillen, James Leary, Glenn Burton, David Charles and Ross McCloskey.
Ballynahinch are expected to be without Ulster players Aaron Cairns, Jonny McPhillips, Rory Butler, Jack Regan, Zac McCall and David Busby this weekend due to British & Irish Cup commitments.
Ballymena v Omagh
Again we have another ‘David v Goliath’ Cup tie at Eaton Park with newly promoted Omagh taking on Ballymena. It has not been an ideal start to their league campaign for Ballymena, winning 1/4. Omagh have made a strong start winning 3/4 to sit in 4thplace in Div 2C. Ballymena are already looking over their shoulder in 8th place in Div 1B three points ahead of 10th place Old Wesley.
Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham was so disappointed his team had 80% of the possession and territory against Banbridge last Friday night and conspired to lose 23 – 17. What frustrated the coach was that every time the team put phases together on the pitch they either gave away a penalty or were whistled up for a forward pass. He felt his team were denied a try when his player touched the padding on the post only for the match official to rule their was a knock-on. Their cause was not helped by losing scrum half David Shanahan to a hamstring injury after 10/15 minutes.
The difference between the two sides was that Banbridge kept the scoreboard ticking over. They defended very well, even holding up attackers in the in-goal area. When Ballymena went 10 – 0 up they conceded a late try before half time to narrow the lead to 10 – 7.
For the Ballymena players it is cutting out the errors in the build ups. Putting pressure on opposition then giving away cheap turnovers, knock ons and trying to offload when it wasn’t on. He was pleased with the teams kicking game. In the Banbridge game the team had opportunities. They are not seeing them through and as the coach said he feels his team are not getting the bounce of the ball. There were so many good aspects to the performance against Banbridge except the result.
For the game with Omagh, British & Irish Cup commitments involve Callum Patterson, Adam McBurney, Ross Kane, Matty Rea and Brett Herron with injury ruling out David Shanahan for this weekend against Omagh. Michael Stronge and Matty Agnew are away this week with the Ireland Sevens squad in camp.
There will be late fitness tests on David Whann and Stephen Mulholland for this week with injury ruling out Adrian Hamilton, Jonny Rossborough, Mark Foster, Alan Smyth with Bryan Young involved with Ulster A coaching team.
Players including Willy Mckay, Dominic Gallagher, Joe Thompson, David O’Hara and Daryll Montgomery will come into consideration for selection this week. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night.
Omagh Head coach Philip Marshall and his players will have learned a lot from their 52 – 15 defeat at Div 2C league pacesetters Sligo last Sat. What pleased the coach was the team scored three tries and spilled opportunities over the line to touch down for two further tries and collect a losing bonus point.
There are a number of changes on the Omagh side with winger Ryan Mitchell replaced by Deane Keane who is unavailable. Bad news from the defeat last week is that out half Scott Elliott will be out for six weeks with a broken hand and will be replaced by Lee Murphy. Last years Captain Kyle Alexander returns to replace loose head Matthew Sproule who is rested. Ali Beckett returns at full back after playing his first game back on the 2nds last week. The coach is hoping that several other injured players will return in the next two/three weeks.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
CIYMS (7) v Enniskillen (9)
Clogher Valley (10) v Portadown (8)
Cooke (5) v Carrickfergus (3)
Dromore (4) v Instonians (2)
CIYMS v Enniskillen
Two teams that need league points. CI have won 1/3 and Enniskillen 1/4. Both suffered defeats last week. CI going down 26 – 22 at Carrick after leading 22 – 19 with 10 mins to go. Mullaghmeen is not the dreaded venue it once was with Domore now joining Instonians in leaving with a bonus point win after winning 24 – 12.
CI team v Carrick: 1. Ali Coulson, 2. Scott Mcnarry, 3. Angus Keefe, 4. Cory Tipping, 5. David Cobain, 6. Scott Dowle, 7. Jason Gilliland, 8. Mark McConkey. 9. Cameron Stewart, 10. Paddy Beverland, 11. Josh Newell, 12. Callum Irvine. 13. Nathan Burns, 14. Matty Butler. 15. Craig Devlin, 16. Paddy Aiken, 17. Simon Baillie.
Points scorers: Nathan Burns, Scott Dowle, Matty Butler 1x try each. Cameron Stewart 2 x cons 1xpenalty.
Injuries ruled out Matthew Kilgore, Peter Raine, Rob Haldane, Eunan Nelson along with three props Tim Acheson, Aaron Kilpatrick and Elliott Boyd.
CI felt they missed an opportunity to win the game at the death when they failed to convert a clear opening.
Head coach Gareth Fry is still missing a few forwards for this weekend against Enniskillen. Aaron Kilpatrick and Paddy Agnew both on injured list. One blow for the coach is an injury that centre Nathan Burns has picked up. The coach regards Nathan as one of the most influential backs on the team last season and so far this season. The coach was disappointed to lose last week with the players annoyed they did not get the result. He recognised Carrick are a very strong side with size all over the pitch and well organised. They will do well this season.
His players are looking forward to the visit of Enniskillen to Belmont for the teams first home game of the season. They have had a mixed start to the season but as with many sides have suffered from player absence and unavailability. We expect another tough game this week.
Enniskillen Head coach Willy Gibson felt his team did not have the intensity they needed in the game against Dromore to win. The team made a lot of errors at key times that would have turned the game. Still it is a learning curve for his players with injuries not helping after they lost their out half after 20 mins once again requiring changes to the backline.
Every game is important as this group of players want to perform at the highest level.
Selection will not be finalised until Thursday night. Gareth McCoy and Jamie Johnston are injury doubts with Ricky Lee, Stephen Fox and Mark O’Shea unavailable.
Enniskillen team v Dromore: 1. Alan Ferguson, 2. Ryan Cathcart, 3. Steven Fox, 4. GraysonDonnelly, 5. David taylor, 6. Ricky lee, 7. Gavin Parke, 8.Kaine Holden, 9. Matthew Dane, 10. Chris McVitty, 11. Matthew Balmer, 12. Michael Law, 13. Adam Lendrum, 14. Tyler Millar, 15. Mark O’Shea, 16. Sam Parke, 17. Jamie Kelly.
Points scorers: Tyler Millar and Mark O’Shea 1 x try each. Adam Lendrum 1 x con.
Clogher Valley v Portadown
Talking to Clogher Valley forwards coach Davy Black they have had to play 3/4 of the opening league games away from home against Coleraine (Lost 26 – 12), Instonians (Lost 34 – 6), Ballyclare (Lost 38 – 10). It was also interesting to hear his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the current top two teams. This week Clogher welcome Portadown to the Cran for a must win game for both teams.
Davy Black is very positive about this transitional period the club are going through. Despite the results the club are able to field three teams this week with several players not selected to start a game. New Head coach, NZ Hemi Tavkiri has had a big impact on the players with his training methods that see 30+ players attending training nights.
The coach and the players are looking forward to game with Portadown. It is all about creating that winning mentality in this new challenging environment for the 1st xv.
Injuries continue to rule out Eugene McKenna, Michael Treanor, Allister Trenier and David Speers. David Sharkey remains a injury doubt for this week subject to a late fitness test with a player of his experience providing the leadership and direction for the team on the pitch. This weekend the team are without their talisman number 8 Ryan Wilson who is unavailable.
Team will be on similar lines to the side that played at Ballyclare: 1. Philip Hopper, 2. Kyle Cobane, 3. Neil Henderson, 4. Ian Mulligan, 5. Tom Mills, 6. BJ Wilson, 7. Ross Finlay, 8. Ryan Wilson, 9. Mark Ellis, 10. Neil Trotter, 11. Clive Donaldson, 12, Toby McAlpine, 13. Fleming Agnew, 14. David Kelly, 15. Dillon Crawford, 16. PC Falconer, 17. Philip Moore.
For this weekend Ryan Wilson is unavailable and will be replaced by Matthew Keyes at number 8 with Mark Ellis restored at scrum half after being unavailable for the Ballyclare game. No decision has been made on who will partner Ian Mulligan in 2ndrow.
Neil Trotter who played scrum half at Ballyclare is one player who is benefiting from the influence of Hemi Tavkiri. Another player who has adapted to his new role is 2ndrow Ian Mulligan who had his best game at Ballyclare. Points scorers at Ballyclare were Ryan Wilson and BJ Wilson 1 x try each in 38 – 10 defeat. Ballyclare led 26 – 0 at halftime with Ballyclare winning 2nd half 12 – 10. The Clogher coaches were pleased with the response of their players in the 2nd half.
Portadown caused the biggest upset in the league last week defeating Coleraine 23 – 21 at Chambers Park. This was their first league win in five matches. The return of Captain Craig Woods was significant as he contributed 15 of his team’s points.
Portadown team: 1. Matthew Davidson, 2. Robert Greenlee,3. Matthew Wilson, 4. Willie Graham, 5. Danny Alexander, 6. James Wright, 7. Gary Hall, 8.Stuart Douglas, 9. Brian Forrestal, 10. Michael Orr, 11. Jonny Holden, 12. Josh Matchett, 13. Craig Woods, 14. Aaron Morton, 15. Jack Orr.
Points scorers: Michael Orr 1 x try, 1 x Drop goal. Craig Woods 1 x try, 2 x cons, 2 x penalties.
The only changes the Portadown coaches Richard Hedley and Mark Neilly make this week is Rab Reid coming in at hooker.
Cooke v Carrickfergus
For Coaches Colin Atkinson and Philip Cartmill it is developing a game plan to counter act the powerful Carrick pack that has imposed itself in the league this season. Three wins from four have the team positioned in 3rd place. They will view this match as another opportunity to pick up more league points. Captain and tight head prop Paul Greenaway has already scored three tries this season.
Cooke have picked up a number of frustrating injuries over the past three weeks that will rule out Andy Pollock, Andy Hanna and Ian Anderson this week. On a positive note Deaglen McErlean, Jason Lyons, Adrian Dodds and Jonathan Backus are available.
Colin Atkinson: Carrick will be a tough test and have shown good league form of late. The Cooke players are working hard in training and looking forward to this match.
Dromore v Instonians
Many pundits would view this game as a win for Instonians. You only have to look at the performances of this Dromore team in losing against Ballyclare and Carrick and their wins over Portadown and impressively at Enniskillen last week to pick up a bonus point to see they will be no pushovers especially at Barban Hill. Instonians will be relieved to get back to league action after back to back games with Ballynahinch seconds in the Junior Cup and Conference league. They trail leaders Ballyclare by six points and will be looking maximum points at Dromore to close the gap on Ballyclare with the top two meeting at Shawsbridge on the 4th November.
Dromore Director of Rugby Jeremy Ogle was delighted to see the team get 5 points at Enniskillen considering they were missing Lee Steenson, Andy Black, Frazer Mulholland, Ryan Cobb and Adam McDonald who were all side lined through injury. The players that came in played really well especially Ben Russell. The coaches were pleased with the extended squad and will have tough selections to make with Lee Steenson, Ryan Cobb, Adam McDonald and Andrew Black back in contention for selection.
Dromore have set themselves targets for the season and a top four finish is not beyond this squad. The key is keeping players injury free and available to achieving this season for Dromore.
The coaches Johnny Cullen, and Jamie Kirk have been great at mixing training sessions up this season and have introduced a fun and exciting training schedule for the next few weeks with Ulster prop Johnny ‘Mo’ Simpson taking a scrum clinic this week.
As he put it the players are looking forward to entertaining Instonians this week.
Dromore team v Enniskillen. 1. Clarkson McCleod, 2. Stuart Sloan, 3. Mark Hylands, 4. Ross Bingham, 5. Stuart Russell, 6. Blair McDonald, 7. Jonny Maguire, 8. Adam McGregor, 9. Josh Brame, 10. Aaron Stewart, 11. Graham McCandless, 12. Sam Russell, 13. Mike Allen, 14. Brian McClearn, 15. Ben Russell, 16. Aaron Steenson, 17. Rory Pepper.
Points scorers. Blair McDonald, Clark McCleod, Aaron Stewart and Mike Allen 1 x try each.
Instonians Director of Rugby William Leacock is looking forward to getting back to league action this weekend with a tricky fixture at Dromore. It is never an easy place to go. The playing squad has been rotated in the last few weeks with the back to back games with Ballynahinch seconds with both the 1st and 2nd xv sides having had a good start to their season.
Josh Atkinson has been made 1st xv Captain for the season with Michael Blackwood as Club Captain.
Injuries are being managed at the club. Roger Wilson is still a few weeks away from a return along with Jack Scott and Mark Mairs. Harry Cleland and Joe Fryers will return to the squad this weekend. Matthew Nelson and Neil Saulters, ex RBAI pupils played last weekend against Ballynahinch and impressed.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 1
Ballynahinch seconds (1) v Ballyclare (3)
Coleraine (8) v City of Armagh seconds (2)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Academy (4) v Randalstown (2)
Ballymoney (3) v Ards (5)
Larne (6) v Grosvenor (1)
Lisburn (10) v PSNI (7)
Academy v Randalstown
Head coach Gareth Lynn was looking to use the two week break to refocus his Academy players for their league fixture with Randalstown. They warmed up for this week in a thrilling game at Banbridge before losing 33 – 26. It was an entertaining match with the players being rewarded for their efforts in training as the team start to gel.
The coach is aware that the Randalstown team will be very tough, they are a good team. Both he and the players are looking forward to the game. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night with several more players making themselves available.
Points scorers v Banbridge: Stewart Martin, Josh Lennox, Simon Beattie + penalty try with Dave Kenny kicking two conversions.
Randalstown under coaches Gary Longwell and Martin Connolly made a clear statement of their intentions as they maintained their unbeaten league start to the season. Previously unbeaten Ballymoney conceded five tries in their 38 - 13 defeat at Nelisbrook last Saturday. Randalstown coach Gary Longwell will not be finalising his team selection until Thursday night. His players were delighted with the win over Ballymoney. However the game was much closer than the score line suggests.
Ballymoney v Ards
Head coach Jonny Hanna will be looking his team to bounce back from their 38 – 13 defeat at Randalstown last week when they welcome Ards to Kilraughts Road. Ards are a much improved team and will be difficult opponents. They showed against a strong Omagh seconds team last week they will be competitive in this league winning 30 – 21. They were unlucky to lose their last league game at Larne 16 – 15 with Larne out half Philip Andrews kicking a late penalty to win the match for the home side.
The focus for the Ballymoney team this week is regrouping after suffering their first defeat of the season. Head coach Jonny Hanna felt the players lacked that intensity with Randalstown wanting it more. They were deserving winners on the day.
Ards will be another step up this week as they have a lot of experience in their squad of playing at a higher level. He believes the are capable of being a top four side again and it will take a big performance to get something from the match. The main advantage for Ballymoney is that they are at home and in the past we have made it a hard place for visiting teams to come and get results.
This week Ian Moxen is unavailable in the front row with Adam Pollock expected to return. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night with Andrew Young and Neal Mulholland pushing for inclusion in the match day squad. Both Kenny McAneaney and Aaron Brown return from injury and will play for the 2nd xv. !st xv squad players Chris Hughes and Neil Johnston have joined the injured list after picking up injuries last week.
Ards coaches John West and Scott Young have been delighted with the response from the playing squad this season. With increased numbers at training and competition for places the 1st xv continue to show improvement week on week. You only have to look at the style of running rugby Ards are playing that has produced 21 tries in seven matches. The only game they failed to score in was their 20 – 0 defeat away to Portadown in the Junior Cup.
Former Ulster under age representative Ross Torney epitomises that new found belief at the club scoring four tries in his last five matches.
Ballymoney will test the resolve of this young Ards team led by Captain Andrew Foster. Having played only two league games, Ards can have a big say in the outcome of this league.
Larne v Grosvenor
The talent is certainly in this Larne team to win this match against Grosvenor. Head coach Graham Cloke has had an impact this season with the team proving to be very competitive despite having a small playing squad. I was delighted to hear from Graham that his son Charlie Cloke was able to make it to England to start his University course after picking up a serious knee injury in the teams 16 – 15 win over Ards.
As Graham put it his Larne team are making progress for a small playing squad. The cohesion is good and the players are working hard together and enjoying their rugby which is important.
Grosvenor are ‘sailing high’ on the crest as you say and they have huge numbers to select from. But as Malone seconds proved they are beatable. It will take our Larne team to be at their best and hope Grosvenor are not at their best for his team to win.
The team warmed up for this match with a comfortable 29 – 5 win away to Ballymena seconds last sat in the Conference league. Amongst the try scorers were Ryan Garrett, Philip Andrews and Jordan Burns with Philip Andrews adding the conversions and a penalty.
Selection will be finalised on Thursday with a possible return for Stuart Andrews along with C White starting on the bench depending on late fitness tests on Colin McKinty and Luke Burford.
Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford was pleased with his team’s performance against Lisburn. It was good to convert most of the chances they created in their 85 – 3 win at home to Lisburn scoring 13 tries in the process. He agrees the Glynn is a difficult place to go and Larne have had some great results so far this season. They have excellent players in Ryan Garrett and Jordan Burns and play a good brand of rugby.
Stuart McIIwaine and Paddy Hamill return to the squad this week and will feature for the team on Saturday.
Lisburn v PSNI
1st xv Manager Michael Knowles pulled no punches about his Lisburn team going down 85 – 3 at Grosvenor last Saturday. They are a good side. Yes we were missing a few forwards, but lets not paper over the with excuses, we were very poor and it was an extremely disappointing result.
This Saturday is pivotal to our season and I am expecting a big reaction from our players. PSNI are a well organised side and we are under no illusions that Saturday will be a massive challenge. We are glad that we are at home for such a vital game. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night with several of the undefeated 2nd xv side being rewarded for their performances.
In the last few seasons Lisburn have relied on a strong set piece. Our scrum and lineout have struggled this year. We have an exciting back line, but they can’t play to their potential being on the back foot all the time. Hopefully if we can cure our problems at scrum and lineout we will see our backline fulfil their potential.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 2
Limavady (14) v Malone seconds (1)
Omagh seconds (7) v Ballymena seconds (9)
UUC (13) v Banbridge seconds (7)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
Cavan (9) v Lurgan (1)
Civil Service (11) v Monaghan (4)
Holywood (8) v Donegal Town (12)
Newry (7) v Letterkenny (10)
Strabane (3) v BHSFP (6)
Virginia (5) v Donaghadee (2)
Preview by George Millar
This weekend we have four quarter final matches in the First Trust Senior Cup. Holders Ballynahinch will be expected to progress at the expense of Bangor along with tournament favourites Armagh who missed out last season contesting the latter stages of the Cup. First up for Armagh is an in-form Banbridge side who defeated Armagh last season at the Palace Grounds in the Premiership league. Interesting tie at Gibson Park. Last seasons finalists Dungannon will look to return to the Kingspan stadium. Again they will face in form Malone who have won their opening four matches in the UBL. Another tie that will be watched closely is the one between Ballymena and Omagh at Eaton Park. Ballymena will be favourites but don’t write off Phil Marshall and his team.
For the teams in the Ulster Rugby Championship there is valuable league points at stake. In Div 1 Ballyclare and Instonians continue their pursuit of the league title. The race is on behind them for the remaining two places + 5th if either Ballyclare or Instonians are promoted to the All Ireland League. Carrickfergus and Dromore are looking serious contenders after recent wins at the weekend over CIYMS and Enniskillen with Dromore entertaining Instonians at Barban Hill this week. Carrickfergus are expected to extend their winning run when they travel to play Cooke at Shaws bridge. Clogher Valley are firmly rooted to the bottom end of the table with no wins from 4 games played. Portadown upset the form book by defeating Coleraine at Chambers Park in the league to make it back to back wins for the team. The return of Captain Craig Woods was welcomed as he contributed 15 of his team’s points in their 23 – 21 win. This weekend Portadown make the trip to Fivemiletown to play struggling Clogher Valley. Big game for both teams. Another crucial match is at Belmont between CIYMS and Enniskillen with both teams needing to pick up league points. Both Portadown and Enniskillen have Quarter final matches of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup on Sat 21st October with both them joining Ballyclare and Instonians in the opening round of the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup on Saturday 28th October. Busy schedule for these four teams with Instonians meeting Ballyclare at Shaws bridge in league on the 4th November followed by the 2nd round of the AIL Junior Cup on the 11th November.
In Div 2 of the Ulster Rugby Championship leaders Grosvenor showed no mercy to struggling Lisburn at Gibson Park as they ran in 13 tries in an emphatic 85 – 3 win. In the contest between the other two undefeated teams in this league at ‘Nelisbrook’, home side Randalstown outscored visitors Ballymoney five tries to two to win 38 – 13. This weekend these three teams face mid table opposition with Grosvenor travelling to Larne and Randalstown journeying to Mallusk to play Academy with Ballymoney entertaining a much improved Ards team at Kilraughts. One result that maybe escaped many rugby followers was the win by Coleraine students UUC winning their first league game at Limavady 13 – 12. Well done to coach Jonny Black and his players.
At the bottom end of Div 2 Lisburn entertain PSNI in a must win game this weekend at Blaris, still searching for their first league win against a PSNI team that won 22 – 11 against UUC two weeks ago.
In Div 3 Lurgan and Donaghadee remain the pacesetters with Lurgan winning 34 – 19 at home to Newry and Donaghadee overcoming a determined Strabane team 20 – 13 at Donaldson Park. Both teams are on their travels this weekend to County Cavan with Lurgan playing Cavan and Donaghadee entertaining neighbours Virginia.
This weekend we will have first round matches in the Crawford Cup and the Forster Cup for teams competing in Divisions 1 – 6 of the Ulster Rugby Provincial leagues. The Crawford Cup is open to teams in Divisions 1 – 3 with exceptions for teams that enter either the Towns Cup or McCrea Cup. We have six Ulster UBL 2nd xv sides who compete in Divisions I and 2. Div 1 we have Dungannon 2nds, Bangor 2nds, Belfast Harlequins 2nds and Queens Uni 2nds with Rainey OB and City of Derry 2nds competing in Div 2. You will notice in the 1st Rd draw of the Crawford Cup Bangor seconds will compete in the Crawford Cup this season instead of the Towns Cup. Queens Uni seconds will play in the McCrea Cup. Rainey OB, Dungannon and City of Derry seconds will compete in the Towns Cup.
The six UBL 2nd xv sides in Conference league 1 and 2 : Ballynahinch, Armagh, Malone, Banbridge, Ballymena and Omagh compete in the Junior Cup, Towns Cup and the McCrea Cup.
FIRST TRUST SENIOR CUP: QUARTER FINALS
Malone v Dungannon
City of Armagh v Banbridge
Bangor v Ballynahinch
Ballymena v Omagh
Malone v Dungannon
Malone undefeated in their opening four UBL matches, rounded off their block of games with an emphatic 70 – 15 win over Galwegians at Gibson Park last week, whereas a talented Dungannon squad have lost both their home games with the team winning one and drawing one game away from home. Not the form Dungannon Head coach Andy Hughes expected from this talented squad of players he assembled in the off season. One of his difficulties has been getting the new combinations to gel. The coach will use the match this week to further develop those playing relationships to strengthen the continuity and accuracy in their play. Backs player/coach Seamus Mallon was absent from the pitch and his presence on the park will help to address the improvements needed before the UBL resumes on the 28thOctober.
Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong is trying to balance using this game to give players opportunities as well as keeping momentum going.
Stuart Doddington will start in the back row with seconds 2nd row Tom Dullage getting his first start on the 1st xv and Jack McMurtry on the wing. Both Peter Cooper and Callum Harkin (Academy players) have been released by Ulster to play this weekend.
Paddy Armstrong has a lot of respect for Dungannon rugby club and knows Head coach Andy Hughes will have his team well coached. He is expecting a tough battle on Saturday, but at the same time is looking forward to the game.
Dungannon coach Andy Hughes was delighted to pick up the much needed league points in the 15 – 15 draw at Navan on Saturday. He was not happy that Navan were allowed to score a converted try in the last play to level the match.
Despite the draw it was a much better performance from the team. Their work rate and organisation in defence was greatly improved. A few errors in crucial areas prevented the team from getting the rewards they deserved for their efforts.
He is looking forward to the Malone match. The pressure of the UBL is off with a different kind of pressure presenting itself. Malone are on form at the minute and the players know that if they are not 100% focused it will be a long afternoon for the players. The game will be a good test for the team and an opportunity for the new players to see what it takes to be at the top level in Div 2A. It is also another game to build that cohesion within the team and look at a few more options.
Last weekend at Navan took its toll on the team. Rodney Bennett, Jonny Black, Andrew McPhillips and John Russell picked up injuries. Ben Matchett is unavailable with NZ second row, Adam Batt cup tied, (signed after the start of the competition). There are a few areas of the team the coach will have to make selections decisions on. Opportunities are given this week to Matthew Montgomery, Mark Faloon and Jack Ravey.
City of Armagh v Banbridge
Two teams that will attract a large crowd to the Palace Grounds for this eagerly awaited Cup tie. Banbridge won three and drew one of the four UBL games with Armagh winning their opening three matches only to go down to a surprise 28 – 20 defeat at Blackrock last Saturday.
Armagh assistant coach Chris Parker acknowledges Banbridge deservedly won the Ulster Premiership game between the two teams last season. They are one of the form teams in Ireland at present and will pose a huge task at the weekend.
Selection wise Jonny Pollock is unavailable with Chris Cousens coming in to replace him. John Faloon returns to the squad with both Robert Whitten and James Morton taking their place in the pack. Daryl Morton will face a late fitness test on Thursday night, but he is expected to play. Andrew Morton is injured and will be replaced by Phil Matthews.
Bann Head coach Daniel Soper is looking to the fact his players will have next week off in finalising his selection. He is keen to keep most of the players playing this week whilst using his bench. The match at Armagh will give opportunities to Stuart Cromie, Jonny Weir and Tom O’Toole up front and Jason Gribben, Andrew Kirkwood and Tom Caesar in the backs.
The coach is delighted that Michael Cromie, Caleb Montgomery, Rob Lyttle, Michael Lowry and Greg Jones are involved with Ulster A this week. He is really pleased that Michael Cromie has been given that opportunity on the back of very good form for the club and in the recent Ulster clubs v Ulster Academy match played in August at Banbridge.
Armagh have been setting quite a standard in the domestic competitions in the last couple of years with his players expecting a very difficult afternoon at the Palace Grounds.
Bangor v Ballynahinch
Now it is the turn of Bangor 1st xv to play Ballynahich 1st xv instead of their 2nd xv. Hopefully the supporters will turn out in large numbers at Upritchard Park to get behind their team. It is a really ‘David v Goliath’ game. Both teams have won 3/4 of their opening games in the UBL and are well placed for a top four finish.
Bangor 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong has been delighted with the start by his team to their UBL campaign. They are also aware they done the same last season and fell away after Xmas. The focus for coaches Jason Morgan and Lewis Stevenson is to maintain that league form over the winter months. The team did not play well in losing at Seapoint and yet came away with a losing bonus point which could prove crucial come the end of the season.
What has pleased everybody at Bangor is the schools players coming into the club and how they are enjoying their Senior rugby experience.
With three teams playing this weekend there are several players carrying knocks and niggles from previous UBL games. The coaches have taken the decision to rest Desi Fusco, James Henley, Lewis Stevenson and Andrew Shaw. They join Jamie Clegg and Ali Lockhart on the injury list with Ryan Latimer making a welcome return to play for the seconds this week.
Changes to the team see Andrew Jackson replace Andrew Shaw at hooker with Captain Phil Whyte moving to tight head and Charlie Clegg starting at loose head. James Leary drops down to the bench after playing every minute of every game played this season for the 1st xv. David Caughey is joined in the 2nd row by Martin Withers who scored on his debut at Midleton. David Bradford switches to blind side with James Stewart continuing on the openside. Jack Cooke gets his first start for the 1st xv at number 8. Lewis Bret switches from 9 to 10 with Gareth Wright starting at scrum half. Mikey Weir comes into the centre after playing for the 2nds last week in place of Desi Fusco and is joined by Mark Widdowson who also made a return for the 2nd xv last week. Can both these players challenge Desi Fusco and Phil Broderick for the 12 and 13 jerseys in the coming weeks. Rob Gamble continues on the wing with Adam McCusker coming off the bench to start on the other wing with Nathan Graham continuing at full back.
The bench includes Evan Wellard Mcmillen, James Leary, Glenn Burton, David Charles and Ross McCloskey.
Ballynahinch are expected to be without Ulster players Aaron Cairns, Jonny McPhillips, Rory Butler, Jack Regan, Zac McCall and David Busby this weekend due to British & Irish Cup commitments.
Ballymena v Omagh
Again we have another ‘David v Goliath’ Cup tie at Eaton Park with newly promoted Omagh taking on Ballymena. It has not been an ideal start to their league campaign for Ballymena, winning 1/4. Omagh have made a strong start winning 3/4 to sit in 4thplace in Div 2C. Ballymena are already looking over their shoulder in 8th place in Div 1B three points ahead of 10th place Old Wesley.
Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham was so disappointed his team had 80% of the possession and territory against Banbridge last Friday night and conspired to lose 23 – 17. What frustrated the coach was that every time the team put phases together on the pitch they either gave away a penalty or were whistled up for a forward pass. He felt his team were denied a try when his player touched the padding on the post only for the match official to rule their was a knock-on. Their cause was not helped by losing scrum half David Shanahan to a hamstring injury after 10/15 minutes.
The difference between the two sides was that Banbridge kept the scoreboard ticking over. They defended very well, even holding up attackers in the in-goal area. When Ballymena went 10 – 0 up they conceded a late try before half time to narrow the lead to 10 – 7.
For the Ballymena players it is cutting out the errors in the build ups. Putting pressure on opposition then giving away cheap turnovers, knock ons and trying to offload when it wasn’t on. He was pleased with the teams kicking game. In the Banbridge game the team had opportunities. They are not seeing them through and as the coach said he feels his team are not getting the bounce of the ball. There were so many good aspects to the performance against Banbridge except the result.
For the game with Omagh, British & Irish Cup commitments involve Callum Patterson, Adam McBurney, Ross Kane, Matty Rea and Brett Herron with injury ruling out David Shanahan for this weekend against Omagh. Michael Stronge and Matty Agnew are away this week with the Ireland Sevens squad in camp.
There will be late fitness tests on David Whann and Stephen Mulholland for this week with injury ruling out Adrian Hamilton, Jonny Rossborough, Mark Foster, Alan Smyth with Bryan Young involved with Ulster A coaching team.
Players including Willy Mckay, Dominic Gallagher, Joe Thompson, David O’Hara and Daryll Montgomery will come into consideration for selection this week. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night.
Omagh Head coach Philip Marshall and his players will have learned a lot from their 52 – 15 defeat at Div 2C league pacesetters Sligo last Sat. What pleased the coach was the team scored three tries and spilled opportunities over the line to touch down for two further tries and collect a losing bonus point.
There are a number of changes on the Omagh side with winger Ryan Mitchell replaced by Deane Keane who is unavailable. Bad news from the defeat last week is that out half Scott Elliott will be out for six weeks with a broken hand and will be replaced by Lee Murphy. Last years Captain Kyle Alexander returns to replace loose head Matthew Sproule who is rested. Ali Beckett returns at full back after playing his first game back on the 2nds last week. The coach is hoping that several other injured players will return in the next two/three weeks.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
CIYMS (7) v Enniskillen (9)
Clogher Valley (10) v Portadown (8)
Cooke (5) v Carrickfergus (3)
Dromore (4) v Instonians (2)
CIYMS v Enniskillen
Two teams that need league points. CI have won 1/3 and Enniskillen 1/4. Both suffered defeats last week. CI going down 26 – 22 at Carrick after leading 22 – 19 with 10 mins to go. Mullaghmeen is not the dreaded venue it once was with Domore now joining Instonians in leaving with a bonus point win after winning 24 – 12.
CI team v Carrick: 1. Ali Coulson, 2. Scott Mcnarry, 3. Angus Keefe, 4. Cory Tipping, 5. David Cobain, 6. Scott Dowle, 7. Jason Gilliland, 8. Mark McConkey. 9. Cameron Stewart, 10. Paddy Beverland, 11. Josh Newell, 12. Callum Irvine. 13. Nathan Burns, 14. Matty Butler. 15. Craig Devlin, 16. Paddy Aiken, 17. Simon Baillie.
Points scorers: Nathan Burns, Scott Dowle, Matty Butler 1x try each. Cameron Stewart 2 x cons 1xpenalty.
Injuries ruled out Matthew Kilgore, Peter Raine, Rob Haldane, Eunan Nelson along with three props Tim Acheson, Aaron Kilpatrick and Elliott Boyd.
CI felt they missed an opportunity to win the game at the death when they failed to convert a clear opening.
Head coach Gareth Fry is still missing a few forwards for this weekend against Enniskillen. Aaron Kilpatrick and Paddy Agnew both on injured list. One blow for the coach is an injury that centre Nathan Burns has picked up. The coach regards Nathan as one of the most influential backs on the team last season and so far this season. The coach was disappointed to lose last week with the players annoyed they did not get the result. He recognised Carrick are a very strong side with size all over the pitch and well organised. They will do well this season.
His players are looking forward to the visit of Enniskillen to Belmont for the teams first home game of the season. They have had a mixed start to the season but as with many sides have suffered from player absence and unavailability. We expect another tough game this week.
Enniskillen Head coach Willy Gibson felt his team did not have the intensity they needed in the game against Dromore to win. The team made a lot of errors at key times that would have turned the game. Still it is a learning curve for his players with injuries not helping after they lost their out half after 20 mins once again requiring changes to the backline.
Every game is important as this group of players want to perform at the highest level.
Selection will not be finalised until Thursday night. Gareth McCoy and Jamie Johnston are injury doubts with Ricky Lee, Stephen Fox and Mark O’Shea unavailable.
Enniskillen team v Dromore: 1. Alan Ferguson, 2. Ryan Cathcart, 3. Steven Fox, 4. GraysonDonnelly, 5. David taylor, 6. Ricky lee, 7. Gavin Parke, 8.Kaine Holden, 9. Matthew Dane, 10. Chris McVitty, 11. Matthew Balmer, 12. Michael Law, 13. Adam Lendrum, 14. Tyler Millar, 15. Mark O’Shea, 16. Sam Parke, 17. Jamie Kelly.
Points scorers: Tyler Millar and Mark O’Shea 1 x try each. Adam Lendrum 1 x con.
Clogher Valley v Portadown
Talking to Clogher Valley forwards coach Davy Black they have had to play 3/4 of the opening league games away from home against Coleraine (Lost 26 – 12), Instonians (Lost 34 – 6), Ballyclare (Lost 38 – 10). It was also interesting to hear his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the current top two teams. This week Clogher welcome Portadown to the Cran for a must win game for both teams.
Davy Black is very positive about this transitional period the club are going through. Despite the results the club are able to field three teams this week with several players not selected to start a game. New Head coach, NZ Hemi Tavkiri has had a big impact on the players with his training methods that see 30+ players attending training nights.
The coach and the players are looking forward to game with Portadown. It is all about creating that winning mentality in this new challenging environment for the 1st xv.
Injuries continue to rule out Eugene McKenna, Michael Treanor, Allister Trenier and David Speers. David Sharkey remains a injury doubt for this week subject to a late fitness test with a player of his experience providing the leadership and direction for the team on the pitch. This weekend the team are without their talisman number 8 Ryan Wilson who is unavailable.
Team will be on similar lines to the side that played at Ballyclare: 1. Philip Hopper, 2. Kyle Cobane, 3. Neil Henderson, 4. Ian Mulligan, 5. Tom Mills, 6. BJ Wilson, 7. Ross Finlay, 8. Ryan Wilson, 9. Mark Ellis, 10. Neil Trotter, 11. Clive Donaldson, 12, Toby McAlpine, 13. Fleming Agnew, 14. David Kelly, 15. Dillon Crawford, 16. PC Falconer, 17. Philip Moore.
For this weekend Ryan Wilson is unavailable and will be replaced by Matthew Keyes at number 8 with Mark Ellis restored at scrum half after being unavailable for the Ballyclare game. No decision has been made on who will partner Ian Mulligan in 2ndrow.
Neil Trotter who played scrum half at Ballyclare is one player who is benefiting from the influence of Hemi Tavkiri. Another player who has adapted to his new role is 2ndrow Ian Mulligan who had his best game at Ballyclare. Points scorers at Ballyclare were Ryan Wilson and BJ Wilson 1 x try each in 38 – 10 defeat. Ballyclare led 26 – 0 at halftime with Ballyclare winning 2nd half 12 – 10. The Clogher coaches were pleased with the response of their players in the 2nd half.
Portadown caused the biggest upset in the league last week defeating Coleraine 23 – 21 at Chambers Park. This was their first league win in five matches. The return of Captain Craig Woods was significant as he contributed 15 of his team’s points.
Portadown team: 1. Matthew Davidson, 2. Robert Greenlee,3. Matthew Wilson, 4. Willie Graham, 5. Danny Alexander, 6. James Wright, 7. Gary Hall, 8.Stuart Douglas, 9. Brian Forrestal, 10. Michael Orr, 11. Jonny Holden, 12. Josh Matchett, 13. Craig Woods, 14. Aaron Morton, 15. Jack Orr.
Points scorers: Michael Orr 1 x try, 1 x Drop goal. Craig Woods 1 x try, 2 x cons, 2 x penalties.
The only changes the Portadown coaches Richard Hedley and Mark Neilly make this week is Rab Reid coming in at hooker.
Cooke v Carrickfergus
For Coaches Colin Atkinson and Philip Cartmill it is developing a game plan to counter act the powerful Carrick pack that has imposed itself in the league this season. Three wins from four have the team positioned in 3rd place. They will view this match as another opportunity to pick up more league points. Captain and tight head prop Paul Greenaway has already scored three tries this season.
Cooke have picked up a number of frustrating injuries over the past three weeks that will rule out Andy Pollock, Andy Hanna and Ian Anderson this week. On a positive note Deaglen McErlean, Jason Lyons, Adrian Dodds and Jonathan Backus are available.
Colin Atkinson: Carrick will be a tough test and have shown good league form of late. The Cooke players are working hard in training and looking forward to this match.
Dromore v Instonians
Many pundits would view this game as a win for Instonians. You only have to look at the performances of this Dromore team in losing against Ballyclare and Carrick and their wins over Portadown and impressively at Enniskillen last week to pick up a bonus point to see they will be no pushovers especially at Barban Hill. Instonians will be relieved to get back to league action after back to back games with Ballynahinch seconds in the Junior Cup and Conference league. They trail leaders Ballyclare by six points and will be looking maximum points at Dromore to close the gap on Ballyclare with the top two meeting at Shawsbridge on the 4th November.
Dromore Director of Rugby Jeremy Ogle was delighted to see the team get 5 points at Enniskillen considering they were missing Lee Steenson, Andy Black, Frazer Mulholland, Ryan Cobb and Adam McDonald who were all side lined through injury. The players that came in played really well especially Ben Russell. The coaches were pleased with the extended squad and will have tough selections to make with Lee Steenson, Ryan Cobb, Adam McDonald and Andrew Black back in contention for selection.
Dromore have set themselves targets for the season and a top four finish is not beyond this squad. The key is keeping players injury free and available to achieving this season for Dromore.
The coaches Johnny Cullen, and Jamie Kirk have been great at mixing training sessions up this season and have introduced a fun and exciting training schedule for the next few weeks with Ulster prop Johnny ‘Mo’ Simpson taking a scrum clinic this week.
As he put it the players are looking forward to entertaining Instonians this week.
Dromore team v Enniskillen. 1. Clarkson McCleod, 2. Stuart Sloan, 3. Mark Hylands, 4. Ross Bingham, 5. Stuart Russell, 6. Blair McDonald, 7. Jonny Maguire, 8. Adam McGregor, 9. Josh Brame, 10. Aaron Stewart, 11. Graham McCandless, 12. Sam Russell, 13. Mike Allen, 14. Brian McClearn, 15. Ben Russell, 16. Aaron Steenson, 17. Rory Pepper.
Points scorers. Blair McDonald, Clark McCleod, Aaron Stewart and Mike Allen 1 x try each.
Instonians Director of Rugby William Leacock is looking forward to getting back to league action this weekend with a tricky fixture at Dromore. It is never an easy place to go. The playing squad has been rotated in the last few weeks with the back to back games with Ballynahinch seconds with both the 1st and 2nd xv sides having had a good start to their season.
Josh Atkinson has been made 1st xv Captain for the season with Michael Blackwood as Club Captain.
Injuries are being managed at the club. Roger Wilson is still a few weeks away from a return along with Jack Scott and Mark Mairs. Harry Cleland and Joe Fryers will return to the squad this weekend. Matthew Nelson and Neil Saulters, ex RBAI pupils played last weekend against Ballynahinch and impressed.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 1
Ballynahinch seconds (1) v Ballyclare (3)
Coleraine (8) v City of Armagh seconds (2)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Academy (4) v Randalstown (2)
Ballymoney (3) v Ards (5)
Larne (6) v Grosvenor (1)
Lisburn (10) v PSNI (7)
Academy v Randalstown
Head coach Gareth Lynn was looking to use the two week break to refocus his Academy players for their league fixture with Randalstown. They warmed up for this week in a thrilling game at Banbridge before losing 33 – 26. It was an entertaining match with the players being rewarded for their efforts in training as the team start to gel.
The coach is aware that the Randalstown team will be very tough, they are a good team. Both he and the players are looking forward to the game. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night with several more players making themselves available.
Points scorers v Banbridge: Stewart Martin, Josh Lennox, Simon Beattie + penalty try with Dave Kenny kicking two conversions.
Randalstown under coaches Gary Longwell and Martin Connolly made a clear statement of their intentions as they maintained their unbeaten league start to the season. Previously unbeaten Ballymoney conceded five tries in their 38 - 13 defeat at Nelisbrook last Saturday. Randalstown coach Gary Longwell will not be finalising his team selection until Thursday night. His players were delighted with the win over Ballymoney. However the game was much closer than the score line suggests.
Ballymoney v Ards
Head coach Jonny Hanna will be looking his team to bounce back from their 38 – 13 defeat at Randalstown last week when they welcome Ards to Kilraughts Road. Ards are a much improved team and will be difficult opponents. They showed against a strong Omagh seconds team last week they will be competitive in this league winning 30 – 21. They were unlucky to lose their last league game at Larne 16 – 15 with Larne out half Philip Andrews kicking a late penalty to win the match for the home side.
The focus for the Ballymoney team this week is regrouping after suffering their first defeat of the season. Head coach Jonny Hanna felt the players lacked that intensity with Randalstown wanting it more. They were deserving winners on the day.
Ards will be another step up this week as they have a lot of experience in their squad of playing at a higher level. He believes the are capable of being a top four side again and it will take a big performance to get something from the match. The main advantage for Ballymoney is that they are at home and in the past we have made it a hard place for visiting teams to come and get results.
This week Ian Moxen is unavailable in the front row with Adam Pollock expected to return. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night with Andrew Young and Neal Mulholland pushing for inclusion in the match day squad. Both Kenny McAneaney and Aaron Brown return from injury and will play for the 2nd xv. !st xv squad players Chris Hughes and Neil Johnston have joined the injured list after picking up injuries last week.
Ards coaches John West and Scott Young have been delighted with the response from the playing squad this season. With increased numbers at training and competition for places the 1st xv continue to show improvement week on week. You only have to look at the style of running rugby Ards are playing that has produced 21 tries in seven matches. The only game they failed to score in was their 20 – 0 defeat away to Portadown in the Junior Cup.
Former Ulster under age representative Ross Torney epitomises that new found belief at the club scoring four tries in his last five matches.
Ballymoney will test the resolve of this young Ards team led by Captain Andrew Foster. Having played only two league games, Ards can have a big say in the outcome of this league.
Larne v Grosvenor
The talent is certainly in this Larne team to win this match against Grosvenor. Head coach Graham Cloke has had an impact this season with the team proving to be very competitive despite having a small playing squad. I was delighted to hear from Graham that his son Charlie Cloke was able to make it to England to start his University course after picking up a serious knee injury in the teams 16 – 15 win over Ards.
As Graham put it his Larne team are making progress for a small playing squad. The cohesion is good and the players are working hard together and enjoying their rugby which is important.
Grosvenor are ‘sailing high’ on the crest as you say and they have huge numbers to select from. But as Malone seconds proved they are beatable. It will take our Larne team to be at their best and hope Grosvenor are not at their best for his team to win.
The team warmed up for this match with a comfortable 29 – 5 win away to Ballymena seconds last sat in the Conference league. Amongst the try scorers were Ryan Garrett, Philip Andrews and Jordan Burns with Philip Andrews adding the conversions and a penalty.
Selection will be finalised on Thursday with a possible return for Stuart Andrews along with C White starting on the bench depending on late fitness tests on Colin McKinty and Luke Burford.
Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford was pleased with his team’s performance against Lisburn. It was good to convert most of the chances they created in their 85 – 3 win at home to Lisburn scoring 13 tries in the process. He agrees the Glynn is a difficult place to go and Larne have had some great results so far this season. They have excellent players in Ryan Garrett and Jordan Burns and play a good brand of rugby.
Stuart McIIwaine and Paddy Hamill return to the squad this week and will feature for the team on Saturday.
Lisburn v PSNI
1st xv Manager Michael Knowles pulled no punches about his Lisburn team going down 85 – 3 at Grosvenor last Saturday. They are a good side. Yes we were missing a few forwards, but lets not paper over the with excuses, we were very poor and it was an extremely disappointing result.
This Saturday is pivotal to our season and I am expecting a big reaction from our players. PSNI are a well organised side and we are under no illusions that Saturday will be a massive challenge. We are glad that we are at home for such a vital game. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night with several of the undefeated 2nd xv side being rewarded for their performances.
In the last few seasons Lisburn have relied on a strong set piece. Our scrum and lineout have struggled this year. We have an exciting back line, but they can’t play to their potential being on the back foot all the time. Hopefully if we can cure our problems at scrum and lineout we will see our backline fulfil their potential.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 2
Limavady (14) v Malone seconds (1)
Omagh seconds (7) v Ballymena seconds (9)
UUC (13) v Banbridge seconds (7)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
Cavan (9) v Lurgan (1)
Civil Service (11) v Monaghan (4)
Holywood (8) v Donegal Town (12)
Newry (7) v Letterkenny (10)
Strabane (3) v BHSFP (6)
Virginia (5) v Donaghadee (2)
Preview by George Millar