Club Rugby Preview - 20 Apr 2019

Preview of this weekend's club rugby action... ALL IRELAND BATEMAN CUP FINAL City of Armagh v Garryowen. KO 12.30PM. Live on RTE 2 from 12.15PM. Chris Parker, City of Armagh: City of Armagh contest their first All Ireland Bateman Cup Final when they travel to the home of St Mary’s College RFC to play Munster representatives Garryowen. This will be the team's 29th competitive fixture in a demanding and challenging season after securing promotion to Div 1B this season. The defeat at Old Wesley on Saturday does not reflect how well the team played. Despite trailing 10 – 3 at halftime they were subjected to four yellow cards in the second half with the team down to 13 players for 15/20 minutes. The coaches felt the players had corrected a number of areas they had worked hard on in training during the week after the home defeat to Ballynahinch. City of Armagh had a lot of the ball in the first half but could not break down the Old Wesley defence. The difference in the second half was Old Wesley had three opportunities and were clinical in finishing them off. He feels the team have taken a step forward and believes they are in a good positive mind going into the final against Garryowen where they will be massive underdogs. Daryl Morton who returned to the 1st xv on Saturday will miss the final after picking up an head injury that will rule him out as he follows return to play protocols. Captain Chris Colvin who has missed the last two AIL games came through training on Tuesday night and is expected to be fit to take his place in the team. Back row forwards James Hanna and James Morton will return to come into contention this week. The difficulty for the coaches is selecting the matchday 22 from 28 players who are in contention for selection this week. Chris Parker: This is a Cup Final where anything can happen. The players felt they missed out against Cork Constitution last season in the semi final. The coach is also of the impression that this Armagh squad have improved on last season. They will be the underdogs and are aware of the history Garryowen have in the Bateman Cup. The team feel confident and if they pitch up they can surprise Garryowen. The big difference will be the physicality with the Armagh forwards having to step up. It will take a massive effort from all the players. It really would be an upset if City of Armagh won on Saturday. ALL IRELAND LEAGUE PLAYOFFS DIV 1B/2A Buccaneers v Queens University Cashel RFC v Navan RFC Buccaneers v Queens University Ian McAvoy, Queens President/1st xv Manager: Queens coaches Derek Suffern and DJ Creighton have a full squad to select from their playoff match against Buccaneers on Saturday at Dubarry Park in Athlone. Number 8 James Catterson had his red card rescinded he received in the match at Old Crescent last weekend. This weekend Queens welcome back Ali Burke, Rory Bell and Mark Keane who missed the 43 – 31 win in Limerick. Players who put in man of the match performances in this fixture were back row Curtis Pollock and winger Jonny Hunter who scored two tries. It is a busy period for the coaches and players at Queens with the seconds playing in the McCrea Cup Final against Grosvenor 1st xv on Easter Monday. They follow this up with a play off match against Malone seconds on Saturday the 27th April for a place in the Conference and 2nd xv league next season. If the 1st xv win at Buccaneers they will have a playoff final against either Cashel RFC or Navan RFC on Saturday 27th April. Queens team and replacements for Buccaneers: 1. Brian Cunningham, 2. Alexander Clarke, 3. Andrew Weir, 4. Ali Burke, 5. David Whitten (Capt), 6. Andrew McGrath/Curtis Pollock, 7. David Swann, 8. James Catterson, 9. Matthew Keane, 10. Richie McMaster, 11. Jonny Hunter, 12. Conor McKee, 13. Rory Bell, 14. Mark Keane, 15. Michael Orr, 16. Matthew Millar, 17. Andrew McGrath/Curtis Pollock, 18. Martin Withers, 19. James Longwell, 20. Robbie Johnston, 21. Conor McAuley, 22. Mark Gordon, 23. Conor Shiels. The only doubts are Andrew McGrath and Martin Withers who will undergo fitness tests on Thursday night. DIV 2A/2B Blackrock College v Sligo Greystones v Rainey OB Greystones v Rainey OB John Andrews, Rainey OB Head coach: Has a full squad to pick from for Saturday. Players such as Captain Paul Pritchard, Michael O’Neill, Charlie Clarke, Andrew Magrath, Jason Bloomfield, Brad Roberts, Timmy Barker and Damien McMurray will all return to the starting line - up after missing the game at home to league winners MU Barnhall on Saturday. The 50 – 10 defeat against Barnhall does not reflect the efforts of this young team against a quality Barnhall team who scored four late tries to add to their score line. Rainey team and replacements for Greystones: 1. Jack McIntosh, 2. Brad Roberts, 3. Kieran Donaghy, 4. Timmy Barker, 5. John McCusker, 6. Charlie Clarke, 7. Paul Pritchard (Capt), 8. Paddy Magowan, 9. Jason Bloomfield, 10. Andy Magrath, 11. Oisin Quinn, 12. Damien McMurray, 13. Conor Fitzsimons, 14. Andrew Donaghy, 15. Michael O’Neill, 16. Aidan McSwiggan, 17. Daniel O’Neill, 18. Fintan Quinn, 19. Mattie Millar, 20. Andy Harbinson, 21. Lorcan Quinn, 22. Scott McLean. Caolan Moran will be one of the unlucky players to miss out on making the match day 22. John Andrews: Rainey have already played Greystones twice this season. In the first meeting at Dr Hickey Park on the 13.10.18 Greystones won 42 – 28. Rainey were in the match with the teams level at 16 – 16 at halftime. Three early second half tries from the home side left Rainey unable to pick up any points from the match. In the return fixture at Hatrick Park on the 23.3.19 Rainey won 35 – 19. The coaches were able to bring on the bench replacements after 60 mins when the team led 35 – 12 to see out the match. John Andrews feels the set piece will be the key and is looking to his big forwards Timmy Barker, Paddy Magowan and John McCusker to make an early impact. His team have no fear of Greystones and are confident they can get a result at the weekend. This is Rainey’s fourth playoff year in a row. He finds his players love being involved in these playoff matches. Hopefully they can win at Greystones and possibly secure a home final if Sligo win at Blackrock College on Saturday week. DIV 2B/2C Skerries v Malahide Midleton v Bruff KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV2/3 PLAYOFF Lisburn v Monaghan DIV 3 Newry v Donaghadee EASTER MONDAY 22ND APRIL 2019: KINGSPAN STADIUM McCrea Cup Final Grosvenor v Queens University seconds. KO 12.30PM Robert Ford, Grosvenor Head coach: In their first season back in Div 1 Grosvenor finished 4th to secure a place in the All Ireland Junior Cup next season. Making the final of the McCrea Cup is another sign of the progress the team has made this season. The coach also talks about the strength in depth they are creating at the club with the seconds finishing 4th in Provincial 1 after securing back to back promotions. Three players who will miss the final are second row Peter Dawson, back row Jeff Mealiff and full back Matthew Fitzsimons. As the coaches look to build their squad they have added a number of former Grosvenor Grammar players to their squad this season including Jonny Farquhar, Josh McConkey and Ben Davies who have all made a big impact on the 1st xv. Players who will miss out on selection include Mark Johnston and Jamie McMullan due to the competition for places. One player who has returned to the club is David Marshall who will add additional experience next season. Robert Ford has selected a squad of 21 he must reduce to 20 for the Final. This will be confirmed at the training on Thursday night. Grosvenor squad: Forwards: Pearce Jamison, Stuart Smyth, Willy Rea, Mark Rainey, Matthew Cahoon, Daniel Bowden, Matthew Allen, Conor McKee, Andrew Kelly (Capt), Sam Purdon, Ben Davies, Backs: Allen McCluggage, Peter Davison, David Egner, Josh McConkey, Stuart McIIwaine, Jonny Farquhar, Adam Skelton, Neil Adams, Ben Coard, Cameron Knell. Robert Ford; The team are looking forward to the Final after a long season. The coach knows how competitive Queens will be after spending 3 years coaching the students before taking up the Head coach post at Grosvenor. The current playing conditions will suit the students running game. The team talk about winning the trophy in 2014 and are keen to see it return to Gibson Park where it was previously held by Malone seconds. With two young sides contesting the final it promises to be a very entertaining match. Both teams will want to come and play. There will be no excuses from the Grosvenor camp. The players will have to perform. The coach has full confidence in his players to do themselves justice at the Kingspan stadium. The rolling subs will be important to keep the players fresh on the pitch. Monday is Cup Rugby. Who plays better will win on the day. Colin Hamilton Queens 2nd xv coach: Queens seconds won the Provincial league 1 title on Saturday after defeating Grosvenor seconds 24 – 17. They will now play Malone seconds at Gibson Park on Saturday 27th April for a place in the 2nd xv league ad Conference league next season. For the McCrea Cup Final against Grosvenor on Easter Monday Head coach Colin Hamilton sticks with the players who have got the team to this final. Queens University seconds team: 1. Jonny Black, 2. Jack Sleator, 3. Toby Jozwiak, 4. Callum Cardwell (Capt), 5. Martin Withers, 6. Andrew Walker, 7. Daniel Edgar, 8. Chris Fowler, 9. James Creighton, 10. Daniel Keane, 11. Chris Jennings, 12. Curtis Dundas, 13. Rory Nicholl, 14. Fal El Vave, 15. Mark Gordon, 16. Alex Elmore, 17. Reece Goddard, 18. Matthew Pentland, 19. Matthew McSorley, 20. Josh Rawlinson. Colin Hamilton: The coach wants his team to play their game and really go at Grosvenor from the start. The big challenge for the players is to up their work rate to win this match. River Rock Towns Cup Final Ballyclare v Enniskillen. KO 2.30PM Mike McKeever, Ballyclare Head coach: There will few changes to the Ballyclare 1st xv that have represented the club this season. Injury rules out Niall Lawther who suffered a serious facial injury in the league match against Dromore at the Cloughan whilst scoring a try. There are a few considerations to be made before finalising the second and back rows involving Ryan Tweed, Robert Boyd and Aaron Playfair with selection to be finalised on Thursday night. Grant Bartley will captain the side from the second row. Ballyclare team: 1. Dean Jones, 2. Matthew Coulter, 3. Al Boyd, 4. Robert Boyd/Ryan Tweed, 5. Grant Bartley (Captain) 7. Gary Weatherup, 8. David Clarke, 9. Andy Eastop, 10. Robbie Reid, 11. Matthew Kirk, 12. Willie Stewart, 13. Joel McBride, 14. Owen Kirk, 15. Gary Clotworthy, 16. Jack Black, 17. Jordan Birnie, 18. Robert Boyd/Ryan Tweed/Aaron Playfair, 19. Ryan McIIwaine, 20. Ross Patterson. Mike McKeever: Players are really excited about contesting another final. The break has left the squad fresh. They know they are the current holders and have won the Cup Final before. It is all about the players enjoying themselves. They have a great opportunity to retain the trophy if they perform on Monday. Ryan Cathcart, Enniskillen 1st xv Captain: The playing squad will be informed of the team selection for the Cup Final against Ballyclare on Thursday night. Players including Gavin Parke, Adam Lendrum and Jack Rutledge are expected to come into contention for selection after recovering from injury. For the game with Ballyclare it is all about the team putting pressure on their opponents. Ballyclare are a dangerous side to play against. It is all about this Enniskillen team bringing a physicality and aggression to their play. The pack have been dominant this season and are looking to use their set piece advantage. Line speed will be all important in defence to keep the Ballyclare backs at bay. It is all about the Enniskillen players keeping their heads and their shape throughout the match. With this being the teams third final appearance in four years there is a belief that this is the year they can win the Towns Cup. Enniskillen team and replacements to play Ballyclare: 1. Gavin Warrington, 2. Ryan Cathcart (Capt), 3. Gareth Beatty, 4. David Buchanan, 5. Jamie Kelly, 6. Gavin Parke, 7. James Carleton, 8. Ricky Lee, 9. Nick Finlay, 10. Adam Lendrum, 11. Conor Hoy, 12. Mark O’Shea, 13. James Ferguson, 14. Tyler Millar, 15. Ashley Finlay, 16. Steven Fox, 17. Alan Ferguson, 18. John Arnold, 19. Jack Rutledge, 20. Matthew Dane.