Club Rugby Preview - 23 Mar 2019

Preview of this weekend's action in the All Ireland League and Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship... ALL IRELAND LEAGUE ROUND 16 DIV 1A Dublin University (4) v Cork Constitution (1) Garryowen (5) v Clontarf (2) Lansdowne (3) v UCD (6) Shannon (9) v Terenure College (10) UCC (8) v Young Munster (7) DIV 1B Ballynahinch (2) v Old Belvedere (7) Banbridge (6) v Naas (5) Malone (4) v City of Armagh (3) Old Wesley (10) v Buccaneers (9) St Mary’s College (8) v Ballymena (10) Ballynahinch v Old Belvedere Ballynahinch coach Tom Rock: Apart from the players away with Ulster A in USA the squad is in good shape. In Round 3 Ballynahinch won 32 – 7 away to Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road on the 20.10.18. Banbridge v Naas Banbridge Head coach Simon McKinstry will rely on his club players for the difficult fixture at home to Naas this weekend. With Callum Reid, David McCann, Corrie Barrett and Caleb Montgomery travelling with Ulster in the USA – Jonny Stewart, James Hume and Michael Lowry who played in the round 15 win at Ballymena have not been released by Ulster. Jonny Murphy is ineligible having not played the requisite number of matches to play in the remaining four rounds of the AIL. This is a situation the Banbridge coaches have had to deal with in recent seasons. Chris Allen was a late change at Ballymena due to a family bereavement and will return to the squad this week. His replacement Dale Carson was outstanding at Ballymena and will keep his place. Stuart Cromie will return to the front row with doubts over the availability of Jonny Little and Ian Porter with both of their wives expecting this week. Out half Josh Cromie is expected to be available after missing out on recent games with an ankle injury. He will be put through a fitness test this week. Other players who will be added to the squad this week include backs John Porter and Aaron Kennedy. Competition is competitive in the front row with Ross Haughey, Jonny Weir, Andrew Jackson and Scott Cromie all in contention for two places on the bench. In the game against Ballymena the home side came out fighting for their lives with all guns blazing. They built up an early lead with Banbridge getting back in the game before half time with a try. The second half the Banbridge team stuck to their guns and played rugby the way this Banbridge team can play. The coaches are hoping for more of the same against Naas. In Round 3 Banbridge won 20 – 16 away to Naas at Forenaughts on the 20.10.18 Malone v City of Armagh Malone’s narrow 15 – 12 defeat at Old Belvedere was not helped by having to use four of their bench replacements in the first 20 minutes with Mark O’Connor, Captain Ross Todd and Ryan Clarke all picking up injuries. Winger Rory Campbell had a reoccurrence of an ankle injury that ruled him out of the matches against Old Belvedere and Buccaneers. Second row Michael Shiels remains unavailable due to work commitments. Malone Head Coach Paddy Armstrong: This is an important game for the Malone team. The players have trained really well this week and are looking forward to the challenge City of Armagh will present. They are a very good side who are well organised and coached. City of Armagh Coach Chris Parker: The team have three league games left to play with Ulster derbies coming up against Malone and Ballynahinch before playing Old Wesley in their final Round 18 match. There was disappointment for Head Coach Willy Faloon and Chris Parker at the weekend as they watched their second xv let slip a halftime lead against current River Rock Towns Cup holders Ballyclare at the Cloughan to lose 20 – 15. The focus for the coaches and the extended playing squad is the All Ireland League game at Gibson Park against Malone this weekend. The coaches are keen to see the team extend their winning run after wins over St Mary’s College and Ballymena. They welcome back Andrew Willis, Daryl Morton, Robert Whitten, Oisin Kiernan and Andrew Smyth who will all come into contention for the match-day 20. Competition is very competitive within the squad with four hookers Jack Treanor, Andrew Smyth, Jonny Morton and Peter Lamb competing for two of the four places available. Another example where the competition is competitive is out half with Jonny Pollock, Chris Cousens and Cormac Fox all in contention. Both Chris Cousens and Jonny Pollock can play in the 12 jersey alongside captain Chris Colvin. With a full squad available to select from the coaches will have several difficult calls to make this week. The difficulty is making changes to a winning team who performed so well against St Mary’s College and Ballymena. For City of Armagh it is dealing with the game against Malone on Saturday. The players and coaches are expecting a backlash from a Malone team who have lost their last three AIL matches. Despite Malone missing several of their Ulster players this week Chris Parker is expecting Malone Head Coach Paddy Armstrong to have his team well prepared for this crucial game. In Round 3 City of Armagh defeated Malone 32 – 3 at the Palace Grounds on the 20.10.18. St Mary’s College v Ballymena Ballymena Head Coach Andy Graham: Injuries and unavailability will deny the Ballymena coaches of a number of players for the this difficult away fixture at St Mary’s College. Injuries rule out Matthew Norris, Jonny McMullan, Dean Reynolds, Alan Smyth, Stephen Mulholland, Mark Foster, David Whann and Jack Fleming with both Jordan Foster and Jonny Rossborough unavailable. Full back Rodger McBurney returns after being unavailable due to injury for several weeks. Ballymena team: 1. Nacho Clandero Crespo, 2. Jonny Spence, 3. Chris Cundell, 4. Connor White, 5. Connor Smyth, 6. Jack Bolger, 7. Matthew Dick, 8. Philip Campbell, 9. Glenn Baillie, 10. Timmy Small, 11. Eoin Ritson, 12. Darrell Montgomery, 13. Paddy James, 14. Sam Millar, 15. Rodger McBurney, 16 – 20 from Andrew Ferguson, James Taggart, Josh Bill, Ian Caldwell, Jack Lewis, Ryan Mattison and Dominic Gallagher. Andy Graham never questions the commitment of any Ballymena player who represents the 1st xv. Injuries and unavailability have impacted on the squad in 2019 with selection leading to too many changes each week. Errors have crept into the team’s game with maybe a lack of experience to support the younger players. When you lose a lot of games confidence then becomes an issue. When Ballymena played St Mary’s College at Eaton Park they recorded an impressive win. St Mary’s like Ballymena have had a mixed season. The key for the team on Saturday is to get an early score to settle the players. It is all about keeping possession of the ball. Ballymena have several exciting young players coming through in wingers Sam Millar and Eoin Ritson who will get their chance this week. The return of Rodger McBurney will add experience to the threequarter line. In Round 3 Ballymena defeated St Mary’s College 40 – 22 at Eaton Park on the 20.10.18 DIV 2A Blackrock College (9) v Navan RFC (3). Friday 22.3.19. KO 8PM Nenagh Ormond (8) v UL Bohemians (5). Friday 22.3.19. KO 8PM Galwegians (10) v Queens University (4) Highfield (1) v Cashel RFC (2) Old Crescent (6) v Dolphin (7) Galwegians v Queens University In Round 3 Queens University defeated Galwegians 45 – 10 at the Dub Lane on the 13.10.18 DIV 2B Skerries (8) v Wanderers (6). Friday 22.3.19. KO 8PM Belfast Harlequins (9) v Dungannon (7) Rainey OB (3) v Greystones (2) Sligo (4) v MU Barnhall (1) Sunday’s Well (10) v Galway Corinthians (5) Belfast Harlequins v Dungannon Belfast 1st xv Manager Neale Wilson: Head coach Nicky Wells is not expecting to make too many changes for this week’s match with Dungannon. Crucial game for both teams. Dungannon Head Coach Andrew Hughes: He is looking his players to go out with the physicality they have shown in recent games and build on their strong defensive effort. There has also been a noticeable increase in the team’s work rate. The last two months the coaches have witnessed the commitment to training from the players with the players getting to know each other and work on their combinations. Being able to bring five seasoned players off the bench has also had an impact. These players are putting in massive shifts with the playing environment so much better at the club. Saturday is a Cup Final for both teams. Dungannon welcome back John Russell and Caolan Mulgrew who missed the win over Sunday’s Well. Jordan McIIwaine replaced Caolan Mulgrew against Sunday’s Well and grabbed his opportunity to impress. There are a number of difficult decisions to make before the team and replacements are finalised for Saturday. Do the coaches go with a 4/1 or 3/2 combination on the bench. In Round 3 Dungannon defeated Belfast Harlequins 16 – 9 at Stevenson Park on the 13.10.18 Rainey OB v Greystones Rainey OB Head cCoach John Andrews: The coach welcomes back Timmy Barker, Paddy Magowan, Martin Millar, Damien McMurray, Scott Mclean and Andrew Donaghy for this crucial match as Rainey look to retain 3rd place in the playoffs. Charlie Clarke is away with the Ulster A squad in the USA this week. In Round 3 Rainey OB lost 42 – 28 to Greystones at Dr Hickey Park on the 13.10.18 DIV 2C Bangor (8) v Midleton (2) Bruff (3) v Tullamore (7) Malahide (4) v Ballina (1) Omagh (5) v Thomond (10) Seapoint (9) v City of Derry (6) Bangor v Midleton Bangor Head coach Michael Ferguson: The playing squad are still struggling with injuries and unavailability at the moment unfortunately. The team will not be finalised until Thursday evening with a number of players to undergo late fitness tests. The players available have been working hard and are digging deep to produce the performances needed to turn around their form and get the result they need this weekend. In Round 3 Bangor lost 34 – 8 to Midleton at Towns Park on the 13.10.18 Omagh v Thomond Omagh Head Coach Philip Marshall: The coach welcomes back Prop Ricky Hemphill, Out half Scotty Elliott, Winger Matty Eccles and full back Ali Beckett to take their place on the starting 15 with Jonny Sproule  and Neil Brown taking their place on the bench. This is a must win game for both teams. In Round 3 Omagh defeated Thomond 28 – 13 at Liam Fitzgerald Park on the 13.10.18. Seapoint v City of Derry City of Derry Director of Rugby Paul O’ Kane: Big game for the team this week with the coach hoping to have as near a full strength team for the trip to Seapoint. There will be late fitness tests on Sam Duffy and Simon Logue. It is a real cup final for both sides this week with the players expecting another battle this week. . The squad have a belief they can put in another good performance that hopefully gives the team the chance to take points away from home. This match is a huge challenge for the team. City of Derry team and replacements: 1. Jimmy Hamilton, 2. David Ferguson, 3. Sam Duffy, 4. Adam Bratton, 5. Gerard Doherty, 6. Conor McMenamin, 7. Chris Lamberton, 8. Stephen Corr, (. Rory MacGinty, 10. Alex McDonnell, 11. Thomas Cole, 12. David Graham, 13. David Lapsley, 14. Simon Logue, 15. Keelan Coyle, 16. Ross Harkin, 17. Ben Pollin, 18. Craig Huey, 19. Tiernan Thorton, 20. James Perry. In Round 3 City of Derry defeated Seapoint 19 – 17 at the Craig Thompson Stadium on the 13.10.18. KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1 ROUND 18 Ballyclare (1) v Dromore (3) Carrickfergus (5) v Coleraine (10) Cooke (6) v Instonians (20 Enniskillen (7) v Grosvenor (4) Portadown (8) v CIYMS (9) Ballyclare v Dromore Dromore Head Coach Jonny Cullen: He will welcome back Aaron Stewart, Peter Elliott and Mark Hylands into the squad for the match at Ballyclare this week after missing the match against Enniskillen on Tuesday night. The squad are carrying a couple of knocks from the Enniskillen match that could see Dylan Cobb, Andrew Coffey and Andrew Gilmore keep their places after their good performances against Enniskillen. The late fitness tests on Thursday night will be interesting as every player is desperate to get a jersey for the Ballyclare game on Saturday. Scrum half Lee Steenson made a welcome return against Enniskillen and will start against Ballyclare. In their first league meeting at Barban Hill on the 29.12.18 Dromore defeated Ballyclare 21 – 8. Dromore had already defeated Ballyclare 48 – 29 at Barban Hill in the second Round of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup on the 29.9.18. Carrickfergus v Coleraine Carrickfergus Head Coach Warren McClean: The coach is awaiting on a few players returning from injury before finalising his selection on Thursday night. He is looking at this fixture as a must win for his players to keep their outside chance of finishing 5th and qualifying for the AIL Junior Cup next season. In their first league meeting at Rugby Avenue on the 29.12.18 Coleraine defeated Carrickfergus 18 – 17. Cooke v Instonians Cooke Head Coach Colin Atkinson: The injury list at the club has made the task of the coach frustrating in the run in to the end of season matches. Several players including Andy Hanna, Ian Moxen and Russell Hunter picked up injuries in the home defeat to Grosvenor in the McCrea Cup. Players still ruled out include Matthew Crothers, Andrew Quigley, Callum Robinson, Matty Elliott, Jason Lyons, Captain Kyle Mitchell, Philip Cartmill and Ian Anderson. Selection for the game with Instonians will be finalised on Thursday night. Instonians Head Coach John Andress: This weekend is all about focusing on the task in hand and that is winning the match against Cooke. We all know the big rivalry between the two clubs. In the last match it was level after 60 mins before Instonians closed out the match. Each season the league is getting tougher with three teams in contention for the league on Saturday. Next season John expects to see Grosvenor up competing for the league. He is very proud of his players and the effort and commitment they have put in this season. They have only lost one league game. Whatever happens this week they will take it on the chin. Hopefully if results go their way the league title will go to Instonians. The players have done well and put up a fight. The coach will welcome back Matthew Kilpatrick and James Martin who missed the game at Ballyclare along with Mark Mairs and Johnny Mooney. Full back Andrew Keane remains suspended with Lewis McNamara unavailable. Paddy Bell returned to training this week but he is not ready to play. Instonians have added Bradley McNamara the brother of Lewis McNamara to their squad for this weekend. He provides options for the coaches at 10 and 15. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night with Matthew Kilpatrick expected to partner Captain David Scott in the centre in an otherwise unchanged backline. In the forwards James Martin and Mark Mairs are expected to join Massimo Kiri Kiri in the back row with John Andress, Tom Matthews and Sean Shuttleworth contesting the second row positions. The front row is expected to see Alan Whitten, Cameron Barr, and Conor Gallagher the options in the front row along with John Andress. John Andress: This league is very tough. You have to turn up every week and perform to get results. Several of the teams are very physical most notably Dromore. In any rugby club-  culture is all important. It is all about motivating a group of players to buy into the same thing so they can maintain the same levels each week. In their first meeting at Shawsbridge on the 29.12.18 Instonians defeated Cooke 27 – 24. Enniskillen v Grosvenor Enniskillen Head Coach Stevie Welsh: Despite the disappointment of coming away from Barban Hill with no league points on Tuesday night the coach is expecting his players to raise their game to secure a win at home to 4th place Grosvenor on Saturday to keep their place in Div 1. Injury has ruled out – Adam Lendrum with the coach hoping to welcome back Ashley Finlay, John Arnold, Jack Rutledge, David Buchanan and Ryan Cathcart who missed the game at Dromore. Prop Gareth Beatty who missed the win over Clogher Valley in the Towns Cup is another player who will come into contention for a starting place. Out half Nick Finlay picked up an injury at Dromore and will undergo a late fitness test. The policy for the Enniskillen Head coach has been to give opportunities to the younger players coming through this season such as Enniskillen Royal Grammar School winger Alex Parke who made his debut for the 1st xv at Dromore. Two other young players making an impact are second row Jamie Kelly and winger Conor Hoy. With all three club teams doing well in 2019 - competition for places has increased the numbers training as the club look to build on the progress they are making this season. Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford: The coaches are planning to rotate their squad this week after a very physical battle with Cooke in the semi final of the McCrea Cup last Saturday. It will give the coaches a chance to look at the options available ahead of the McCrea Cup Final on Easter Monday 22nd April 2019. The following players are expected to be rested including Pearce Jamison, Willie Rea, Andrew Kelly, Sam Purdon, Connor McKee and Peter Dawson. Players expected to replace them include Mark Cartmill, Matthew Cahoon, Ben Davies, Jeff Mealiff and Daniel Bowden. The only change expected in the backs is that Ben Coard will come in to get a start. Grosvenor had a very tough game against Enniskillen at home with the coach expecting the game on Saturday to be the same. Grosvenor have a rearranged league game with Cooke at Gibson Park on Thursday the 28th March 2019 with a 7.30PM. In their first meeting at Gibson Park on 17.11. 18 Grosvenor defeated Enniskillen 29 – 20. Portadown v CIYMS Portadown Head Coach Stuart Lamb: He is considering a couple of changes with the possibility of the coach starting with Craig Woods coming on to the bench – otherwise selection with be similar to team that played against Enniskillen. CIYMS Head Coach Gareth Fry: He is expecting a nervy, tight game on Saturday. Portadown is never an easy place to get a result. They are like us with having a mixed bag of results. Six weeks ago we set a target to keep staying up in the league in our own hands. We have done this albeit in grinding out a few results. Unfortunately, the coach is missing some crucial players including Captain Mark McConkey and influential second row Paddy Aiken. The young players who have come in have had a steep learning curve and are improving all the time. In their first league meeting at Belmont on the 17.11.18 Portadown defeated CIYMS 28 – 23. ULSTER PREMIERSHIP 2ND XV LEAGUE City of Armagh seconds v Omagh seconds Malone seconds v Ballynahinch seconds DIV 2 Ards v Ballymoney Limavady v Larne Lisburn v Randalstown Lurgan v Academy Ards v Ballymoney In their first meeting at Kilraughts Road on 1.9.18 Ballymoney won 26 – 5 against Ards. Limavady v Larne Limavady Head coach Graeme Eastwood: He is not expecting to make too many changes. Bryn Davies, Daniel Irvine and Jamie ‘Mo’ Millar are all available for the match with Larne and will come into contention for selection. This is the last home game of the season for Limavady at the John Hunter Memorial Fields with everyone looking forward to the match. In their first meeting at the Glynn on the 15.9.18 Limavady won 55 – 6 against Larne. Lisburn v Randalstown In their first meeting at Nelisbrook on the 15.9.18 Randalstown won 8 – 0 against Lisburn Lurgan v Academy Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn: The coach is contemplating changes with selection to be finalised on Thursday night. In their first meeting at Roughfort on the 15.9.18 Academy won 30 – 13 against Lurgan DIV 3 BHSFP v Holywood Letterkenny v Monaghan Newry v PSNI Ophir v Donaghadee Strabane v Cavan Virginia v Civil Service