Preview of this weekend's club rugby action...
The opening weekend of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League did not disappoint local supporters with seven Ulster teams recording victories and another three losing out by one score.
Unfortunately City of Derry suffered a heavy defeat at the Aviva stadium against Wanderers. We had Dungannon score five tries in their 29 – 27 loss at home to Skerries. Rainey OB out half Andrew McGrath watched a conversion strike the up right to deny his team a win in their 22 – 21 home defeat against Old Crescent. Belfast Harlequins had drawn level 17 – 17 with visitors Navan only for indiscipline and yellow cards to undo all their hard work. Still a much improved performance from the Deramore side. Ballymena, despite two yellow cards, showed considerable resolve to come from 15 – 3 at halftime to win 21 – 18 away to Old Wesley at Donnybrook. Brian McLaughlin lost out to his old Irish boss Eddie O’Sullivan with Ballynahinch losing 13 – 6 at Old Belvedere. Armagh defeated their rivals from last season Greystones in a thrilling 30 – 26 win at the Palace grounds. Queens Uni left it late to score their winning points at Galway Corinthians. With the match level at 18 – 18 it took a break from former Cambridge Uni captain Daniel Dass to send second row Ali Burke through for the vital try to win 25 – 18. Malone continued their early season form with an opening day bonus point win at Nenagh 37 – 7. In the process winger Rory Campbell kicked 7/7 to contribute 17 points. Bangor showed considerable resilience to come back from a 15 – 7 deficit to win their game at home with Tullamore 21 – 15. Congratulations have to go to Banbridge who in their first match in Div 1B scored a last minute try through winger Tom Caesar to win 20 – 13 at UL Bohemians in Limerick.
In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Ballyclare and Instonians have confirmed their status as the teams to catch in Div 1. If any of the chasing pack are going to close the gap the performances of Coleraine and Enniskillen will give us some indication when these teams meet this week. Carrick are a team who look as if they could finish top four this season.
In Div 2 Grosvenor remain the favourites with Ballymoney and Randalstown in pursuit.
In Div 3 we have four teams tied at the top: Donaghadee, Monaghan, Lurgan and Strabane after the opening matches.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
DIV 1A
Clontarf v St Mary’s College. Friday 22.9.17. kick off 7.30PM
Garryowen v Buccaneers
Lansdowne v Young Munster
Terenure College v Cork Constitution
UCD v Dublin Uni
DIV 1B
Ballymena v Dolphin
Ballynahinch v Old Wesley
Banbridge v UCC
Naas v UL Bohemians
Shannon v Old Belvedere
Ballymena v Dolphin
Head coach Andy Graham commented that he knew it was in his players to travel to Donnybrook last week and win their opening AIL match with Old Wesley.
Both the coaches and the 1st xv playing squad had sat down together and discussed the culture of Ballymena rugby club and what it meant to wear the club jersey and have pride in it. It was all about building team spirit in advance of the match.
What brought the best out of the Ballymena team during the match was when influential back rowers Stephen Mulholland and Adrian Hamilton were yellow carded within minutes of each other by referee Joy Neville in the first half. For 12/13 minutes the two cards galvanised the 13 players as they dug in and restricted the Old Wesley team to one score during this period to go in 15 – 3 down at halftime.
The response from the Ballymena players in the second half was too much for Old Wesley with the Eaton Park side storming back to win 21 – 18.
Experienced players including Daryl Montgomery, Alan Smyth and David O’Hara have made themselves available with Smyth playing a key role in the win at Old Wesley.
Additions to the Ballymena squad include Michael Stronge, Angus Kernohan, Azur Allison and Matthew Agnew who are all in the Ulster Sub Academy along with Tim Savoury, Josh Bill, Dean Reynolds and JJ McKee (Antrim Grammar).
Ballymena have been able to field an under 20 team which includes players from Ballymena Academy, Cambridge House and the club’s under 18 team. Amongst these players are Connor and Scott Agnew, Ruben Russell and David Glass from the schools along with club Youth players John Glover, Sean McCormick and Richard Lamont.
After the match at Old Wesley several players are carrying knocks, bangs and bruises. The coach was very pleased with the performance of Ulster out half Brett Herron. He has yet to finalise his squad for match with Dolphin at Eaton Park on Sat with Michael Stronge, Angus Kernohan, Matty Agnew, James Taggart, Houston Bonner and Andrew Cundell all coming into consideration for inclusion.
Ulster players released include Callum Patterson and Adam McBurney. Both Dave Shanahan and Brett Herron are on the bench for Ulster on Friday night. Their availability will depend on the game time they get with Ulster.
Andy Graham is expecting a very tough game with Dolphin. Last season his team lost narrowly at their Cork venue. They showed by their strong finish to their season, the quality side they are. In out half Barry Keeshan they have a lot of experience. They individually and collectively have to be mentally strong to defeat their Cork opponents who lost narrowly to a strong Naas side in their opening game. For the Ballymena players it is all about building on the confidence of their opening win. The coach is also aware there are several areas of the team the players have to work hard on to improve in the coming weeks.
Ballynahinch v Old Wesley
1st xv Manager Ronnie Duncan was disappointed his Ballynahinch team did not do enough in the first half at Old Belvedere to win their opening AIL game. The team had plenty of possession but just were not clinical enough with the ball in hand. The squad are young this season and played with a lot of heart and some great rugby.
Coaches Brian McLaughlin and Tom Rock are not expected to make too many changes for their home match at Ballymacarn Park. Again the coaches will be hoping the weather stays dry to allow the team to play an open running game of rugby.
There is a very positive atmosphere around the club with the second xv carrying on from where they finished last season with the remaining five teams all performing. Hopefully the 1st xv can win at home to Old Wesley to get their season up and running.
Ulster releases include: Jonny ‘Mo’ Simpson, Peter Browne, David Busby, Aaron Cairns, Jonny McPhillips, Zack McCall (Require late fitness test on toe injury), Jack Regan and Aaron Hall. Rory Butler is unavailable due to a hamstring injury.
Banbridge v UCC
The coaching team at Banbridge includes former 1st xv captain Simon McKinstry who spent time coaching the clubs second xv. Director of Rugby Daniel Soper is full of praise for the leadership qualities and energy Simon McKinstry has brought as the forwards coach and he is assisted by former Belfast Harlequins forward Robert Logan who has responsibility for the scrum. Gareth Bronte has taken over as 1st xv manager with Johnny Matthews continuing as the video analyst.
Former Ireland and Ulster prop Simon Best has stepped back from coaching the forwards due to his commitments with Ulster and the IRFU. Brother Rory has stepped in and is regularly present at the club on a Tuesday night to offer his experience on the set piece and other aspects of the game.
New additions to the Banbridge playing squad this season include Ulster players: Rob Lyttle, Caleb Montgomery. Nick Timoney, Tom O’Toole, Eric O’Sullivan, Greg Jones, James Hume, Michael Lowry and Tom Ceaser.
Other players added to the squad include NZ back row forward Nick Hayes from Otago, Jason Gribben returning from Dromore, Jonny Weir after two years away from rugby.
For the match with UCC this week Banbridge are missing 2nd row Robin Sinton through injury. Second row Kallan Martin has been ruled out with a long term injury following the Ulster Rugby Championship match at Ballynahinch. Ulster Academy back rower Greg Jones is also unavailable due to injury, while Nick Timoney and Rob Lyttle are involved with Ulster on Friday night. Ulster releases include Caleb Montgomery, Tom O’Toole, Eric O’Sullivan and Michael Lowry.
Nick Timoney was very prominent in his team’s win in Limerick with his physicality and work at the rucks proving decisive along with Caleb Montgomery and Rob Lyttle in setting up the match winning try for winger Tom Ceasar.
DIV 2A
Blackrock College v Cashel RFC
Galwegians v City of Armagh
Greystones v Galway Corinthians
Malone v Highfield
Queens Uni v Nenagh Ormond
City of Armagh v Galwegians
Assistant coach Chris Parker was pleased his Armagh players came through a stiff opening AIL test against Greystones to open their league campaign with a 30 -26 win. This week they head off to Galway to play Galwegians. The Connacht side may have been relegated from Div 1 B last season but they showed their ambitions by winning 26 – 19 win at Cashel.
Armagh will finalise their selection on Thursday night with a number of players confirming their availability to travel. Full back Tim McNeice is ruled out for the next two weeks. Stuart Hooks picked up a groin injury against Dromore that rules him out.
James Hannah and Paul Mullan have returned from injury and will come into consideration in the pack. Evin Crummie returns from Ulster under 19 commitments and will be considered as a midfield option. Ryan Purvis, Andrew Morton and Harry Doyle had impressive performances for the 2nd xv last week in their win against Dromore and will be pushing hard for selection. A lot of selection headaches for the coaches but it is a good problem to have.
Malone v Highfield
The Cork visitors missed out on the automatic promotion place by two points to Banbridge last season. They will again be one of the firm favourites for promotion this season. Malone made an impressive start picking up the b/p in their 37 – 7 win at Nenagh last week with winger Rory Campbell kicking 7/7 to contribute 17 points for his team.
Malone head coach Paddy Armstrong acknowledges Highfield were unlucky to miss out on getting promoted last season. Both games between the two sides were very difficult. Highfield are renowned for having a well drilled and very tall and physical pack of forwards.
The coach has a few injury concerns but is hoping to keep a similar team to last week with late fitness tests on Thursday night. The team performed well last week, in particular Nathan Brown and Ryan Clarke as well as Captain Ross Todd who stood out. It is important for the team to build on the win last week.
Ulster players released: Jack Owens, Matthew Dalton, Joe Dunleavy and Peter Cooper who will be subject to a late fitness test.
Queens University v Nenagh Ormond
Former Cambridge player Daniel Dass made the break that set up second row Ali Burke for the crucial winning try in Galway against Corinthians last Sat. With the teams all square at 18 – 18 it was a last ditch breakaway that won the game for the students 25 – 18. It ensured former Ulster coach Neil Doak got his side off to a winning start. For several of the young Queens players it was a step up in intensity and physicality from playing in the Ulster league and Cup. Captain Nigel Simpson was amongst the try scorers along with centre Conor Shiels and out half Richie McMaster who converted 10 points from two penalties and two conversions.
Queens team: 1. Anton Lupari, 2. David Swann, 3. Andrew Clingan, 4. Ali Burke, 5. Marc Campbell, 6. Nigel Simpson (Captain), 7. David Whitten, 8. Gary Dillon, 9. John Creighton, 10. Richie Mcmaster, 11. Conor McKee, 12. Conor Shiels, 13. Rory Bell, 14. Andy Nicholl, 15. Jonny Milliken, 16. Jordan Southway, 17. Nicky Woods, 18. Daniel Dass, 19. Josh Fullerton, 20. Eunan Shaw.
Players unavailable/injured included Zac Jordan, Mark Keane, Angus Curtis, Gerard Treanor, Jack Milligan, Jonny Stewart, Alexander Clarke. Jonny Lees.
DIV 2B
Skerries v Wanderers
City of Derry v Belfast Harlequins
Navan RFC v Rainey OB
Old Crescent v MU Barnhall
Sunday’s Well v Dungannon
City of Derry v Belfast Harlequins
Both sides lost their opening AIL games, with Derry losing 71 – 3 at Wanderers and Quins going down 26 – 17 at home to Navan. City of Derry have two homes games coming up now with Quins and Skerries before they prepare for the long trip to Cork on the 7th October to play Sunday’s Well. We will learn a lot about the depth of this young Derry squad to be competitive in this league. New Head coach Trevor Will and NZ scrum half Tyler Rogers – Holden have much work to do.
Quins Head coach Nicky Wells will have been frustrated his players lost their discipline in the final quarter after clawing back an early Navan lead to level the scores at 17 – 17. Two yellow cards for 2nd row and captain Danny Annett along with centre Mark Gribben being red carded for a second yellow was not the response the coach wanted from his players on the opening day. With games coming up against City of Derry and Rainey OB, Quins can make a statement of their intentions this season. The ability is within the squad. They maybe lacked the experience on the pitch to close out this match. No doubt lessons learned for this Quins squad.
Nicky Wells is making minimal changes this week with former Methody centre James McConnell coming in for the suspended Mark Gribben (1 x match suspension). Steven Weir comes in at hooker. Areas of the game he is looking for improvement include the teams line kicking for field position along with discipline and making sure they convert kickable penalty opportunities into points. Both the Quins half backs are only 19 yrs old, Conor McAuley (BRA) and Paul Kerr (Methody). They have the talent and ability to develop into an exciting combination in these key positions.
New City of Derry Head Coach Trevor Will has arrived from NZ with the task of keeping the side in Div 2B of the AIL. He is a man with a considerable coaching reputation who worked alongside new Connacht Head coach Kieran Keane at Hawkes Bay. This is not his first visit to the North West having coached at Foyle College between 2004 and 2006. Trevor will be assisted by former City of Derry Captain Richard McCarter with the coaching duties.
With the departure of scrum half Jason Bloomfield to Rainey OB, City of Derry made the decision to bring in NZ scrum half Tyler Rogers-Holden from Manawatu. He made a big impact coming on as a replacement during the loss away to Wanderers.
The challenge for the City of Derry squad is for the young players to adapt to the intensity and physicality of playing in the AIL. Two experienced forwards return to the pack this week in Sam Duffy at tight head and Richard Baird at open side.
City of Derry team: 1. Ross Harkin, 2. David Ferguson (Captain), 3. Sam Duffy, 4. Rodney Hill, 5. Gerard Doherty, 6. Adam Bratton, 7. Richard Baird, 8. Craig Huey, 9. Tyler Rogers – Holden, 10. Neil Burns, 11. Killien Thorton, 12. Paddy Blenerhassett, 13. David Graham, 14. Tiernan Thorton, 15. Thomas Cole, 16. Barry Lafferty, 17. Cathal Cregan, 18. Callum McDonald, 19. Jack Beattie, 20. AN Other.
Rainey OB V Navan
Two adversaries who fought it out last season in the Div 2c promotion race. Rainey lost their home fixture with visitors Old Crescent 22 – 21 after going behind in this match. A late rally almost brought the win with out half Andrew McGrath watching his conversion attempt strike the upright to win the game. Still they can reverse their defeat this weekend. It wont be easy against a Navan team who travelled to Deramore Park and won 26 – 17 against Belfast Harlequins.
Rainey Head coach John Andrews has only two absentees from the squad last week with Jody McMurray unavailable and Nicholas Stirling ruled out with an injury.
Dungannnon v Sunday’s Well
Outscoring your opponents Skerries 5 tries to 4 and losing the match was difficult to stomach last Saturday for Dungannon Head coach Andy Hughes at Stevenson Park. As he said himself his worst fears came true. With so many new combinations playing together for the first time his team were lacking that bit of cohesion. Losing the experience of backs coach Seamus Mallon to an ankle injury before kick off did not help.
Full credit to Skerries they brought an intensity for the first 60 minutes that Dungannon could not match.
The coach is looking forward to the Sunday’s Well trip this week. Players coming into contention for selection include Chris Swash, Ben Matchett and Seamus Mallon.
Sunday’s Well lost their opening match at MU Barnhall 11 – 6.
DIV 2C
Omagh v Midleton
Seapoint v Bangor
Sligo v Malahide RFC
Tullamore v Thomond
Bective Rangers v Bruff
Omagh v Midleton
It was a winning start for Omagh at Bruff as out half Scott Elliott kicked a 40 metre penalty to give his side a winning 14 – 13 margin. With a host of players unavailable it was a fantastic result for the County Tyrone side returning to the All Ireland league after 17 years. There was rejoicing at the news the clubs 2nd xv had won 15 – 12 away to Randalstown 1st. With back to back games at home to Midleton and Bective Rangers to play the Omagh side can make an early statement of their intent.
Head coach Philip Marshall is forced to make two changes with full back Lee Murphy ruled out with concussion to be replaced by Lee Warnock with seconds scrum half Adam Beattie taking his place on the bench. Bench prop Peter Todd is not available and will be replaced by John Blair.
Midleton opened their season with an impressive 20 – 10 win over Seapoint.
Omagh squad for Saturday: 1. Matthew Sproule, 2. Adam Pollock, 3. Richard Smyth, 4. Jamies Sproule, 5. Mervyn Edgar, 6. Martin Clyde, 7.Adam Longwell, 8. James Catterson, 9. Stewart McCain, 10. Scott Elliott, 11. Ryan Mitchell, 12. Luke Hanson, 13. Scott Barr, 14. Neil Brown, 15. Lee Warnock, 16. Phil Ewing, 17. John Blair, 18. Richard Harper, 19. Dean Kane, Adam Beattie.
Bangor v Seapoint
The ‘sea siders’ surprised the pundits when they deservedly defeated top four side Tullamore 21 – 15 at a ‘rain sodden’ Upritchard Park. It was the character shown by the players to come back from 15 – 7 down to win that will have pleased Head coach Jason Morgan.
1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong described it as a great win over one of the league favourites in miserable conditions.
Bangor lost their former Captain Jamie Clegg mid way through the first half to be replaced by James Stewart who put in an outstanding performance.
There were many huge performances, too many to single out with the players putting in a big second half defensive effort.
Bangor are mindful they defeated Div 2C winners Navan early last season and just avoided the drop after their season went into free fall. The challenge for the players is to back up this win.
Head coach Jason Morgan made it clear to the players at training on Tuesday night he was looking for another huge effort at Seapoint this weekend. The training was intense with several of the younger players stepping up as they push for a 1st xv place.
Team selection will be finalised on Thursday night with a few players facing late fitness tests. The intention is to keep the same squad as a reward for their efforts against Tullamore.
Seapoint lost their opening match 20 – 10 at Midleton.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
Coleraine (3) v Ballyclare (1)
Cooke (7) v Portadown (9)
Dromore (4) v Carrickfergus (5)
Enniskillen (8) v Instonians (2)
Coleraine v Ballyclare
Must win game for Coleraine Head coach Richard Boyd and his players if they intend to challenge top two pace setters Ballyclare and Instonians for the Div 1 title. Ballyclare have carried on from where they left off last season scoring 16 tries in their opening three league games. They will present a formidable challenge for this newly promoted Coleraine squad who lost their opening league match at Instonians 18 – 17 and followed this up with a win over Clogher Valley.
Coleraine Head coach Richard Boyd and his players are excited by the visit of Ballyclare to Rugby Avenue this weekend. These are the sort of games the coaching staff, players and supporters have been looking forward to and we hope to have a big crowd out to cheer us on. Nine 1st xv players return to the match day squad after the defeat at Ballynahinch in the Conference league. These include Dijon McCorkell, David Greatorex, Chris Nash, Michael Ferguson, Steven Dickey, Bokkie Carstens (Captain), Mikey Poskitt, Niall Irwin and Brian Cochrane all return after injury or being rested.
Ballyclare have got off to an excellent start and have been playing a good brand of rugby to date. We go into the game very much as underdogs but will be fully focused on getting something out of the game. We have performed well in the league so far but are yet to fully click and put an 80 minute performance together. This Saturday provides a real challenge to the team and we will have to improve in certain areas but we do have real confidence and belief in ourselves and we will be hard team to beat at home.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever regards every game as important. His focus is his players enjoying training and playing rugby. The league itself does not take shape until Christmas when the Conference league is complete. Until then as a coach you will only frustrate yourself with mind games of who has played and whom has to play. Simply go out and enjoy the next match.
Selection for Saturday will be finalised on Thursday night. With so much competition for starting places, especially in the pack it is a coaches dream with having a very competitive squad. Our depth is getting stronger and stronger, with the second xv improving with more Youth and Schools players challenging for places.
The new additions to the squad this season include Joel McBride, Ricky Lutton, Aaron Playfair, and Andy Eastop. The mix with the experience of Rab Boyd, Willy Logan, Bobby Smith, Gary Weatherup, and Gary Clotworthy is great to surround the youthfulness of Matthew Robson, Matthew Coulter, Dean Jones and Robbie Reid.
Captain Grant Bartley is thriving under the role and leading the side well.
Cooke v Portadown
Two teams that will be fighting for the league points on Saturday. Cooke have played two league games winning at Clogher Valley and losing at Ballyclare. This is their first home league game and they will want to open with a win at Shawsbridge. Visitors Portadown have had a difficult start to their season losing their opening three matches with Enniskillen, Dromore and CIYMS. Head coach Richard Hedley has had to manage a change in playing personnel and knows the importance of Saturday’s game with Cooke.
Cooke Head coach Colin Atkinson felt the conditions determined the outcome of the game at Ballyclare with the home side adapting much better to the conditions than his side. Ballyclare were very clinical in taking their scoring opportunities. Unforunately he can’t say the same for his side who lacked accuracy at crucial times. A couple of injuries forced rotations in the first half and disrupted the team. In the end Ballyclare fully deserved their 5 points.
Jason Lyons and Adrian Dodd will not be available for selection this week due to injury. Matthew Elliott returns from holidays with selection to be finalised on Thursday night.
Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley makes two changes due to injuries received by Peter Lamb and Matthew Thorton. They are replaced by James Wright and Thomas Johnston who return to the squad. The coach is waiting on a couple of late fitness tests before finalising his team for Saturday.
Dromore v Carrickfergus
Jonny Cullen continues as Dromore Head coach with former Ballynahinch player Jamie Kirk in as his assistant. Jamie has had to take time out following knee surgery and has impressed everybody at the club with his set piece work with the pack. New Director of Rugby Jeremy Ogle is also looking forward to his new role as he steers all sections of the club to success on the pitch this season.
There have been a few changes in playing personnel with experienced hooker Michael Harshaw retiring. Gary Dillon has moved on to Queens Uni with Dylan Cobb not available. Another key player Ali Kinghan continues his rehabilitation from an ACL injury.
There have been a number of new additions to the 1st xv squad with NZ prop Clark McCleod joining the club. Prop Mark Hylands has returned after a couple of years out due to work commitments and Michael Allen who has moved up from the seconds.
Early season league results included a loss at Ballyclare and a 32 – 14 win over Portadown. This Saturday they welcome a strong Carrickfergus team who impressed in their 33 – 3 win over Enniskillen at the Tom Simms Memorial Grounds last week. Their win was built on a powerful performance by their pack with prop and Captain Paul Greenaway scoring two tries.
Dromore team for Saturday: 1. Aaron Stewart, 2. Fraser Mulholland, 3. Mark Hylands, 4. Rory Pepper, 5. Ross Bingham, 6. Blair McDonald, 7. Adam McCregor, 8. Jonny Maguire,9. Lee Steenson, 10. Ryan Cobb, 11. Michael Allen, 12. Graham McCandless, 13. Sam Russell, 14. Brian McClearn, 15. Aaron Stewart, 16. Andrew Black, 17. Stuart Russell.
Enniskillen v Instonians
The Belfast side will make the journey to Mullaghmeen knowing they came second in their league meeting last season. Enniskillen opened their season with a 20 – 19 win at Portadown. In their second league game at Carrick last Sat they were well beaten by a powerful Carrick team who won 33 – 3. With several key players missing in their forward pack this season Instonians will look to exploit this advantage with the experienced Ben Alexander and Josh Atkinson added to the Inst back row along with Jon Andress in the front row. The return of their talented out half Fraser Wright to Shawsbridge this season will strengthen the options available to the coaching staff in the backs.
Enniskillen Head coach Willy Gibson acknowledges it was a tough day for his players at Carrick. The Carrick side were very good with his Enniskillen side making a lot of handling errors, combined with the blooding off two new front row players. Losing both Adam lendrum and Jamie Johnston to injury did not help. He felt it was just a poor performance and lack of execution by the players. The players have the chance this week to reverse that performance.
The coach is without Adam Lendrum, Ricky Lee and Jamie Johnston this week. He is aware the depth in strength at the club will be fully tested but it is also an opportunity for the younger players to gain more experience. Again he feels it is about these young players adjusting to playing in Div 1. After that he sees great potential in the squad.
Instonians Director of Rugby William Leacock has a couple of injuries and unavailability for the trip to Enniskillen. Captain Josh Atkinson and scrum half Cameron Black are unavailable. 2nd row Jack Scott joins the injured list with former Ulster player Roger Wilson out long term.
Congratulations to CIYMS 1st xv who won their first match of the season defeating Portadown 31 – 18 in the league at Chambers Park.
CI team: 1. Alastair Coulson, 2. Scott McNarry, 3. Tim Acheson, 4. Cory Tipping, 5. Mark Scott, 6. Scott Dowle, 7. Jason Gilliland, 8. Mark McConkey, 9 Cameron Stewart, 10. Matt Kilgore, 11. Ruairi Meharg, 12. Callum Irvine (Captain), 13. Nathan Burns, 14. Casmier Yandall, 15. Josh Newell. 16. Angus Keefe, 17. Stuart Ferguson.
Scorers: Tries Casmier Yandall, Mark McConkey, Ruairi Meharg and Nathan Burns. Matthew Kilgore 1x con and 3 x pens.
Players unavailable included Aaron Kilpatrick, Elliott Boyd, Paddy Aiken, David Cobain, Craig Devlin, Rob Haldane, Matt Butler and Peter Raine.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMP/CONF LEAGUE DIV 1
CIYMS (9) v City of Armagh seconds (3)
Clogher Valley (12) v Ballynahinch seconds (1)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Academy (4) v Limavady (9)
Larne (6) v Ards (5)
UUC (10) v PSNI (8)
Academy v Limavady
A much needed last gasp 18 – 17 win over the PSNI at Newforge has got the Academy season up and running. After a good pre season with warm up games against Cooke (20 – 20) and Carrickfergus (15 -15) Academy suffered two defeats against Ballymoney and early league pacesetters Grosvenor.
There has been welcome additions to the playing squad with the return of former BRA scrum half Max Oates who has been playing at out half. Mark Wylie’s experience from playing at Belfast Harlequins has helped with the organisation and direction of the backs. RBAI Schools Cup winner and 2nd row Pierce McLernon has joined the Mallusk side this season along with NZ scrum half Josh Lennox who is working at BRA in addition to former BRA centre Lewis Davidson.
Team that played against the PSNI : 1. Stevie Ferguson, 2. Lee Moody, 3. Adam Martin, 4. Craig Jackson, 5. Keith Dobbin, 6. Stephen Biggar, 7. Stuart Martin, 8. Richard Henderson, 9. Josh Lennox, 10. Max Oates, 11. Lewis Davidson, 12. Steven Stewart, 13. Mark Wylie, 14. Jamie Wilson, 15. Chris Cooper. 16. Peter Jackson, 17. Simon Beattie.
Scorers Penalty try, Richard Henderson, Chris Cooper 2 x cons, 2 x pens.
The coach will finalise his selection for the match with Limavady on Thursday night.
Limavady Head coach Mark Nicholl, like his Academy counterpart Gareth Lynn, experienced many of the difficulties clubs encounter in early season managing injuries and unavailability of players. After enduring a heavy home league defeat against Randalstown they had the opportunity to reverse this result against the same opponents in the Junior Cup winning 10 – 0. They had their Conference league game with Banbridge seconds postponed last week due to a waterlogged pitch.
The coach was disappointed with this outcome as his team will go in against Academy on Sat a little undercooked. To win the game against Academy the players will have to win the battle up front to beat them and allow his Limavady team to play their natural game. At this stage he is expecting to field a pretty much full strength team.
Larne v Ards
Supporters of the East Antrim side will have enjoyed the rugby played by their team against Ballynahinch seconds in the Junior Cup (Losing 32 – 28) and the sterling performance at Ballymoney last week before losing 33 – 28. Larne Head coach Graham Cloke and his players will be wary of an Ards team who have won 3/4 of the opening games scoring 15 tries in the process. For spectators this could turn out to be a high scoring entertaining game.
Scorers for Larne in their defeat at Ballymoney: Johnny Cole, Charlie Cloke and Ryan Garrett 1 x try each with Ryan Garrett kicking two cons and three penalties.
Graham Cloke is frustrated by the narrow losses but has been pleased by the efforts and performance of the team. The team will be similar to last week with forward Colin McKinty requiring a late fitness test. Two former Larne Grammar schoolboys Gareth Martin and Jack Hill will be added to the squad this week. There will be changes in backs with out half Phil Andrews a doubt and full back Aaron McBride unavailable. Again the coach adds Schoolboys Anton White and Barry John McFaul to his squad with final selection decisions held off until Thursday night.
Have Ards in John West and Scott Young found a coaching team that can steer this club back into Senior rugby. As John West admitted he has experienced relegation at Donaghadee and Ards in the last couple of seasons. He had the opportunity to join the Ards coaching team last Xmas. Time was not on his side but encouraging results and performances in the latter half of last season gave hope despite relegation. The key was putting in place the building blocks to resurrect this famous club.
Pre season allowed the coaches and players to fully focus on their personal goals and the teams ambitions for the new season. The players have responded to S & C coach Paddy McGratton’s new fitness programme with the impact it has on the pitch. New players came into the club off season from Regent House. Their impact has been considerable. These included players such as Alex Hendrick, Josh McFarland and Robert Hull. Scrum half Hendrick is one everybody is talking about in his debut season on the 1st xv. Two former Youth players Adam Coulter and Paddy Bond have become regulars on the team. Full back Matty Neill had been out inured for 2 years at Uni and again the former Regent pupil has been another player to make an impact at fullback. Competition is competitive in the forwards with Matty Kane, Tom Arthur Donnan, Paddy Bond, Captain Andrew Foster battling it out for starting places. It is not often you have two hookers in Tom Arthur Donnan and Paddy Bond who can also prop. The second row has Gareth McBurney, Ross Torney, Adam McKee, Davy Calvert, Matthew Bell and Josh McFarland providing competition for starting places. Utility forward Peter Croan is one of the most improved players this season at the club and along with the returning Paul Hamilton at number 8 gives the coaches options in the back row.
Other players coming into contention this season include Matthew and Adam Warnock, Jamie Lemon, Mark McLean and Michael Taylor. Winger Trevor Devlin has taken over the kicking duties in the absence of the injured Vice Captain Paul Cox with considerable success.
There are several players I have not mentioned yet. Every team needs a bit of experience and In Stuart Paul, Scott Young, Graeme Taylor and Mark Banford, Ards are indebted to these players who have stuck with the club during the difficult days. They in their latter years are now enjoying the revival and the style of rugby Ards have been playing. Both Stuart Paul and Scott Young are scoring tries along with winger Adam Coulter.
Ards got their league season off to a winning start at home to Lisburn last week winning 18 – 3.
Team 1. Andrew Foster (Captain), 2. Tom Arthur Donnan, 3. Matthew kane, 4. Ross Torney, 5. Matty bell, 6. Paddy Bond, 7. Josh McFarland, 8. Paul Hamilton, 9. Alex Hendricks, 10. Mark Banford , 11. Adam Coulter, 12. Stewart Paul, 13. Scott Young, 14. Trevor Devlin, 16. Adam McKee, 17. Graeme Taylor.
Scorers. Tries Ross Torney and Scott Young with Trevor Devlin kicking 1xcon and 2 x pens.
John West is expecting a tough game at Larne. Graham Cloke will have his team well drilled. With the positive environment at Ards the coach is confident his team can get a result at the Glynn.
UUC v PSNI
It has been a tough opening number of fixtures for both these teams. The PSNI team missed a straight forward conversion to lose their home match against Academy 18 – 17 last week. The students came up against a strong Grosvenor team before losing losing 62 – 0.
Despite the defeat the students are looking forward to their home match with the PSNI this weekend. UUC are fielding a similar team with Calvin Galbraith coming into the second row and Sam Hall reverting to his favourite left wing position with Robin Murphy coming into the centre.
Registration started this week at the University with the rugby club assessing the new talent. PSNI will be looking at the students for their first league win. Last season the two teams shared 70 points in the playoff match.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMP/CONF DIV 2
Banbridge seconds (9) v Randalstown (6)
Lisburn (10) v Ballymena seconds (7)
Malone seconds (2) v Grosvenor (1)
Omagh seconds (4) v Ballymoney (3)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
BHSFP (7) v Donegal Town (12)
Civil Service (9) v Strabane (4)
Donaghadee (1) v Newry (6)
Lurgan (3) v Letterkenny (11)
Monaghan (2) v Cavan (5)
Virginia (8) v Holywood (10)
The opening weekend of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League did not disappoint local supporters with seven Ulster teams recording victories and another three losing out by one score.
Unfortunately City of Derry suffered a heavy defeat at the Aviva stadium against Wanderers. We had Dungannon score five tries in their 29 – 27 loss at home to Skerries. Rainey OB out half Andrew McGrath watched a conversion strike the up right to deny his team a win in their 22 – 21 home defeat against Old Crescent. Belfast Harlequins had drawn level 17 – 17 with visitors Navan only for indiscipline and yellow cards to undo all their hard work. Still a much improved performance from the Deramore side. Ballymena, despite two yellow cards, showed considerable resolve to come from 15 – 3 at halftime to win 21 – 18 away to Old Wesley at Donnybrook. Brian McLaughlin lost out to his old Irish boss Eddie O’Sullivan with Ballynahinch losing 13 – 6 at Old Belvedere. Armagh defeated their rivals from last season Greystones in a thrilling 30 – 26 win at the Palace grounds. Queens Uni left it late to score their winning points at Galway Corinthians. With the match level at 18 – 18 it took a break from former Cambridge Uni captain Daniel Dass to send second row Ali Burke through for the vital try to win 25 – 18. Malone continued their early season form with an opening day bonus point win at Nenagh 37 – 7. In the process winger Rory Campbell kicked 7/7 to contribute 17 points. Bangor showed considerable resilience to come back from a 15 – 7 deficit to win their game at home with Tullamore 21 – 15. Congratulations have to go to Banbridge who in their first match in Div 1B scored a last minute try through winger Tom Caesar to win 20 – 13 at UL Bohemians in Limerick.
In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Ballyclare and Instonians have confirmed their status as the teams to catch in Div 1. If any of the chasing pack are going to close the gap the performances of Coleraine and Enniskillen will give us some indication when these teams meet this week. Carrick are a team who look as if they could finish top four this season.
In Div 2 Grosvenor remain the favourites with Ballymoney and Randalstown in pursuit.
In Div 3 we have four teams tied at the top: Donaghadee, Monaghan, Lurgan and Strabane after the opening matches.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
DIV 1A
Clontarf v St Mary’s College. Friday 22.9.17. kick off 7.30PM
Garryowen v Buccaneers
Lansdowne v Young Munster
Terenure College v Cork Constitution
UCD v Dublin Uni
DIV 1B
Ballymena v Dolphin
Ballynahinch v Old Wesley
Banbridge v UCC
Naas v UL Bohemians
Shannon v Old Belvedere
Ballymena v Dolphin
Head coach Andy Graham commented that he knew it was in his players to travel to Donnybrook last week and win their opening AIL match with Old Wesley.
Both the coaches and the 1st xv playing squad had sat down together and discussed the culture of Ballymena rugby club and what it meant to wear the club jersey and have pride in it. It was all about building team spirit in advance of the match.
What brought the best out of the Ballymena team during the match was when influential back rowers Stephen Mulholland and Adrian Hamilton were yellow carded within minutes of each other by referee Joy Neville in the first half. For 12/13 minutes the two cards galvanised the 13 players as they dug in and restricted the Old Wesley team to one score during this period to go in 15 – 3 down at halftime.
The response from the Ballymena players in the second half was too much for Old Wesley with the Eaton Park side storming back to win 21 – 18.
Experienced players including Daryl Montgomery, Alan Smyth and David O’Hara have made themselves available with Smyth playing a key role in the win at Old Wesley.
Additions to the Ballymena squad include Michael Stronge, Angus Kernohan, Azur Allison and Matthew Agnew who are all in the Ulster Sub Academy along with Tim Savoury, Josh Bill, Dean Reynolds and JJ McKee (Antrim Grammar).
Ballymena have been able to field an under 20 team which includes players from Ballymena Academy, Cambridge House and the club’s under 18 team. Amongst these players are Connor and Scott Agnew, Ruben Russell and David Glass from the schools along with club Youth players John Glover, Sean McCormick and Richard Lamont.
After the match at Old Wesley several players are carrying knocks, bangs and bruises. The coach was very pleased with the performance of Ulster out half Brett Herron. He has yet to finalise his squad for match with Dolphin at Eaton Park on Sat with Michael Stronge, Angus Kernohan, Matty Agnew, James Taggart, Houston Bonner and Andrew Cundell all coming into consideration for inclusion.
Ulster players released include Callum Patterson and Adam McBurney. Both Dave Shanahan and Brett Herron are on the bench for Ulster on Friday night. Their availability will depend on the game time they get with Ulster.
Andy Graham is expecting a very tough game with Dolphin. Last season his team lost narrowly at their Cork venue. They showed by their strong finish to their season, the quality side they are. In out half Barry Keeshan they have a lot of experience. They individually and collectively have to be mentally strong to defeat their Cork opponents who lost narrowly to a strong Naas side in their opening game. For the Ballymena players it is all about building on the confidence of their opening win. The coach is also aware there are several areas of the team the players have to work hard on to improve in the coming weeks.
Ballynahinch v Old Wesley
1st xv Manager Ronnie Duncan was disappointed his Ballynahinch team did not do enough in the first half at Old Belvedere to win their opening AIL game. The team had plenty of possession but just were not clinical enough with the ball in hand. The squad are young this season and played with a lot of heart and some great rugby.
Coaches Brian McLaughlin and Tom Rock are not expected to make too many changes for their home match at Ballymacarn Park. Again the coaches will be hoping the weather stays dry to allow the team to play an open running game of rugby.
There is a very positive atmosphere around the club with the second xv carrying on from where they finished last season with the remaining five teams all performing. Hopefully the 1st xv can win at home to Old Wesley to get their season up and running.
Ulster releases include: Jonny ‘Mo’ Simpson, Peter Browne, David Busby, Aaron Cairns, Jonny McPhillips, Zack McCall (Require late fitness test on toe injury), Jack Regan and Aaron Hall. Rory Butler is unavailable due to a hamstring injury.
Banbridge v UCC
The coaching team at Banbridge includes former 1st xv captain Simon McKinstry who spent time coaching the clubs second xv. Director of Rugby Daniel Soper is full of praise for the leadership qualities and energy Simon McKinstry has brought as the forwards coach and he is assisted by former Belfast Harlequins forward Robert Logan who has responsibility for the scrum. Gareth Bronte has taken over as 1st xv manager with Johnny Matthews continuing as the video analyst.
Former Ireland and Ulster prop Simon Best has stepped back from coaching the forwards due to his commitments with Ulster and the IRFU. Brother Rory has stepped in and is regularly present at the club on a Tuesday night to offer his experience on the set piece and other aspects of the game.
New additions to the Banbridge playing squad this season include Ulster players: Rob Lyttle, Caleb Montgomery. Nick Timoney, Tom O’Toole, Eric O’Sullivan, Greg Jones, James Hume, Michael Lowry and Tom Ceaser.
Other players added to the squad include NZ back row forward Nick Hayes from Otago, Jason Gribben returning from Dromore, Jonny Weir after two years away from rugby.
For the match with UCC this week Banbridge are missing 2nd row Robin Sinton through injury. Second row Kallan Martin has been ruled out with a long term injury following the Ulster Rugby Championship match at Ballynahinch. Ulster Academy back rower Greg Jones is also unavailable due to injury, while Nick Timoney and Rob Lyttle are involved with Ulster on Friday night. Ulster releases include Caleb Montgomery, Tom O’Toole, Eric O’Sullivan and Michael Lowry.
Nick Timoney was very prominent in his team’s win in Limerick with his physicality and work at the rucks proving decisive along with Caleb Montgomery and Rob Lyttle in setting up the match winning try for winger Tom Ceasar.
DIV 2A
Blackrock College v Cashel RFC
Galwegians v City of Armagh
Greystones v Galway Corinthians
Malone v Highfield
Queens Uni v Nenagh Ormond
City of Armagh v Galwegians
Assistant coach Chris Parker was pleased his Armagh players came through a stiff opening AIL test against Greystones to open their league campaign with a 30 -26 win. This week they head off to Galway to play Galwegians. The Connacht side may have been relegated from Div 1 B last season but they showed their ambitions by winning 26 – 19 win at Cashel.
Armagh will finalise their selection on Thursday night with a number of players confirming their availability to travel. Full back Tim McNeice is ruled out for the next two weeks. Stuart Hooks picked up a groin injury against Dromore that rules him out.
James Hannah and Paul Mullan have returned from injury and will come into consideration in the pack. Evin Crummie returns from Ulster under 19 commitments and will be considered as a midfield option. Ryan Purvis, Andrew Morton and Harry Doyle had impressive performances for the 2nd xv last week in their win against Dromore and will be pushing hard for selection. A lot of selection headaches for the coaches but it is a good problem to have.
Malone v Highfield
The Cork visitors missed out on the automatic promotion place by two points to Banbridge last season. They will again be one of the firm favourites for promotion this season. Malone made an impressive start picking up the b/p in their 37 – 7 win at Nenagh last week with winger Rory Campbell kicking 7/7 to contribute 17 points for his team.
Malone head coach Paddy Armstrong acknowledges Highfield were unlucky to miss out on getting promoted last season. Both games between the two sides were very difficult. Highfield are renowned for having a well drilled and very tall and physical pack of forwards.
The coach has a few injury concerns but is hoping to keep a similar team to last week with late fitness tests on Thursday night. The team performed well last week, in particular Nathan Brown and Ryan Clarke as well as Captain Ross Todd who stood out. It is important for the team to build on the win last week.
Ulster players released: Jack Owens, Matthew Dalton, Joe Dunleavy and Peter Cooper who will be subject to a late fitness test.
Queens University v Nenagh Ormond
Former Cambridge player Daniel Dass made the break that set up second row Ali Burke for the crucial winning try in Galway against Corinthians last Sat. With the teams all square at 18 – 18 it was a last ditch breakaway that won the game for the students 25 – 18. It ensured former Ulster coach Neil Doak got his side off to a winning start. For several of the young Queens players it was a step up in intensity and physicality from playing in the Ulster league and Cup. Captain Nigel Simpson was amongst the try scorers along with centre Conor Shiels and out half Richie McMaster who converted 10 points from two penalties and two conversions.
Queens team: 1. Anton Lupari, 2. David Swann, 3. Andrew Clingan, 4. Ali Burke, 5. Marc Campbell, 6. Nigel Simpson (Captain), 7. David Whitten, 8. Gary Dillon, 9. John Creighton, 10. Richie Mcmaster, 11. Conor McKee, 12. Conor Shiels, 13. Rory Bell, 14. Andy Nicholl, 15. Jonny Milliken, 16. Jordan Southway, 17. Nicky Woods, 18. Daniel Dass, 19. Josh Fullerton, 20. Eunan Shaw.
Players unavailable/injured included Zac Jordan, Mark Keane, Angus Curtis, Gerard Treanor, Jack Milligan, Jonny Stewart, Alexander Clarke. Jonny Lees.
DIV 2B
Skerries v Wanderers
City of Derry v Belfast Harlequins
Navan RFC v Rainey OB
Old Crescent v MU Barnhall
Sunday’s Well v Dungannon
City of Derry v Belfast Harlequins
Both sides lost their opening AIL games, with Derry losing 71 – 3 at Wanderers and Quins going down 26 – 17 at home to Navan. City of Derry have two homes games coming up now with Quins and Skerries before they prepare for the long trip to Cork on the 7th October to play Sunday’s Well. We will learn a lot about the depth of this young Derry squad to be competitive in this league. New Head coach Trevor Will and NZ scrum half Tyler Rogers – Holden have much work to do.
Quins Head coach Nicky Wells will have been frustrated his players lost their discipline in the final quarter after clawing back an early Navan lead to level the scores at 17 – 17. Two yellow cards for 2nd row and captain Danny Annett along with centre Mark Gribben being red carded for a second yellow was not the response the coach wanted from his players on the opening day. With games coming up against City of Derry and Rainey OB, Quins can make a statement of their intentions this season. The ability is within the squad. They maybe lacked the experience on the pitch to close out this match. No doubt lessons learned for this Quins squad.
Nicky Wells is making minimal changes this week with former Methody centre James McConnell coming in for the suspended Mark Gribben (1 x match suspension). Steven Weir comes in at hooker. Areas of the game he is looking for improvement include the teams line kicking for field position along with discipline and making sure they convert kickable penalty opportunities into points. Both the Quins half backs are only 19 yrs old, Conor McAuley (BRA) and Paul Kerr (Methody). They have the talent and ability to develop into an exciting combination in these key positions.
New City of Derry Head Coach Trevor Will has arrived from NZ with the task of keeping the side in Div 2B of the AIL. He is a man with a considerable coaching reputation who worked alongside new Connacht Head coach Kieran Keane at Hawkes Bay. This is not his first visit to the North West having coached at Foyle College between 2004 and 2006. Trevor will be assisted by former City of Derry Captain Richard McCarter with the coaching duties.
With the departure of scrum half Jason Bloomfield to Rainey OB, City of Derry made the decision to bring in NZ scrum half Tyler Rogers-Holden from Manawatu. He made a big impact coming on as a replacement during the loss away to Wanderers.
The challenge for the City of Derry squad is for the young players to adapt to the intensity and physicality of playing in the AIL. Two experienced forwards return to the pack this week in Sam Duffy at tight head and Richard Baird at open side.
City of Derry team: 1. Ross Harkin, 2. David Ferguson (Captain), 3. Sam Duffy, 4. Rodney Hill, 5. Gerard Doherty, 6. Adam Bratton, 7. Richard Baird, 8. Craig Huey, 9. Tyler Rogers – Holden, 10. Neil Burns, 11. Killien Thorton, 12. Paddy Blenerhassett, 13. David Graham, 14. Tiernan Thorton, 15. Thomas Cole, 16. Barry Lafferty, 17. Cathal Cregan, 18. Callum McDonald, 19. Jack Beattie, 20. AN Other.
Rainey OB V Navan
Two adversaries who fought it out last season in the Div 2c promotion race. Rainey lost their home fixture with visitors Old Crescent 22 – 21 after going behind in this match. A late rally almost brought the win with out half Andrew McGrath watching his conversion attempt strike the upright to win the game. Still they can reverse their defeat this weekend. It wont be easy against a Navan team who travelled to Deramore Park and won 26 – 17 against Belfast Harlequins.
Rainey Head coach John Andrews has only two absentees from the squad last week with Jody McMurray unavailable and Nicholas Stirling ruled out with an injury.
Dungannnon v Sunday’s Well
Outscoring your opponents Skerries 5 tries to 4 and losing the match was difficult to stomach last Saturday for Dungannon Head coach Andy Hughes at Stevenson Park. As he said himself his worst fears came true. With so many new combinations playing together for the first time his team were lacking that bit of cohesion. Losing the experience of backs coach Seamus Mallon to an ankle injury before kick off did not help.
Full credit to Skerries they brought an intensity for the first 60 minutes that Dungannon could not match.
The coach is looking forward to the Sunday’s Well trip this week. Players coming into contention for selection include Chris Swash, Ben Matchett and Seamus Mallon.
Sunday’s Well lost their opening match at MU Barnhall 11 – 6.
DIV 2C
Omagh v Midleton
Seapoint v Bangor
Sligo v Malahide RFC
Tullamore v Thomond
Bective Rangers v Bruff
Omagh v Midleton
It was a winning start for Omagh at Bruff as out half Scott Elliott kicked a 40 metre penalty to give his side a winning 14 – 13 margin. With a host of players unavailable it was a fantastic result for the County Tyrone side returning to the All Ireland league after 17 years. There was rejoicing at the news the clubs 2nd xv had won 15 – 12 away to Randalstown 1st. With back to back games at home to Midleton and Bective Rangers to play the Omagh side can make an early statement of their intent.
Head coach Philip Marshall is forced to make two changes with full back Lee Murphy ruled out with concussion to be replaced by Lee Warnock with seconds scrum half Adam Beattie taking his place on the bench. Bench prop Peter Todd is not available and will be replaced by John Blair.
Midleton opened their season with an impressive 20 – 10 win over Seapoint.
Omagh squad for Saturday: 1. Matthew Sproule, 2. Adam Pollock, 3. Richard Smyth, 4. Jamies Sproule, 5. Mervyn Edgar, 6. Martin Clyde, 7.Adam Longwell, 8. James Catterson, 9. Stewart McCain, 10. Scott Elliott, 11. Ryan Mitchell, 12. Luke Hanson, 13. Scott Barr, 14. Neil Brown, 15. Lee Warnock, 16. Phil Ewing, 17. John Blair, 18. Richard Harper, 19. Dean Kane, Adam Beattie.
Bangor v Seapoint
The ‘sea siders’ surprised the pundits when they deservedly defeated top four side Tullamore 21 – 15 at a ‘rain sodden’ Upritchard Park. It was the character shown by the players to come back from 15 – 7 down to win that will have pleased Head coach Jason Morgan.
1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong described it as a great win over one of the league favourites in miserable conditions.
Bangor lost their former Captain Jamie Clegg mid way through the first half to be replaced by James Stewart who put in an outstanding performance.
There were many huge performances, too many to single out with the players putting in a big second half defensive effort.
Bangor are mindful they defeated Div 2C winners Navan early last season and just avoided the drop after their season went into free fall. The challenge for the players is to back up this win.
Head coach Jason Morgan made it clear to the players at training on Tuesday night he was looking for another huge effort at Seapoint this weekend. The training was intense with several of the younger players stepping up as they push for a 1st xv place.
Team selection will be finalised on Thursday night with a few players facing late fitness tests. The intention is to keep the same squad as a reward for their efforts against Tullamore.
Seapoint lost their opening match 20 – 10 at Midleton.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
Coleraine (3) v Ballyclare (1)
Cooke (7) v Portadown (9)
Dromore (4) v Carrickfergus (5)
Enniskillen (8) v Instonians (2)
Coleraine v Ballyclare
Must win game for Coleraine Head coach Richard Boyd and his players if they intend to challenge top two pace setters Ballyclare and Instonians for the Div 1 title. Ballyclare have carried on from where they left off last season scoring 16 tries in their opening three league games. They will present a formidable challenge for this newly promoted Coleraine squad who lost their opening league match at Instonians 18 – 17 and followed this up with a win over Clogher Valley.
Coleraine Head coach Richard Boyd and his players are excited by the visit of Ballyclare to Rugby Avenue this weekend. These are the sort of games the coaching staff, players and supporters have been looking forward to and we hope to have a big crowd out to cheer us on. Nine 1st xv players return to the match day squad after the defeat at Ballynahinch in the Conference league. These include Dijon McCorkell, David Greatorex, Chris Nash, Michael Ferguson, Steven Dickey, Bokkie Carstens (Captain), Mikey Poskitt, Niall Irwin and Brian Cochrane all return after injury or being rested.
Ballyclare have got off to an excellent start and have been playing a good brand of rugby to date. We go into the game very much as underdogs but will be fully focused on getting something out of the game. We have performed well in the league so far but are yet to fully click and put an 80 minute performance together. This Saturday provides a real challenge to the team and we will have to improve in certain areas but we do have real confidence and belief in ourselves and we will be hard team to beat at home.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever regards every game as important. His focus is his players enjoying training and playing rugby. The league itself does not take shape until Christmas when the Conference league is complete. Until then as a coach you will only frustrate yourself with mind games of who has played and whom has to play. Simply go out and enjoy the next match.
Selection for Saturday will be finalised on Thursday night. With so much competition for starting places, especially in the pack it is a coaches dream with having a very competitive squad. Our depth is getting stronger and stronger, with the second xv improving with more Youth and Schools players challenging for places.
The new additions to the squad this season include Joel McBride, Ricky Lutton, Aaron Playfair, and Andy Eastop. The mix with the experience of Rab Boyd, Willy Logan, Bobby Smith, Gary Weatherup, and Gary Clotworthy is great to surround the youthfulness of Matthew Robson, Matthew Coulter, Dean Jones and Robbie Reid.
Captain Grant Bartley is thriving under the role and leading the side well.
Cooke v Portadown
Two teams that will be fighting for the league points on Saturday. Cooke have played two league games winning at Clogher Valley and losing at Ballyclare. This is their first home league game and they will want to open with a win at Shawsbridge. Visitors Portadown have had a difficult start to their season losing their opening three matches with Enniskillen, Dromore and CIYMS. Head coach Richard Hedley has had to manage a change in playing personnel and knows the importance of Saturday’s game with Cooke.
Cooke Head coach Colin Atkinson felt the conditions determined the outcome of the game at Ballyclare with the home side adapting much better to the conditions than his side. Ballyclare were very clinical in taking their scoring opportunities. Unforunately he can’t say the same for his side who lacked accuracy at crucial times. A couple of injuries forced rotations in the first half and disrupted the team. In the end Ballyclare fully deserved their 5 points.
Jason Lyons and Adrian Dodd will not be available for selection this week due to injury. Matthew Elliott returns from holidays with selection to be finalised on Thursday night.
Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley makes two changes due to injuries received by Peter Lamb and Matthew Thorton. They are replaced by James Wright and Thomas Johnston who return to the squad. The coach is waiting on a couple of late fitness tests before finalising his team for Saturday.
Dromore v Carrickfergus
Jonny Cullen continues as Dromore Head coach with former Ballynahinch player Jamie Kirk in as his assistant. Jamie has had to take time out following knee surgery and has impressed everybody at the club with his set piece work with the pack. New Director of Rugby Jeremy Ogle is also looking forward to his new role as he steers all sections of the club to success on the pitch this season.
There have been a few changes in playing personnel with experienced hooker Michael Harshaw retiring. Gary Dillon has moved on to Queens Uni with Dylan Cobb not available. Another key player Ali Kinghan continues his rehabilitation from an ACL injury.
There have been a number of new additions to the 1st xv squad with NZ prop Clark McCleod joining the club. Prop Mark Hylands has returned after a couple of years out due to work commitments and Michael Allen who has moved up from the seconds.
Early season league results included a loss at Ballyclare and a 32 – 14 win over Portadown. This Saturday they welcome a strong Carrickfergus team who impressed in their 33 – 3 win over Enniskillen at the Tom Simms Memorial Grounds last week. Their win was built on a powerful performance by their pack with prop and Captain Paul Greenaway scoring two tries.
Dromore team for Saturday: 1. Aaron Stewart, 2. Fraser Mulholland, 3. Mark Hylands, 4. Rory Pepper, 5. Ross Bingham, 6. Blair McDonald, 7. Adam McCregor, 8. Jonny Maguire,9. Lee Steenson, 10. Ryan Cobb, 11. Michael Allen, 12. Graham McCandless, 13. Sam Russell, 14. Brian McClearn, 15. Aaron Stewart, 16. Andrew Black, 17. Stuart Russell.
Enniskillen v Instonians
The Belfast side will make the journey to Mullaghmeen knowing they came second in their league meeting last season. Enniskillen opened their season with a 20 – 19 win at Portadown. In their second league game at Carrick last Sat they were well beaten by a powerful Carrick team who won 33 – 3. With several key players missing in their forward pack this season Instonians will look to exploit this advantage with the experienced Ben Alexander and Josh Atkinson added to the Inst back row along with Jon Andress in the front row. The return of their talented out half Fraser Wright to Shawsbridge this season will strengthen the options available to the coaching staff in the backs.
Enniskillen Head coach Willy Gibson acknowledges it was a tough day for his players at Carrick. The Carrick side were very good with his Enniskillen side making a lot of handling errors, combined with the blooding off two new front row players. Losing both Adam lendrum and Jamie Johnston to injury did not help. He felt it was just a poor performance and lack of execution by the players. The players have the chance this week to reverse that performance.
The coach is without Adam Lendrum, Ricky Lee and Jamie Johnston this week. He is aware the depth in strength at the club will be fully tested but it is also an opportunity for the younger players to gain more experience. Again he feels it is about these young players adjusting to playing in Div 1. After that he sees great potential in the squad.
Instonians Director of Rugby William Leacock has a couple of injuries and unavailability for the trip to Enniskillen. Captain Josh Atkinson and scrum half Cameron Black are unavailable. 2nd row Jack Scott joins the injured list with former Ulster player Roger Wilson out long term.
Congratulations to CIYMS 1st xv who won their first match of the season defeating Portadown 31 – 18 in the league at Chambers Park.
CI team: 1. Alastair Coulson, 2. Scott McNarry, 3. Tim Acheson, 4. Cory Tipping, 5. Mark Scott, 6. Scott Dowle, 7. Jason Gilliland, 8. Mark McConkey, 9 Cameron Stewart, 10. Matt Kilgore, 11. Ruairi Meharg, 12. Callum Irvine (Captain), 13. Nathan Burns, 14. Casmier Yandall, 15. Josh Newell. 16. Angus Keefe, 17. Stuart Ferguson.
Scorers: Tries Casmier Yandall, Mark McConkey, Ruairi Meharg and Nathan Burns. Matthew Kilgore 1x con and 3 x pens.
Players unavailable included Aaron Kilpatrick, Elliott Boyd, Paddy Aiken, David Cobain, Craig Devlin, Rob Haldane, Matt Butler and Peter Raine.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMP/CONF LEAGUE DIV 1
CIYMS (9) v City of Armagh seconds (3)
Clogher Valley (12) v Ballynahinch seconds (1)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Academy (4) v Limavady (9)
Larne (6) v Ards (5)
UUC (10) v PSNI (8)
Academy v Limavady
A much needed last gasp 18 – 17 win over the PSNI at Newforge has got the Academy season up and running. After a good pre season with warm up games against Cooke (20 – 20) and Carrickfergus (15 -15) Academy suffered two defeats against Ballymoney and early league pacesetters Grosvenor.
There has been welcome additions to the playing squad with the return of former BRA scrum half Max Oates who has been playing at out half. Mark Wylie’s experience from playing at Belfast Harlequins has helped with the organisation and direction of the backs. RBAI Schools Cup winner and 2nd row Pierce McLernon has joined the Mallusk side this season along with NZ scrum half Josh Lennox who is working at BRA in addition to former BRA centre Lewis Davidson.
Team that played against the PSNI : 1. Stevie Ferguson, 2. Lee Moody, 3. Adam Martin, 4. Craig Jackson, 5. Keith Dobbin, 6. Stephen Biggar, 7. Stuart Martin, 8. Richard Henderson, 9. Josh Lennox, 10. Max Oates, 11. Lewis Davidson, 12. Steven Stewart, 13. Mark Wylie, 14. Jamie Wilson, 15. Chris Cooper. 16. Peter Jackson, 17. Simon Beattie.
Scorers Penalty try, Richard Henderson, Chris Cooper 2 x cons, 2 x pens.
The coach will finalise his selection for the match with Limavady on Thursday night.
Limavady Head coach Mark Nicholl, like his Academy counterpart Gareth Lynn, experienced many of the difficulties clubs encounter in early season managing injuries and unavailability of players. After enduring a heavy home league defeat against Randalstown they had the opportunity to reverse this result against the same opponents in the Junior Cup winning 10 – 0. They had their Conference league game with Banbridge seconds postponed last week due to a waterlogged pitch.
The coach was disappointed with this outcome as his team will go in against Academy on Sat a little undercooked. To win the game against Academy the players will have to win the battle up front to beat them and allow his Limavady team to play their natural game. At this stage he is expecting to field a pretty much full strength team.
Larne v Ards
Supporters of the East Antrim side will have enjoyed the rugby played by their team against Ballynahinch seconds in the Junior Cup (Losing 32 – 28) and the sterling performance at Ballymoney last week before losing 33 – 28. Larne Head coach Graham Cloke and his players will be wary of an Ards team who have won 3/4 of the opening games scoring 15 tries in the process. For spectators this could turn out to be a high scoring entertaining game.
Scorers for Larne in their defeat at Ballymoney: Johnny Cole, Charlie Cloke and Ryan Garrett 1 x try each with Ryan Garrett kicking two cons and three penalties.
Graham Cloke is frustrated by the narrow losses but has been pleased by the efforts and performance of the team. The team will be similar to last week with forward Colin McKinty requiring a late fitness test. Two former Larne Grammar schoolboys Gareth Martin and Jack Hill will be added to the squad this week. There will be changes in backs with out half Phil Andrews a doubt and full back Aaron McBride unavailable. Again the coach adds Schoolboys Anton White and Barry John McFaul to his squad with final selection decisions held off until Thursday night.
Have Ards in John West and Scott Young found a coaching team that can steer this club back into Senior rugby. As John West admitted he has experienced relegation at Donaghadee and Ards in the last couple of seasons. He had the opportunity to join the Ards coaching team last Xmas. Time was not on his side but encouraging results and performances in the latter half of last season gave hope despite relegation. The key was putting in place the building blocks to resurrect this famous club.
Pre season allowed the coaches and players to fully focus on their personal goals and the teams ambitions for the new season. The players have responded to S & C coach Paddy McGratton’s new fitness programme with the impact it has on the pitch. New players came into the club off season from Regent House. Their impact has been considerable. These included players such as Alex Hendrick, Josh McFarland and Robert Hull. Scrum half Hendrick is one everybody is talking about in his debut season on the 1st xv. Two former Youth players Adam Coulter and Paddy Bond have become regulars on the team. Full back Matty Neill had been out inured for 2 years at Uni and again the former Regent pupil has been another player to make an impact at fullback. Competition is competitive in the forwards with Matty Kane, Tom Arthur Donnan, Paddy Bond, Captain Andrew Foster battling it out for starting places. It is not often you have two hookers in Tom Arthur Donnan and Paddy Bond who can also prop. The second row has Gareth McBurney, Ross Torney, Adam McKee, Davy Calvert, Matthew Bell and Josh McFarland providing competition for starting places. Utility forward Peter Croan is one of the most improved players this season at the club and along with the returning Paul Hamilton at number 8 gives the coaches options in the back row.
Other players coming into contention this season include Matthew and Adam Warnock, Jamie Lemon, Mark McLean and Michael Taylor. Winger Trevor Devlin has taken over the kicking duties in the absence of the injured Vice Captain Paul Cox with considerable success.
There are several players I have not mentioned yet. Every team needs a bit of experience and In Stuart Paul, Scott Young, Graeme Taylor and Mark Banford, Ards are indebted to these players who have stuck with the club during the difficult days. They in their latter years are now enjoying the revival and the style of rugby Ards have been playing. Both Stuart Paul and Scott Young are scoring tries along with winger Adam Coulter.
Ards got their league season off to a winning start at home to Lisburn last week winning 18 – 3.
Team 1. Andrew Foster (Captain), 2. Tom Arthur Donnan, 3. Matthew kane, 4. Ross Torney, 5. Matty bell, 6. Paddy Bond, 7. Josh McFarland, 8. Paul Hamilton, 9. Alex Hendricks, 10. Mark Banford , 11. Adam Coulter, 12. Stewart Paul, 13. Scott Young, 14. Trevor Devlin, 16. Adam McKee, 17. Graeme Taylor.
Scorers. Tries Ross Torney and Scott Young with Trevor Devlin kicking 1xcon and 2 x pens.
John West is expecting a tough game at Larne. Graham Cloke will have his team well drilled. With the positive environment at Ards the coach is confident his team can get a result at the Glynn.
UUC v PSNI
It has been a tough opening number of fixtures for both these teams. The PSNI team missed a straight forward conversion to lose their home match against Academy 18 – 17 last week. The students came up against a strong Grosvenor team before losing losing 62 – 0.
Despite the defeat the students are looking forward to their home match with the PSNI this weekend. UUC are fielding a similar team with Calvin Galbraith coming into the second row and Sam Hall reverting to his favourite left wing position with Robin Murphy coming into the centre.
Registration started this week at the University with the rugby club assessing the new talent. PSNI will be looking at the students for their first league win. Last season the two teams shared 70 points in the playoff match.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMP/CONF DIV 2
Banbridge seconds (9) v Randalstown (6)
Lisburn (10) v Ballymena seconds (7)
Malone seconds (2) v Grosvenor (1)
Omagh seconds (4) v Ballymoney (3)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
BHSFP (7) v Donegal Town (12)
Civil Service (9) v Strabane (4)
Donaghadee (1) v Newry (6)
Lurgan (3) v Letterkenny (11)
Monaghan (2) v Cavan (5)
Virginia (8) v Holywood (10)