Ards v Bruff
Ards have a rearranged Ulster Bank League match at Hamilton Park against Bruff from Munster on Saturday. It is a must win game for the Ulster side who suffered a heart-breaking last minute 24-20 loss away to Boyne two weeks ago. Coach Stewart Porter is faced with last minute selection decisions due to the club’s lengthening injury list. Once again, recent additions Ali Coulson, Max Porter and Bruce Duff have key roles in negotiating their team through this match.
ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE
Ballynahinch v Malone
Current Stevenson Shield holders Ballynahinch welcome undefeated Malone to Ballymacarn Park. Ballynahinch have been able to use their playing resources to build on some impressive results in recent weeks. Malone coach Jacques Benade continues to look at players to find the winning formula for the UBL. This is always a difficult venue for the East Belfast side who have struggled to perform against their opponents.
Armagh v Banbridge
In-form Armagh welcome Mid Ulster neighbours Banbridge to the Palace Grounds. Coach Andy Hughes has selected a strong playing squad with the upcoming First Trust Senior Cup game coming up against Ballynahinch the following week. Banbridge coach Daniel Soper has injury problems to contend with.
Ballymena v City of Derry
Ballymena make the trip to Judges Road to play hosts City of Derry. Spectators should be treated to a high scoring entertaining game by two talented teams. Ballymena will welcome back Bryan Young and Matthew Rea to the pack. Derry coach Mark Nicholl has a small playing squad at his disposal that has struggled to impose themselves in the AIL.
Dungannon v Belfast Harlequins
All is not well at Stevenson Park as Dungannon entertain Belfast Harlequins. The meeting of these two sides follows a convincing 46-13 win by the Belfast side over the Tyrone team last weekend. Ethan Allen remains a injury doubt for the home team. ‘Quins coach Adam Larkin continues to use these fixtures to expose his under 19 players and new faces in the club to the rigours of adult rugby.
MILLAR McCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP
Ballynahinch 2nds v CIYMS
CIYMS have made their intentions clear in prioritising the AIL Junior Cup. Coach Gareth Fry has a large playing squad at his disposal as he ponders over selection with several first team players unavailable.
Ballyclare v Cooke
Beaten finalists Ballyclare have consolidated their presence in Qual One this season. They play Cooke, who ran Instonians close before losing 26-20 last weekend. When these two sides met in the league two weeks ago at the Cloughan, Ballyclare ran out 26-10 winners. Cooke are very capable of causing an upset with their exciting three quarters of Alex Gourlay, Kyle Mitchell and Andrew Pollack. In the forwards Graham Jewhurst, Andrew Quigley and new number 8 Brian Mannus can match the Ballyclare threat in the forwards.
Clogher Valley v Ballymena 2nds
Clogher Valley field a strong side minus the unavailable Ryan Wilson and Philip Holme along with the suspended BJ Wilson. Ballymena 2nds have injury concerns with their team selection being delayed. Along with Ballynahinch 2nds the Ballymena side would pose a real challenge to the ambitions of the Qual One clubs in this competition.
Portadown v Instonians
The tie of the round is the clash of Portadown and undefeated Instonians at Chambers Park. The County Armagh side are still smarting from their 27-3 opening day league defeat at Shaw’s Bridge in August. Portadown have several injury concerns and will look to nullify the threat posed by the dominant Instonians forwards. while the Instonians faithful would welcome a pre-Christmas Cup final at the new Kingspan Stadium.
Omagh v Carrickfergus
Omagh welcome another side with big ambitions this season, namely Carrickfergus, and the home side will be wary of coach Warren McLean’s side from County Antrim.
Enniskillen v Dromore
At Mullaghmeen Enniskillen will want to put the disappointment of last week’s 19-20 home defeat to Coleraine behind them. They face a Dromore side who have lost all three of their away league games. Not the statistics their coach Graham Cloke would be happy with. Expect a large and vociferous crowd to cheer on the Enniskillen team to more Cup glory. ‘Skins welcome back Gareth Beatty to the front row but Alan Wilkinson remains on the injured list.
Banbridge 2nds v Bangor
Bangor travel to Rifle Park to play Bann 2nds after two impressive league wins over Clogher Valley and Portadown. With an All Ireland Junior Cup trip to Clonmel the following weekend, coach Rupert West will rest several players, instead giving opportunities to those in the unbeaten 2nd XV. Veteran scrumhalf Ricky Armstrong is being given a deserved rest after coming out of retirement to guide his young team to those two league wins. With 50+ players turning up to training at Upritchard Park on a Tuesday and Thursday night the Bangor club feel they have the playing resources to be competitive in all competitions this season.
Donaghadee v Belfast Harlequins 2nds
Donaghadee host Belfast Harlequins 2nds at Donaldson Park. Player coach Paul McKenzie was disappointed with their 10-34 home defeat to Ballyclare last Saturday. He was also full of praise for the Ballyclare team who he rated as the best side his team had played this year. ‘Dee will have forwards Jack Cooke and Matthew Stockton available along with returning backs Billy Allen, Thomas Slane and Andrew Findlater.
GORDON WEST CUP
Group A
BHSFP v Larne
Ophir v Limavady
Group B
Civil Service v Lurgan
PSNI v Newry
Group C
Donegal Town v Letterkenny
Strabane v Londonderry YMCA
Group D
Cavan v Virginia
Only three teams in this group. Monaghan have no match.