There is a massive weekend ahead for Ulster teams in various competitions. All games kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday 31st January unless otherwise stated.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP FINAL
Bangor v Dundalk, Chambers Park, Portadown
In their first season in this competition, Bangor have surprised their opponents with a remarkable run to the final. On route they swept aside pre-tournament favourites Clonmel on their home turf in Munster, defeated current holders, Enniscorthy from Leinster in the quarter finals and accounted for Ulster rivals Clogher Valley in the semi final at Upritchard Park.
Now they will face the challenge of current Leinster league leaders Dundalk who required a replay and late penalty to deny Ulster side CIYMS a place in the final. Bangor will be missing the experience of player coach Jason Morgan following surgery but they have the strength in depth to bring the cup back to Ulster. Captain Jamie Clegg, along with their powerful number 8 Curtis Stewart provide the much needed platform for their hard working pack. The evergreen Ricky Armstrong at scrumhalf has one of the most talented backlines in Ulster rugby to unleash on the Dundalk team. It’s a difficult game to call but lets hope the All Ireland Junior Cup will find its way into the trophy cabinet at Upritchard Park on Saturday evening.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1A
Lansdowne (1st) v Ballynahinch (5th), Aviva Stadium back pitch, 2pm
Ulster Bank League Season's Form - Lansdowne: WWWLLWWWWWWW; Ballynahinch: LWLWWLDLWWLW
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers - Lansdowne: Points: Scott Deasy 99; Tries: Tom Farrell 5; Ballynahinch: Points: Chris Quinn 61; Tries: Ross Adair 6
Having dismantled last year's champions Clontarf for their seventh straight win, Lansdowne are looking rock solid at the summit. But Mike Ruddock will not want his troops to slacken off, especially with dark horses Ballynahinch in town. 'Hinch won the sides' last meeting at Ballymacarn Park back in October, a two-try salvo from fullback Rodger McBurney helping them claim a 14-10 victory.
Derek Suffern's side boast some excellent strike runners in the likes of McBurney, top try scorer Ross Adair (6 tries) and Adam Craig, who notched a hat-trick against Cork Constitution. However, with Leinster 'A' ace Cian Kelleher returning at fullback, Lansdowne have the tools to take down their mid-table opponents.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1B
Ballymena (4th) v UL Bohemians (9th), Eaton Park
Ulster Bank League Season's Form - Ballymena: WWWWWLLWWDWL; UL Bohemians: WWLLLLLLWLLL
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers - Ballymena: Points: Ritchie McMaster 63; Tries: Sean Taylor 6; UL Bohemians: Points: Shane Airey 90; Tries: Ian Condell 4
Ballymena are very bankable at their Eaton Park base, and with three of their next four league games at home this is a vital period of the season for Andy Graham's men. Despite losing to Trinity last time out, they have been one of the more consistent sides in Division 1B with top scorers Ritchie McMaster (63 points) and Sean Taylor (6 tries) impressing behind a settled pack - Saturday's selection includes Andrew Warwick, John Andrew and Dave Ryan in the front row. Ireland Club Internationals Connor Smyth and Stephen Mulholland are also available for selection.
The Braidmen have had a three week rest in preparation for their final six matches. With Galwegians, Garryowen, Dublin Uni and Ballymena battling it out for the top two places, Coach Andy Graham will be looking for maximum points from this game.
Garryowen (2nd) v Belfast Harlequins (7th), Dooradoyle
Ulster Bank League Season's Form - Garryowen: WLWWLWWWLWWW; Belfast Harlequins: LLWLWLLLLWLW
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers - Garryowen: Points: Jamie Gavin 114; Tries: Alex Wootton 5; Belfast Harlequins: Points: Eamon Lane 46; Tries: David McMaster 5
Garryowen will have to quickly get over the disappointment of losing another Munster Senior Cup final to Cork Constitution, with Belfast Harlequins the latest visitors to Dooradoyle. The Light Blues are probably the team to watch at present in this division, averaging over 33 points per game in their last three wins. Hooker Ed Rossiter has got on the scoresheet with recent tries against Buccaneers and Corinthians.
Harlequins will be dangerous opponents, though, if they can take their home form on the road. Young fullback Rory Scholes has scored three tries in as many games, with Neil McComb also making his presence felt up front. The added presence of Michael Heaney and Frankie Taggart will be needed against a Limerick side looking to bounce straight back after relegation last season. ‘Quins coach Adam Larkin will be pleased by his teams performances in their last three UBL matches that has seen them move of the bottom of the table into 7th place. Two points separate the bottom five sides in this league with every point crucial.
Malone (6th) v Dublin University (3rd), Gibson Park
Ulster Bank League Season's Form - Malone: WLLLWWLLLLWL; Dublin University: LLLWWWDWWWWW
Ulster Bank League Top Scorers - Malone: Points: Josh Pentland 77; Tries: Rory Campbell 4; Dublin University: Points: Jack McDermott 91; Tries: Conor Kearns 5
It is hard to know what to make of Malone at the moment. Having looked like they turned a corner when beating Corinthians, they then suffered a 20 point derby defeat to Belfast Harlequins. They are still searching for an 80 minute performance. Lapses in concentration have let them down, as was the case when they lost 26-17 to Dublin University in October. The East Belfast side have lost their last three matches against the students from Dublin. With games remaining at home against Galwegians, Ballymena and Shannon and two difficult trips away to UL Bohs and promotion chasing Garryowen, the players will have to dig deep in the coming weeks to retain their Division 1B status.
Ulster players Conor Joyce, bronson Ross and Paul Jackson have been released but second row options are limited with the unavailability of Alan O'Connor, now starring on the Ulster side and with James McAllister and Richard Millar on the injured list. Can Trinity extend their unbeaten run to ten games? They are still without regular outhalf Jack McDermott, but players like Brian du Toit are delivering consistently. The flanker touched down last time out against Ballymena and also grabbed a try against Malone earlier in the season.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2A
Queens University (5th) v Dungannon (16th), Dub Lane, Friday Night Lights, 7.30pm
An Ulster derby under lights is always one to relish and both teams are in need of a shot in the arm. Queen’s lost on the road last week but, weather permitting, they should be in fine fettle in Dub Lane on Friday night. With six matches remaining, Queen’s have their work cut out to finish in the top two and secure promotion. That surprising 34-20 defeat away to Naas last Saturday has seriously dented their top two ambitions. Six points separate the sides in 2nd to 10th place. With three matches remaining at home, including fixtures against Blackrock College and NUIM Barnhall, along with trips away to City of Derry, Nenagh and Skerries, the students will need to dig deep in their remaining matches.
Coach Bob Young has a talented squad at his disposal this season. His selection has been hampered by players involved with the Ulster Ravens and Ireland U20 preparations for the Six Nations. A lack of continuity and consistency in their play has frustrated the coaching staff as they prepare for this vital run-in.
Dungannon Head Coach Nigel Brady has a small playing squad to work with at Stevenson Park this season. They put up a spirited performance before losing 33-18 away to Thomond last weekend. They look destined to go down drop down to the fourth division of All Ireland rugby this season.
Blackrock College (2nd) v Rainey OB (12th), Stradbrook
'Rock's loss to Old Wesley last weekend may or may not have settled the top spot in Division 2A but with five clubs chasing them 'Rock won't stop the chase. Rainey travel south following a narrow defeat at home to UCC that has left them 14 points adrift of their hosts. The Rainey squad has been training hard and they know they are not far away with their recent performances.
For the match in Dublin, Stephen Rutledge, Joe Roe and the experienced Neil O'Kane make up the front row. The only other change in the pack is David Dawson coming into the second row to replace the unavailable Tim Barker. Conor O'Neil, Johnny Lees and the impressive Conor Simpson continue in the back row. The backline remains unchanged with Michael Pyper and Timmy Emerson continuing at nine and ten. Captain Jody McMurray and the exciting Ross McCloskey continue their partnership in the midfield. Gavin Martin, Mark O'Connor and Alan Clarke continue in the back three.
City of Derry (13th) v Bective Rangers (15th), Judge's Road
Finishing in the top 10 and maintaining their Division 2A status must be the objective for these two clubs now. It looks a tall order for Bective but City of Derry are just five points behind 10th placed Naas. A home win and a fighting chance on the cards. New Derry Head Coach Terry McMaster was disappointed with his team’s defeat at Skerries (19-17) last Saturday. Despite a last gasp effort they were unlucky not to come away with a win but this is a must-win game this weekend. They are only five points behind 10th placed Naas and can still avoid the drop into the fourth tier of UBL rugby. Outhalf Richard McCarter is unavailable with loose forward Richard Baird facing a late fitness test. Richard Peoples comes into fill the ten shirt with Mark Walker on stand by for the back row.
UCC (11th) v Banbridge (8th), Mardyke
Top ten must be in the minds of these two sides as well this weekend with Banbridge in the van, five points clear. Both clubs won last weekend but the Bann look the stronger side on form. A home win then, but the manner will be all important come the end of season carve up. Bann coach Daniel Soper was delighted with his team’s 20-7 win over Nenagh Ormond last Saturday. He has set his side the target of winning their remaining matches and finishing second in Div 2A. Is it achievable. A win in Cork this weekend against the students will heighten those ambitions.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 2B
DLSP (13th) v Armagh (6th), Kirwan Park
'Salmo took a big beating at Highfield last weekend, but results elsewhere saw them static in 13th. Armagh's narrow loss at home last weekend put a dent in their ambitions. The Ulster side should bounce back this weekend with an away win. They need to finish in the top four and keep their place in the fourth tier of Irish rugby. They have six matches remaining with two at home and four away, including this weekend’s trip to Dublin.
Wanderers (12th) v Ards (16th), Aviva Stadium Back Pitch
Wanderers' loss to Old Crescent last weekend saw them slip to 12th place in the table, while Ards are rooted to the bottom. You'd have to go for a home win in this one. With a reorganisation of the coaching team at Ards, Director of rugby Stephen Nutt is hoping his players can still avoid relegation. They were emphatically defeated at home by Midleton last Saturday and face a difficult trip away to play a Wanderers side looking points to avoid finishing in the bottom three places.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Ballymoney (9th) v Dromore (5th)
Both sides need the points with a resurgent Ballymoney fighting to retain their Q1 status with six matches remaining. Dromore have two matches in hand as they look to finish in the top four and qualify to play in the All Ireland Junior Cup. With Ballymoney defeating Portadown 17-0 at home and losing narrowly away to Bangor, Dromore will have their work cut out to get any points from this match. Dromore convincingly won the corresponding fixture at Barban Hill in October (42-15) and they will be looking to bounce back from their 35-11 defeat away to Portadown in the Powerade Towns Cup last weekend.
CIYMS (7th) v Instonians (1st)
This is probably the match of the day in Q1 with Instonians looking to hold on to their undefeated run and CIYMS hoping to secure that all important fourth place in this league. Every match is a Cup final for Head Coach Gareth Fry and his players. They are coming off two solid wins over Cooke and Ballyclare and will present Inst coach William Leacock and his players with a stern challenge. Three points separate four teams; Ballyclare, Dromore, Portadown and CIYMS as they compete with each other for that all important All Ireland Junior Cup place. When the teams met at Shaw’s Bridge in October, Inst ran out winners by a 20-6 scoreline.
Cooke (8th) v Ballyclare (4th)
With Ballymoney pursuing Cooke to avoid finishing in the bottom two, Player/Coach Colin Atkinson knows his South Belfast side can't afford to slip up in their pursuit of retaining their Q1 status. He will be looking to the team that defeated Donaghadee two weeks ago (35-13) to win this match. Ballyclare coach Chris Campbell is looking to halt a three match losing run. Their hold on fourth place is tenuous as the chasing pack close in around them, with Bangor stretching their third place lead to 11 points. Ballyclare Manager Peter Kirk puts his team’s form down to inconsistencies due to player unavailability and injuries. Training has been positive with the players determined to reverse recent results. Gareth Byers starts at scrumhalf with Steven Bailey restored at fullback.
Donaghadee (10th) v Portadown (6th)
This game has significance for both teams with ‘Dee running out of matches as they look to avoid relegation. Portadown have been amongst the teams chasing league honours in recent seasons. This season they are struggling to finish in the top four despite their impressive run in the Towns Cup. Coach Richard Hedley wants his players to use their cup form to halt a four