This weekend we move to the Quarter Final stage of the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup with three Ulster sides, Portadown, Ballyclare and Clogher Valley still in contention. Leinster are represented by three sides with Munster two. All four Connacht teams were eliminated in the first round. We have the all Ulster derby at Chambers Park involving Portadown and Clogher Valley. Ballyclare face a trip to the home of current holders Enniscorthy in County Wexford. Their Ross Road venue has witnessed no Ulster side winning in the last five seasons. The County Wexford side have won two of their last three Finals against Ulster sides Instonians and Clogher Valley. Ulster sides to leave Ross Road empty handed include Bangor, Dromore, Portadown, CIYMS and Donaghadee. Portadown were probably the one side to come closest to winning losing a thrilling semi final 14 – 13 in the season 2013/14.
The luck of the Ulster sides has to change against Enniscorthy at their home venue. Only Bangor have recorded a win defeating Enniscorthy 14 – 12 in the quarter finals at Upritchard Park in the 2014/15 season.
This is the first season Ballyclare have represented Ulster in the All Ireland Junior Cup. They had to travel away to Limerick to defeat Richmond in the 1st Round. Ballyclare will be clear underdogs going into this match at the weekend. Can Head coach Mike McKeever and his players upset the form book. We wish them well.
Both Portadown and Clogher Valley have reached the latter stages of this trophy with the Fivemiletown side losing out in the semi finals to fellow Ulster side Instonians last season.
Portadown are experiencing what Bangor and Instonians went through at this stage last season competing in four competitions. If they are successful it can mean playing 19/20 matches before Xmas. That is a season long fixture schedule for clubs in Leinster, Munster and Connacht with the second half of the season to come for the mid Ulster side.
There is no league games in Div 1 of the Kukri Rugby Championship due to the All Ireland Junior Cup with the focus on Div 2 and 3. In Div 2 nothing separates Coleraine and CIYMS in their pursuit of the league title. This weekend we have Coleraine travelling to 3rd place Academy and CIYMS hosting 4th place Limavady. Important games for Academy and Limavady if they want to remain in the promotion pack. At the bottom end of Div 2 both Lisburn and Donaghadee remain without a win.
In Div 3 Ballymoney remain favourites to win the league hotly pursued by the PSNI, Lurgan and Strabane.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE ROUND
DIV 1A
Lansdowne (2) v UCD (7). Friday 11.11.16. Kick off 7.30pm
Cork Constitution (4) v Clontarf (8)
Garryowen (9) v St Mary’s College (6)
Old Belvedere (3) v Dublin Uni (5)
Terenure College (10) v Young Munster (1)
DIV 1B
Ballynahinch (5) v UCC (7)
Dolphin (10) v Naas (4)
Galwegians (8) v Ballymena (6)
Old Wesley (3) v Buccaneers (1)
UL Bohemians (2) v Shannon (9)
Ballynahinch v UCC
Played six – won three lost three. Not the form we expected from this Ballynahinch squad after their opening day win over current DIV 1B league leaders Buccaneers. Derek Suffern had to watch his players dig deep to come back from a 14 points deficit to win 30 – 24 at Galwegians. Again their Ulster players Angus Lloyd, Jonny Murphy, Craig Trenier and Jonny McPhillips contributed 25 of the teams 30 points. Due to Ireland Sevens and Under 20 camps this weekend Ballynahinch will be without Jonny McPhillips and David Busby.
Talking to Ballynahinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan. Both coaches Derek Suffern and Chris Parker were not only pleased with the result but most importantly the character shown by the players to come back from 14 points down to win. Ulster players john Donnan and Jonny Murphy were outstanding. Angus Lloyd had a good game with club players Gareth Gill and Callum Irvine showing up well.
The squad is looking to build on their win last week when they welcome the Cork students UCC to Ballymacarn Park. Both Michael Graham and James Simpson return to the squad this weekend.
Ballynahich squad 1 – 20 Jonny Blair, Jonny Murphy, Craig Trenier, John Donnan, Mike Graham, Callum Irvine, Lorcan Dow, Gareth Gill, Aaron Cairns, James McBriar, Chris Quinn, Stuart morrow, Jordan Gratton, Davy Nicholson and Chris Orr. Bench replacements will include Stuart Orr, Joe Roe and James Simpson with backs replacements to be confirmed tonight.
Ulster scrum half Angus Lloyd has moved on a short term loan to Munster. Injuries and unavailabilities rule out Jonny Simpson, Conor Joyce, Sam Windsor, Stevie McCauley and Ross Carlisle.
Ballymena v Galwegians
Four points separate these two sides in 6th and 8th place. Ballynahinch went to Crowley Park and came away with a bonus win against Galwegians last week. Ballymena will need to be at their best to collect the points in this game that is crucial to both sides.
Ballymena selection 1 – 20 for this weekend: Andrew Warwick, Adam McBurney, Chris Cundell, Alan O’Connor, David Whann Mark Foster, Tony McGuinness, Stephen Mulholland, David Shanahan, Richie McMaster, Jonny Rossborough, Mark Best, Callum Patterson, James Beattie, Rodger McBurney, James Taggart, Andrew Ferguson, Willy McKay, John Creighton, Jordan Foster.
Injuries rule out Marty Irwin, Connor Smyth, Kieran Treadwell, Ross kane, Matty Rea, Michael Lagan, James Gallagher, Glenn Baillie, Matthew Norris and Josh McIIroy with Aidy Kirkpatrick unavailable due to work commitments.
Head coach Andy Graham was disappointed with the teams last two performances that resulted in narrow defeats at UL Bohs and Old Wesley. He put them down to sloppiness at the beginning of the games. In each they conceded three early tries. Not having a recognized kicker was also a contributory factor. The coach also felt his players were second best in the contact area.
This weekend is all about getting the win with games coming up against Ballynahinch and Buccaneers. At the beginning of the season Ballymena had a mean defence that has started to concede too many points. Individual errors have been costly. Despite the wet conditions on Tuesday night the Players put in a really tough /hard session. There is competition for places with players not shirking contact with each other.
James Beattie has been impressive as he pushes for a regular starting place on the 1st xv. Jordan Foster is unlucky to miss out on a starting place but again gives the coach options off the bench.
DIV 2A
Banbridge (1) v Cashel RFC (9)
Highfield (5) v Belfast Harlequins (10)
Malone (7) v Sunday’s Well (8)
Nenagh Ormond (2) v Galway Corinthians (6)
Queens Uni (4) v Blackrock College (3)
Banbridge v Cashel RFC
This will be another interesting game for Head coach Daniel Soper and his players. Having travelled to County Tipperary last weekend they welcome Nenagh’s neighbours Cashel to Rifle Park. Back to back wins for Cashel will ensure that Banbridge will have to be at their very best if they are to win this game on Saturday. There will also be concern for the Bann coaches their defence leaked four tries in Nenagh’s 25 – 5 win last week.
Injuries to key players impacted on the teams performance at Nenagh Ormond last Saturday in their 25 – 5 defeat. Head coach Daniel Soper has watched the response from the players in training this week. Chris Allen returns to the second row this week with Conor Field taking his place on the wing. Out half Robin Thompson returns to take his place on the bench after being ruled out for six weeks. Captain Adam Ervine returns at 15 in place of Adam Doherty who suffered concussion at Nenagh last week.
Malone v Sunday’s Well
Head coach Paddy Armstrong was disappointed with his teams performance in Galway last Saturday. Though he had to give credit to Corinthians who played extremely well on the day. The team trained very well on Tuesday night considering the conditions with the coaches an players talking about the importance of a good performance this Saturday which the coach is confident he will get from the players.
Injuries are affecting the squad very badly at present. Adam Liddell is now almost likely out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. Back row forward Ben McDonnell is also out for the season after picking up a serious knee injury against Nenagh Ormond. The coach was particularly disappointed for Ben McDonnell as he had been one of the standout players in not only the pack but also the team and had put a lot of work in to get there.
Queens University v Blackrock College
With the unpredictability of games in the second block of AIL fixtures. Blackrock ended Highfield’s unbeaten run with q 29 – 21 win. Queens Head coach Bob Young will want to maintain the momentum he has built up in his playing squad as Queens push for promotion this season.
Marcus Rea remains on the injured list with Rob Lyttle not released by Ulster.
Nick Timoney has been with the Ireland 7’s squad over the past few weeks and is also missing for this weekend due to 7’s camp which is very disappointing as he is a big performer for Queens.
Conor Kelly has been at both U20 and 7’s camps over the past few weeks but is available to play for Queens against Blackrock. Scrum half Jonny Stewart who has also been away at the U20 camps is also available this week. The coach retains the same side that played against Galway Corinthians with Ali Burke coming in to start in place of Nick Timoney.
Critical time coming up for Queens with these next three UBL games before Xmas. The players won’t be getting ahead of themselves. Blackrock will prove formidable opponents this week. It should be an exciting game at the Dub Arena with both teams looking to move the ball.
Belfast Harlequins v Highfield
One win out of six has the Deramore Park side sitting bottom of Div 2A. Quins assistant coach Keith Pyper acknowledges his playing squad are under pressure with injuries and unavailabilities leading to selection changes each week. There is a fine line between defeat and winning for the team at present. This week the players have been working hard in training to turn things around. Selection is still uncertain for the trip to Cork this week with the team imvolved in three Ulster derbies against Dungannon, Queens Uni and Malone the following three weeks.
DIV 2B
Skerries (7) v Greystones(2)
Armagh (1) v Thomond (9)
Dungannon (4) v Bective Rangers (5)
MU Barnhall (6) v Wanderers (3)
Old Crescent (8) v City of Derry (10)
Armagh v Thomond
Head coach Alex McCloy is expecting his team to face a similar test to the one last week against Old Crescent. He feels his team need to improve their discipline and game management, however the coach is pleased with their defence over the last few weeks with the team needing to keep building on that. Number 8 Neil Faloon has scored 5 tries in his last 7 games with three scored in his last three games. Former Ulster player Ali Birch has also been another player who has scored 4 tries in the AIL. Both Faloon and Birch have formed a dynamic back-row partnership with the return from injury of Peter Elliott.
For this weekend there will be changes with several players picking up injuries including Daryl Morton, Harvey Young, Matthew Steenson and Andrew Willis. Apart from Willis who remains a doubt the other three players are expected to be ruled out for between 2/4 weeks. Armagh welcome back Chris Colvin with Ali Birch still unavailable. His replacement last week Peter Elliott was man of the match against Old Crescent so the coach is delighted they are developing depth in the squad which we will be needed if they want to achieve promotion.
Cormac Fox who played out half for the Ulster under 19s is expected to come into the squad for this week.
Dungannon v Bective Rangers
It was a strange week for Dungannon after their win over Greystones. They were told they were reinstated in the First Trust Senior Cup semi Final in place of near neighbours Armagh where they will play Belfast Harlequins on the 19th November. On Saturday they travelled to Dublin and were comprehensively beaten by Wanderers 41 – 7. Head coach Andy Hughes wasn’t surprised by the result on Saturday. He felt it has been coming. As much as the result was outstanding against Greystones, as a performance it was far from it. It was probably as bad as the team had played this season up to that point. Last Saturday took it to another level. The coach missed the game last Sat due to illness.
As a playing squad at the minute Dungannon are definitely on their knees with unavailabilities. It is tough for the players who are fit to keep the level of performance as there is pressure on them.
The coach is hoping last week was a one off. Everything that could go wrong did. To lose two players in the first couple of minutes of a game will always knock a teams rhythm and then to concede 3 tries in 8 mins. At that point the self doubt/pity had set in and the team just could not turn it around.
The players know it was unacceptable and that was demonstrated in a good session at training on Tuesday night. Dungannon have a few players back this week with the coach looking a response from the team.
Steven Sinnamon, Mark Riddell, Daniel Maxwell, John Buckley, Peter Cashel and James Bates all come back into the match day squad.
City of Derry v Old Crescent
Head coach Richard McCarter is struggling with injuries and unavailabilities this weekend for the trip to Limerick to play Old Crescent. He is hoping that the club can strengthen their playing squad for the second half of the season. Difficult times ahead for the North West club.
DIV 2C
Navan RFC (2) v Boyne (8)
Bangor (4) v Seapoint (7)
Kanturk (9) v Bruff (10)
Sligo (5) v Midleton (6)
Tullamore (3) v Rainey OB (1)
Bangor v Seapoint
Two weeks ago it looked as if Rainey OB and Tullamore would be two of the teams that would dominate the league. They just seemed too strong after defeating Bangor. It is amazing how a couple of losses bring everyone back into the pack. Suddenly Bangor are 4th and only three points behind leaders Rainey OB.
The win at Kanturk was very important to the team even though the result could have went either way. The work put in by the coaches and players after the heavy defeat at Tullamore has increased confidence in the playing squad on the back of these two wins over Kanturk and Midleton. The attitude within the squad has been crucial with the new additions including Ali Lockhart, Gareth Wright Conor Piper and Andrew Shaw adding depth to the playing squad and further competition for places.
For the game against Seapoint this week at Upritchard Park. Andrew Shaw returns after following return to play protocols. The Bangor front row will include Captain Philip Whyte, Conor Piper and James Leary. Craig Burton partners Dave Caughey in the second row with the back row consisting of Jamie Clegg, Mike Apsley and David Bradford at number 8. Ali Lockhart and Ross McCloskey fill the 9 and 10 jerseys. Mike Weir joins Phil Broderick in the centre wing Jason Morgan moving to full back. Mark Widdowson and Rob Gamble fill the wing berths. The bench consists of Ben Worthington, Andrew Shaw, Ryan Latimer, Gareth Wright and Adam McCusker. Injury rules out Curtis Stewart, Charlie Clegg and Glenn Burton with Andrew Jackson unavailable.
Rainey OB v Tullamore
Two defeats with Head coach John Andrew’s hoping his players can turn around their losing run and keep their place at the top of Div 2C.
For this week the coaches make a number of changes for the trip to County Offaly to play Tullamore. Jonny Lees and Jonny Burgess along with Jody McMurray and Andrew Harbinson are unavailable. Gavin Martin comes in to replace Chris Ladlier at out half with Michael Wilson replacing Andrew Donaghy at scrum half. Ricky Andrew’s returns to the centre with Scott Mclean coming in at full back. Michael McCusker replaces Andrew Harbinson and Bernard Mullan comes in for Jonny Lees in the back row. Tim Barker will partner Ronan McCusker in the second row. John McCusker takes his place on the bench.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS
Enniscorthy (2) v Ballyclare (5)
Portadown (2) v Clogher Valley (9)
Ashbourne (4) v Bandon (6)
DLSP (3) v Galbally (7)
Ballyclare v Enniscorthy
Head coach Mike Mckeever was not surprised by the performance of the Coleraine team that defeated his Ballyclare side 22 – 0 in the Junior Cup quarter final last week. Coleraine are a very strong squad this year, especially in their defensive organization. They are a hard side to break down and have recruited a lot of new faces in over the summer.
The coach felt 10 of his players had their bad day all at the same time. The match at Coleraine did not reflect the standards that the players have been producing this season, which is frustrating but with weekly competitive fixtures the team must move on and look forward.
The opportunity to represent the club, town and province in the All Ireland Junior Cup at the quarter final stage is a wonderful opportunity and also for the side to be in a fixture when there is no pressure on the players and is the perfect hangover match from last weekend. Ballyclare are the complete underdogs travelling to Enniscorthy and all the expectation will be on the current holders who are hosting the visitors.
Judging by their recent scorelines Enniscorthy seem to enjoy scoring try’s and this week means that there is an expectation and pressure for them to go out and do that against Ballyclare again. It is the complete unknown for Ballyclare travelling to Enniscorthy who will focus on their own game and aim to give a good account of themselves.
The coach is delighted to welcome back Niall Lawther this week who will give depth to the backline selection. Second row Rab Boyd remains unavailable for selection. Craig Taff – Smith has been performing very well from the bench and will deservedly get a start this week.
Portadown v Clogher Valley
Head coach Richard Hedley is very happy with how his Portadown team is performing this season. They have had three home draws in the Millar McCall Wlie Junior Cup and the All Ireland Junior Cup. It has made a change from the last few seasons when Portadown have nearly always been away. It has also been difficult for the players with no free Saturdays over the last two months. However the coach thinks it is better than some clubs who have hardly had any matches for the last month. The Portadown team has been along similar lines with unavailability forcing change each week giving players the break they need.
For the Clogher match Gareth McCoy returns in the back row along with Gary Hall who missed the last two weeks due to illness. Mark Neilly is injured and replaced by Matthew Wilson. Ryan Calvert comes into the centre for Johnny Holden with Michael Orr and Chris Cousens continuing at 9 and 10.
Bob Beatty from Clogher Valley is optimistic that the team can upset the form book and win at Portadown on Sat. The concern for the Clogher coaches Davy Black and Glen Kyle is that the Portadown team is familiar with the Clogher players. Stand out performer for Clogher in their 1st round win at Monivea was their number 8 Ryan Wilson who scored 4 tries with a man of the match performance.
For Clogher to win this week they will need the same level of commitment that has been lacking at times this season. There are few changes to the side that won at Monivea with Richard Primrose, PC Falconer, Philip Moore and Philip Holmes still unavailable due to injury. Toby McAlpine is unavailable this week for selection with Ian Mulligan who missed the Monivea game starting in the back row. Eamon Whyte retains his place with Ulster Junior player David Sharkey returning after a lengthy injury to take his place in the second row.
Clogher 1 – 20 for Saturday includes Philip Hopper, Kyle Cobane (capt), Michael Treanor, David Sharkey, Eugene McKenna, Nathan Orr, Ian Mulligan, Ryan Wilson, Neil Trotter, Fleming Agnew, Clive Donaldson, Andy Breen, Allister Trenier, Philip Wilson, Eamon Whyte, Ronan McAleer, Matthew Keyes, Mark Ellis, Robinson and Keith Todd.
KUKRI RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Academy (3) v Coleraine (1)
CIYMS (2) v Limavady (4)
Donaghadee (9) v Larne (5)
Grosvenor (7) v Lisburn (10)
Randalstown (6) v UUC (8)
Academy v Coleraine
On paper you would say Coleraine should win this game comfortably. After a 22 – 0 win over Ballyclare last Sat you can see only one winner.
Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn has different ideas. This is a very important game for his players who have aspirations of being in the promotion mix at the end of the season. Back row Stewart Martin is ruled out through injury with Stuart Henderson expected to replace him. Academy have beaten Coleraine in the last two seasons at Roughfort. The coach believes if his players stick to their game plan and execute what they have been working on in training his Academy side can get a result.
The coach is aware of Coleraine's strengths and is looking forward to another great game between the two sides. Coleraine are the team to beat and inform with a few excellent results in the league and Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. Academy have been getting better each game and are capable of beating anyone in the league on their day. The playing squad has a great mix of youth and experience along with a great team spirit. The players are also looking forward to the return of their two former Ulster Junior props Chris Nash and James Blair who are now key members of the Coleraine front row unit.
Coleraine Head coach Richard Boyd was delighted with his teams 22 – 0 win over Ballyclare last week. He is aware that there are areas of the teams game that they must improve upon with more to come from his side but most importantly they showed great team spirit and cool heads to defeat Ballyclare when under pressure.
The coach is aware his team now have two important league games coming up against Academy and Larne away as they pursue their goal of promotion to Div 1 this season. It is vital the players stay focused , work hard at training and approach these games in the right manner.
CIYMS V Limavady
Another interesting game at Belmont with both teams chasing promotion this season. A must win game for Limavady Head coach Mark Nicholl and his players. CI Head coach Gareth Fry will be disappointed his team came up just short against Omagh in the quarter final of the Millar McCall Wlie Junior Cup last week. The focus for the CI coach and his players is winning all their remaining league matches and securing promotion back to Div 1 this season. They remain undefeated along with Coleraine with these two sides due to go head to head at Belmont on the 17th December.
Limavady Head coach Mark Nicholl watched CI play Omagh last Sat. CI have a big pack and in former Ulster player James Mckinney they have a player who controls the game very well with his kicking and passing game.
Limavady are virtually at full strength for this game and will need to be at their best to beat this strong CI team especially away from home. If the Limavady players can stick to their game plan their Head coach believes they can certainly cause CI a few problems
CI Head coach Gareth Fry makes one change from the side that played against Omagh with Tom Stevenson coming in for Scott McNarry in the front row.
Donaghadee v Larne
With Mark Henderson having stepped down. Dee stalwart Paul Blewitt has taken over the reigns at the club until the end of the season. The Donaldson Park side remain without a win in the league this season. Larne under Head coach Laurence Kelly are the visitors this week. Can the Dee players secure that all important first win.
After an exhausting opening two months to their season. Larne Head coach Laurence Kelly with his small playing squad has the task of lifting his players after a two week break having defeated Malone seconds in the Conference league and Randalstown 17 – 11 on the 15th October. There is plenty of talent in the playing squad who performed admirably in games against Omagh and CIYMS before succumbing in the final quarter. This is a match you would expect Larne to win. Donaldson Park is never an easy venue. Have the Larne players the commitment and appetite to continue their strong start to the season.
Grosvenor v Lisburn
The Gibson Park side will have been disappointed to lose their last league game at Academy 29 – 23 on the 22nd October. New Head coach Robert Ford has assembled a strong playing squad that has ambitions to finish in the top four this season.
For Lisburn Head coach Neil Hinds his players are still seeking their first win. So far it has been another difficult season for the coaching and playing staff at Blaris.
Randalstown v UUC
Head coach Gary Longwell is aware his team face a stiff test against a strong student side at Neilsbrook Park this weekend. As he pointed out the standard of rugby played in Div 2 has improved over the past few years with each game representing a significant challenge. Several of the current Randalstown team are past UUC players and they believe the students have assembled an excellent side this season with a powerful pack that can cause problems to any side.
KUKRI RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
Ballymoney (1) v Monaghan (10)
Cavan (9) v Ophir (10)
Letterkenny (8) v Virginia (7)
Lurgan (3) v BHSFP (5)
Newry (9) v Strabane (4)
PSNI (2) v Holywood (6)