Here is a preview of the weekend's domestic rugby action in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League, Kukri Ulster Championship and the River Rock Towns Cup...
The playing action continues this weekend with two rearranged games in the All Ireland League involving Queens Uni and Bangor. Both teams make lengthy journeys and will be hoping to pick up valuable league points from their travels to Sunday's Well in Cork and Tullamore in County Offaly.
In the newly namely Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship the matches in Div 1, 2 and 3 this weekend see teams chasing a top four finish in Div 1 to qualify for the All Ireland Junior Cup, Whilst in Div 2 and 3 it is all about finishing in the top two places. The 1st place team is automatically promoted whilst the 2nd place team will play the 9th place team in the league above to win promotion. At the other end of the Division the 10th place team is automatically relegated whilst the 9th place team faces a play off to avoid relegation. The introduction of the promotion/relegation playoffs has added to the end of season drama in the leagues.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Div 2A
Sunday's Well (6) v Queens Univ (5)
Sunday's Well v Queens Uni
This is the third visit by the Belfast students to Munster this season in the AIL. They will be hoping it is third time lucky after losing their previous games to Nenagh Ormond 18 - 8 and Highfield 16 - 13 in Cork. With this game being played at the second home of Munster rugby - Irish Independent Park in Cork, Head coach Bob Young and his players will be looking a win to maintain their ambitions to finish in the top four this season.
The Queens coaching staff make a number of changes from the squad that travelled to Nenagh Ormond with Ulster Academy player Marcus Rea coming into the side. Centre Conor McKee is ruled out with concussion and will be replaced by Rory Bell. Hooker Scott Finlay comes into the match day squad with Conor Shiels pressing for a place in the match day 20 after missing last season with an ACL injury.
Ulster commitments this weekend rule out Nick Timoney, Robert Lyttle and Conor Kelly with the possibility of open side Josh Jordan being unavailable for selection. Injury continues to rule out Rory Butler for another few weeks.
Head coach Bob Young felt the game at Nenagh two weeks ago was a game his team did enough to win. Two individual errors gifted Nenagh 12 points. He was also concerned his side weren't good enough at the breakdown on occasions which resulted in turnovers when in good attacking positions. To come away from Nenagh with no points was difficult to take, however the team and players will learn from this and hopefully kick on with a win against difficult opposition in Cork.
Queens squad expected to include 1 - 20 Anton Lupari, ZacMcCall, Brian Cunningham, David Whitten, Alex Thompson (Captain), Nigel Simpson, Josh Jordan/Marcus Rea, Ryan Clarke, Josh Fullerton, Jack Milligan, Craig Devlin, Rory Bell, Paddy Farrell, Mark Gordon, Jonny Milliken, Bronson Ross, Scott Finlay, Ali Burke/Saul Herdman, Conor Shiels and Ali Wright.
Div 2C
Tullamore (6) v Bangor (4)
Tullamore v Bangor
Bangor have quickly put their 15 - 5 defeat at home to Belfast Harlequins last week in the First Trust Senior Cup quarter final behind them. The focus for the seasiders is now on the AIL and achieving a top four finish and the playoffs in Div 2C. This game was postponed between the two sides two weeks ago due to a family bereavement in the Tullamore side.
Bangor 1st xv manager Ricky Armstrong is aware his players face another tough challenge away to a Tullamore side that finished second in Div 2C last season and are expected to be challengers again this season. A win for Bangor this weekend would put the team up to second place behind league leaders Rainey OB.
The coaches have been able to rest a number of the players over the last three weeks with the experienced Mike Apsley, Mikey Weir, Desi Fusco and Captain Philip Whyte restored to the team this week. The club are fortunate to have such strength in depth in their front row as was emphasised in their dominance of the Quins front row.
Much of the credit is being given to their forwards coach and scrumaging guru big 'Ale Alatise'. As Ricky has said he has never met a man who loves scrumaging so much.
For the game this week Phil Whyte starts at tight head with Andrew Shaw continuing his excellent form at loose head alongside hooker Conor Pyper in a formidable front row unit.
Craig Burton returns to the second row to partner Dave Caughey with Jamie Clegg, Mike Apsley and Mike Weir making up the back row.
In the backs Ali Lockhart returns at scrum half with Gareth Wright dropping down to the bench with Head coach Jason Morgan continuing at out half.
Desi Fusco comes back into the centre alongside Robert Gamble who is finding form after being ruled out with a lengthy injury at the tail end of last season.
Mark Widdowson is joined on the wings by Adam McCusker with Ross McCloskey at full back.
The Bangor bench includes Orran McIImurray, Ben Worthington, David Bradford Gareth Wright and Keith Rosson.
Andrew Jackson and Conor McIImurray remain on the long term injury list along with David Moody, Ryan Latimer and David Charles. Curtis Stewart picked up another knock last weekend and misses out this week. James Leary is unavailable with Phil Broderick one week away from being fit. Lewis Sampson remains involved with Ulster.
The coaches are aware of the importance of managing their playing squad in the AIL with 4/5 injured players expected back in the next couple of weeks. It is all about being able to rotate and pick teams based on the opposition and conditions.
With six AIL games coming up before the Xmas break on the 3rd December the focus for the players and the coaches is to keep Bangor in contention at the right end of the league and well placed to make a challenge by the end of the season.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIV 1
Ards (10) v Ballyclare (8)
Dromore (7) v Cooke (6)
Enniskillen (3) v Carrickfergus (5)
Instonians (4) v Clogher Valley (9)
Ards v Ballyclare
Five matches played with no wins or league points has this Ards team firmly rooted to the bottom of Div 1 in 10th place. There was a general feeling this Ards team may have a secured their first league win at Cooke last Sat. It was not to be as they suffered a heavy 36 - 0 defeat. The task for Ards coaches Davy Irwin, John West and Scott Young does not get any easier as they face a Ballyclare side that has surprisingly slipped to 8th place in the league. Any league points will be welcome for the home side at Hamilton Park before they take a four week break from playing action until the league resumes on the 19th November.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever and his players face the prospect of competing in three different competitions over the next four weeks with league, AIL Junior Cup (Two rounds) and the quarter finals of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. The coach will say it is all about taking it one game at a time. It is also a period that will potentially define the season for the Cloughan playing squad.
Dromore v Cooke
Barban Hill is never an easy venue for visiting teams. Only Instonians this season have slipped away with a narrow 16 - 9 win in the league. Both these teams are sitting mid table aware that if Clogher Valley start picking up league points they will put considerable pressure on these two teams who also have ambitions to finish in the top four this season. It is also generally accepted these two teams along with Clogher Valley and Ards have the smallest playing squads in Div 1.
Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen will have been disappointed his side let slip a 10 - 9 lead at Carrickfergus last week to concede three tries and lose 26 - 10. Once again Dromore's dynamic scrum half Lee Steenson contributed all his teams points with a try, conversion and a penalty.
For Cooke Head coach Colin Atkinson and his assistant Philip Cartmill it is all about maintaining momentum. Cooke once again put in a strong finish last season to lift the McCrea Cup with the coaches wanting to ensure the team and players show more consistency in the run up to Xmas. Cooke like Enniskillen, Carrickfergus and Ards face a four week break before the league resumes on the 19th November. The Shaws bridge side will want to go into the break with a win.
Cooke scored six tries in their win over Ards through Alex Gourley and Philip Doherty 2 x tries each with Matthew Elliott and prop Jonathan McClune scoring one each. Full back Alex Gourley also added 3 x conversions to finish up with 16 points.
Team selection will be finalised tonight with injury ruling out scrum half Ryan Flavelle and winger Phil Doherty from the Ards game.
Can Captain Toby Mannus and his Cooke players follow their neighbours Instonians at Shawsbridge and come away from Dromore with a win this week.
Enniskillen v Carrickfergus
Every game at Mullaghmeen seems like a Cup Final after the Fermanagh side were promoted to Div 1 along with Carrickfergus. The two promoted teams meet again this weekend at the Enniskillen venue with both teams taking a four week break before the league resumes on the 19th November with neither of these two teams involved in the AIL Junior Cup or the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. Confidence is high amongst the Enniskillen squad after their 18 - 7 win over title favourites Instonians last week.
Their Head coach William Gibson along with his assistant Stevie Welsh are very much focused on taking it one game at a time. A win for the Fermanagh side will see them move to 1st place in Div 1. The Enniskillen pack has built up a reputation for the physicality and intensity they bring to their play with their Captain Davy Buchanan a key member of this forward unit along with his fellow Ulster Junior forwards Jamie Johnston and James Carleton.
Changes have taken place in their back division from last season with former Portora and Ulster under 19 winger Robert Baloucoune and another Portorian Matthew Balmer taking their places on the wings alongside the free running Ashley Finlay at full back. One new partnership at halfback includes former Portora scrum half Scott Burrell and former St Michael's student John Maguire that is creating a lot of interest at the club with young Adam Lendrum pressing for a return to the number 10 jersey.
As President Norman Richmond put it there is strength in depth at the club that is reflected in the performances of the clubs second and third xv sides this season.
Carrickfergus rugby club were forced to seek a new Head coach after Neil Hanna stepped down after securing promotion for the 1st xv last season. In their search they spoke to Davy Scott the former CIYMS forwards coach who had stood down at the East Belfast club after five years at Belmont. It was Davy Scott's intention to take time out from coaching. He made it clear to the Carrick club he wanted to bring in Michael Rainey as his backs coach. This pairing are well known in Schools rugby having spent 19 years together coaching at Belfast High School. The two had also coached previously at Cooke rugby club. Both these coaches were experienced Senor players with Michael having played for Ballymena and North and Davy for North and Belfast Harlequins. As Davy aceded to he was a pupil at Belfast High School coached by Michael Rainey in his younger days. He has made it clear to me their role at Carrick is shared between them with Davy looking after the forwards and Michael the backs.
Davy Scott has been impressed by the attitude of the club. There is no airs and graces. The club have been straight with him from he first met them. They also have an excellent playing structure in place. The 1st xv playing squad is young with a hunger to develop and progress in Div 1. Results in recent weeks have been built on a strong defence with the confidence and belief growing in this newly promoted squad as they adapt to the challenges of Div 1. Every game in Div 1 is hard. It is a matter of taking it one game at a time. The game in Enniskillen this week will be no different. It is all about getting points on the board.
He goes on to say he can't emphasise enough how professional the approach of the club is towards its rugby from the President down. There is a real focus and commitment from everyone to be successful. The club realise it is a big step up this season from the success of last season. That hunger and belief is there amongst the players. The attitude and numbers at training has been excellent. Div 1 is all about Hard/Physical/Honest good rugby. It is a good league for Carrick to play in.
Despite the retirement of two former stalwarts of the team Aaron McKinney and Andy Kinkaid, Carrick have been able to add the experience of Captain Andy McKeen and Paul Greenaway to their forwards with new faces Mark Gordon, David Ferris and Gareth McKeown starting on the 1st xv. Despite the unavailability of Paul Greenaway this week, Carrick are able to call on the returning Ulster Junior tight Head Jonny 'Bubbles' McIIwaine to take his place.
Another Ulster Junior Ross Marsden remains unavailable for selection due to work and family commitments. The Carrick backs including former Ulster under 19 scrum half Conor Cambridge and Ulster Junior out half Luke Whittal continue to be influential performers each week for the team. Both the local Grammar School and the clubs successful Youth structure are continuing to develop players for the 1st xv.
All the ingredients are there for the game of the day in Div 1 this weekend. Another big turn out of supporters will be at the Mullaghmeen venue to see if this Enniskillen team can take their place at the top of Div 1.
Instonians v Clogher Valley
Like their fellow Ulster sides Clogher Valley, Portadown and Ballyclare it will be a busy four weeks for the Shaws bridge side with league, AIL Junior Cup and Millar McCall Wylie Cup commitments. The season has not been kind to coaches William Leacock and Mark McDowell with an ever growing injury list from the intense fixture schedule.
Inst Director of Rugby William Leacock described Enniskillen as worthy winners last Sat in their 18 - 7 defeat at the Mullaghmmeen venue. Enniskillen brought a physicality and intensity that his side could not deal with. Inst were under pressure at the set piece and were second best at the breakdown and overall were beaten by a well drilled team.
For the match with Clogher Valley Inst are struggling with injuries with 12 1st xv players out. He is hoping that over the next few weeks he can get some of these players back on the pitch. Presently his attitude is to take it one week at a time. He is expecting Clogher to be a big challenge for his team on Sat.
Both Alan and Robert Whitten are big losses to the team in terms of quality and leadership with David Scott, Rory McCurry and Josh Cregan added to the long term injury list. The impact of these losses is that the team lacks experience. The young players are battling well but lack composure and experience but you can't fault their efforts.
Both Matthew Keane and Mike Blackwood come back into the squad for Saturday.
Speaking to Bob Beatty from Clogher there is a feeling that the 1st xv have been unlucky in some of the league games not to have picked up more league points.
The attitude amongst the Clogher players and coaches is that the "Old " Clogher Valley is not far away again. Injuries have not helped in recent weeks. The players put in an encouraging performance at Ballynahinch before losing 25 - 12 in their Conference league game last Thursday night. The Ballynahinch coaches could not understand how Clogher Valley had not won a game this season. There was a lot more spirit/drive from the players at Ballynahinch.
Injuries this week rule out Philip Moore, Neil Henderson, Richard Primrose, PC Falconer and David Sharkey with Ian Mulligan unavailable. Philip Wilson, Nathan Orr and Toby McAlpine return to the side this week.
The Conference league game seen the return of Matthew Keyes, Mark McKenna and Nathan Orr who all performed well and retain their places.
Clogher Valley squad 1 - 17. Neil Hopper, Kyle Cobane (Captain), Michael Treanor, Eugene McKenna, Mark McKenna, Matthew Keyes, Nathan Orr, Ryan Wilson, Neil Trotter, Fleming Agnew, Clive Donaldson, Allister Trenier, Toby McAlpine, Andy Breen, Philip Wilson, Ronan McAleer and Alex McKeown.
The loss of former half backs Aaron Best and Philip Holme along with the long term injury to the influential and experienced David Sharkey has impacted on the Clogher side this season. Maybe this weekend against all the odds this Clogher Valley side can win their first league game. Sure to be a fascinating and tense encounter at Shaws bridge.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE
DIV 1
Ballymena seconds v Omagh
Ballynahinch seconds v Portadown. Played Thursday 20.10.16. Kick off 7.45pm. Ballynahinch won 50 - 0.
RIVER ROCK TOWNS CUP
Preliminary Round
Dungannon seconds v Ballymena seconds. Playing Thursday 27.10.16. Kick off 7.45pm
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIV 2
Academy (3) v Grosvenor (7)
CIYMS (2) v Randalstown (6)
Limavady (5) v Lisburn (8)
UUC (9) v Donaghadee (10)
Academy v Grosvenor
Very interesting duel this game is at Roughfort on Sat. Two teams who have lots of potential and maybe lack the consistency to challenge teams like Coleraine and CIYMS. Crucial game for both sides if they harbour ambitions to be challenging the top two sides in Div 2 for promotion.
Academy have shown under Head coach Gareth Lynn they possess the players to be a force in Div 2. Everyone of their matches to date has involved high scoring outcomes. For the coach the problem for his team is they are scoring plenty of points but they are also conceding too many. In out half Chris Cooper they have an in form outhalf who has contributed many points for his side.
Grosvenor under Head coach Robert Ford have shown in their wins over Randalstown and Limavady they can compete with the best sides in this league. The additon of quality players to their back division in Allen McCluggage and Mitchell McComb has added to their attacking options. Centre Mitchell McComb has been particularly impressive scoring several tries in recent games along with Ulster Junior Hooker Stuart Smyth.
CIYMS V Randalstown
The Belmont side were rocked by UUC side whose defence was outstanding in the first half last week to lead the East Belfast side 7 - 6 at HT. It was a case of the CIYMS team changing tactics from their free running game to using their forwards Ross Hackney, Scott Dowle and Paddy Aiken in the set piece to score four tries and secure the all important bonus point to win 30 - 7. After comfortably negotiating their way through their playing programme this season it was a timely reminder for the CIYMS team and players they will face teams who will get stronger as the season progresses. CIYMS Officials were quick to point out that the student side were the best team they had played against this season.
This Saturday their opponents at Belmont are a Randalstown team who have lacked consistency so far this season. The Nelisbrook Park squad were expected to be challengers for promotion after a strong finish to last season. Two wins out of four is not good enough. Can Gary Longwell and his players derail the momentum gathering at Belmont as the 1st xv pursue a quick return to Div 1.
CIYMS are expected to select from the same 17 that travelled to Coleraine last week that will include two of their four try scorers Alan Whitley and Scott McNarry. The coach will also have further options to select from with the anticipated return of Gavin Woods, Simon Baillie, Ali Coulson and Will Herron in the next couple of weeks.
CIYMS 1 - 17 Timothy Acheson, Alan Whitley, Tom Stevenson, David Cobain, Paddy Aiken, Scott Dowle, Ross Hackney, Mark McConkey (Captain), Cameron Stewart, James McKinney, Andy Hodgin, Callum Irvine, Nathan Burns, Jason Gilliland, Scott McNarry and Eunan Nelson.
Limavady v Lisburn
Head coach Mark Nicholl will look to his players to reverse their three match losing run against a struggling Lisburn side this weekend. After an encouraging start for his newly promoted side they sit mid table nine points behind Coleraine and CIYMS.
Lisburn under Head coach Neil Hinds have seen their small playing squad decimated by injuries this season. After a strong finish to their league campaign last season the much anticpated progress this season has not materialised.
UUC v Donaghadee
The Riverside is the venue for two of the bottom three sides to meet this weekend. The only hope for both sides is that they both showed improvement last weekend with the students leading CIYMS 7 - 6 at HT before going down 30 - 7. Donaghadee just came up short losing 13 - 11 at home to Banbridge seconds in a Conference League game.
With the 10th placed side automatically relegated in Div 2 and the 9th place side involved in a playoff with the 2nd place team in Div 3 this is a must win game for both sides with Lisburn still searching for their first league win of the season.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 2
Banbridge seconds v Armagh seconds
Coleraine v Belfast Harlequins seconds
Larne v Malone seconds
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIV 3
Cavan (10) v Ballymoney (1)
Letterkenny (8) v Strabane (4)
Lurgan (2) v Ophir (12)
Newry (9) v Monaghan (11)
PSNI (3) v BHSFP (5)
Virginia (7) v Holywood (6)
The playing action continues this weekend with two rearranged games in the All Ireland League involving Queens Uni and Bangor. Both teams make lengthy journeys and will be hoping to pick up valuable league points from their travels to Sunday's Well in Cork and Tullamore in County Offaly.
In the newly namely Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship the matches in Div 1, 2 and 3 this weekend see teams chasing a top four finish in Div 1 to qualify for the All Ireland Junior Cup, Whilst in Div 2 and 3 it is all about finishing in the top two places. The 1st place team is automatically promoted whilst the 2nd place team will play the 9th place team in the league above to win promotion. At the other end of the Division the 10th place team is automatically relegated whilst the 9th place team faces a play off to avoid relegation. The introduction of the promotion/relegation playoffs has added to the end of season drama in the leagues.
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
Div 2A
Sunday's Well (6) v Queens Univ (5)
Sunday's Well v Queens Uni
This is the third visit by the Belfast students to Munster this season in the AIL. They will be hoping it is third time lucky after losing their previous games to Nenagh Ormond 18 - 8 and Highfield 16 - 13 in Cork. With this game being played at the second home of Munster rugby - Irish Independent Park in Cork, Head coach Bob Young and his players will be looking a win to maintain their ambitions to finish in the top four this season.
The Queens coaching staff make a number of changes from the squad that travelled to Nenagh Ormond with Ulster Academy player Marcus Rea coming into the side. Centre Conor McKee is ruled out with concussion and will be replaced by Rory Bell. Hooker Scott Finlay comes into the match day squad with Conor Shiels pressing for a place in the match day 20 after missing last season with an ACL injury.
Ulster commitments this weekend rule out Nick Timoney, Robert Lyttle and Conor Kelly with the possibility of open side Josh Jordan being unavailable for selection. Injury continues to rule out Rory Butler for another few weeks.
Head coach Bob Young felt the game at Nenagh two weeks ago was a game his team did enough to win. Two individual errors gifted Nenagh 12 points. He was also concerned his side weren't good enough at the breakdown on occasions which resulted in turnovers when in good attacking positions. To come away from Nenagh with no points was difficult to take, however the team and players will learn from this and hopefully kick on with a win against difficult opposition in Cork.
Queens squad expected to include 1 - 20 Anton Lupari, ZacMcCall, Brian Cunningham, David Whitten, Alex Thompson (Captain), Nigel Simpson, Josh Jordan/Marcus Rea, Ryan Clarke, Josh Fullerton, Jack Milligan, Craig Devlin, Rory Bell, Paddy Farrell, Mark Gordon, Jonny Milliken, Bronson Ross, Scott Finlay, Ali Burke/Saul Herdman, Conor Shiels and Ali Wright.
Div 2C
Tullamore (6) v Bangor (4)
Tullamore v Bangor
Bangor have quickly put their 15 - 5 defeat at home to Belfast Harlequins last week in the First Trust Senior Cup quarter final behind them. The focus for the seasiders is now on the AIL and achieving a top four finish and the playoffs in Div 2C. This game was postponed between the two sides two weeks ago due to a family bereavement in the Tullamore side.
Bangor 1st xv manager Ricky Armstrong is aware his players face another tough challenge away to a Tullamore side that finished second in Div 2C last season and are expected to be challengers again this season. A win for Bangor this weekend would put the team up to second place behind league leaders Rainey OB.
The coaches have been able to rest a number of the players over the last three weeks with the experienced Mike Apsley, Mikey Weir, Desi Fusco and Captain Philip Whyte restored to the team this week. The club are fortunate to have such strength in depth in their front row as was emphasised in their dominance of the Quins front row.
Much of the credit is being given to their forwards coach and scrumaging guru big 'Ale Alatise'. As Ricky has said he has never met a man who loves scrumaging so much.
For the game this week Phil Whyte starts at tight head with Andrew Shaw continuing his excellent form at loose head alongside hooker Conor Pyper in a formidable front row unit.
Craig Burton returns to the second row to partner Dave Caughey with Jamie Clegg, Mike Apsley and Mike Weir making up the back row.
In the backs Ali Lockhart returns at scrum half with Gareth Wright dropping down to the bench with Head coach Jason Morgan continuing at out half.
Desi Fusco comes back into the centre alongside Robert Gamble who is finding form after being ruled out with a lengthy injury at the tail end of last season.
Mark Widdowson is joined on the wings by Adam McCusker with Ross McCloskey at full back.
The Bangor bench includes Orran McIImurray, Ben Worthington, David Bradford Gareth Wright and Keith Rosson.
Andrew Jackson and Conor McIImurray remain on the long term injury list along with David Moody, Ryan Latimer and David Charles. Curtis Stewart picked up another knock last weekend and misses out this week. James Leary is unavailable with Phil Broderick one week away from being fit. Lewis Sampson remains involved with Ulster.
The coaches are aware of the importance of managing their playing squad in the AIL with 4/5 injured players expected back in the next couple of weeks. It is all about being able to rotate and pick teams based on the opposition and conditions.
With six AIL games coming up before the Xmas break on the 3rd December the focus for the players and the coaches is to keep Bangor in contention at the right end of the league and well placed to make a challenge by the end of the season.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIV 1
Ards (10) v Ballyclare (8)
Dromore (7) v Cooke (6)
Enniskillen (3) v Carrickfergus (5)
Instonians (4) v Clogher Valley (9)
Ards v Ballyclare
Five matches played with no wins or league points has this Ards team firmly rooted to the bottom of Div 1 in 10th place. There was a general feeling this Ards team may have a secured their first league win at Cooke last Sat. It was not to be as they suffered a heavy 36 - 0 defeat. The task for Ards coaches Davy Irwin, John West and Scott Young does not get any easier as they face a Ballyclare side that has surprisingly slipped to 8th place in the league. Any league points will be welcome for the home side at Hamilton Park before they take a four week break from playing action until the league resumes on the 19th November.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever and his players face the prospect of competing in three different competitions over the next four weeks with league, AIL Junior Cup (Two rounds) and the quarter finals of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. The coach will say it is all about taking it one game at a time. It is also a period that will potentially define the season for the Cloughan playing squad.
Dromore v Cooke
Barban Hill is never an easy venue for visiting teams. Only Instonians this season have slipped away with a narrow 16 - 9 win in the league. Both these teams are sitting mid table aware that if Clogher Valley start picking up league points they will put considerable pressure on these two teams who also have ambitions to finish in the top four this season. It is also generally accepted these two teams along with Clogher Valley and Ards have the smallest playing squads in Div 1.
Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen will have been disappointed his side let slip a 10 - 9 lead at Carrickfergus last week to concede three tries and lose 26 - 10. Once again Dromore's dynamic scrum half Lee Steenson contributed all his teams points with a try, conversion and a penalty.
For Cooke Head coach Colin Atkinson and his assistant Philip Cartmill it is all about maintaining momentum. Cooke once again put in a strong finish last season to lift the McCrea Cup with the coaches wanting to ensure the team and players show more consistency in the run up to Xmas. Cooke like Enniskillen, Carrickfergus and Ards face a four week break before the league resumes on the 19th November. The Shaws bridge side will want to go into the break with a win.
Cooke scored six tries in their win over Ards through Alex Gourley and Philip Doherty 2 x tries each with Matthew Elliott and prop Jonathan McClune scoring one each. Full back Alex Gourley also added 3 x conversions to finish up with 16 points.
Team selection will be finalised tonight with injury ruling out scrum half Ryan Flavelle and winger Phil Doherty from the Ards game.
Can Captain Toby Mannus and his Cooke players follow their neighbours Instonians at Shawsbridge and come away from Dromore with a win this week.
Enniskillen v Carrickfergus
Every game at Mullaghmeen seems like a Cup Final after the Fermanagh side were promoted to Div 1 along with Carrickfergus. The two promoted teams meet again this weekend at the Enniskillen venue with both teams taking a four week break before the league resumes on the 19th November with neither of these two teams involved in the AIL Junior Cup or the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. Confidence is high amongst the Enniskillen squad after their 18 - 7 win over title favourites Instonians last week.
Their Head coach William Gibson along with his assistant Stevie Welsh are very much focused on taking it one game at a time. A win for the Fermanagh side will see them move to 1st place in Div 1. The Enniskillen pack has built up a reputation for the physicality and intensity they bring to their play with their Captain Davy Buchanan a key member of this forward unit along with his fellow Ulster Junior forwards Jamie Johnston and James Carleton.
Changes have taken place in their back division from last season with former Portora and Ulster under 19 winger Robert Baloucoune and another Portorian Matthew Balmer taking their places on the wings alongside the free running Ashley Finlay at full back. One new partnership at halfback includes former Portora scrum half Scott Burrell and former St Michael's student John Maguire that is creating a lot of interest at the club with young Adam Lendrum pressing for a return to the number 10 jersey.
As President Norman Richmond put it there is strength in depth at the club that is reflected in the performances of the clubs second and third xv sides this season.
Carrickfergus rugby club were forced to seek a new Head coach after Neil Hanna stepped down after securing promotion for the 1st xv last season. In their search they spoke to Davy Scott the former CIYMS forwards coach who had stood down at the East Belfast club after five years at Belmont. It was Davy Scott's intention to take time out from coaching. He made it clear to the Carrick club he wanted to bring in Michael Rainey as his backs coach. This pairing are well known in Schools rugby having spent 19 years together coaching at Belfast High School. The two had also coached previously at Cooke rugby club. Both these coaches were experienced Senor players with Michael having played for Ballymena and North and Davy for North and Belfast Harlequins. As Davy aceded to he was a pupil at Belfast High School coached by Michael Rainey in his younger days. He has made it clear to me their role at Carrick is shared between them with Davy looking after the forwards and Michael the backs.
Davy Scott has been impressed by the attitude of the club. There is no airs and graces. The club have been straight with him from he first met them. They also have an excellent playing structure in place. The 1st xv playing squad is young with a hunger to develop and progress in Div 1. Results in recent weeks have been built on a strong defence with the confidence and belief growing in this newly promoted squad as they adapt to the challenges of Div 1. Every game in Div 1 is hard. It is a matter of taking it one game at a time. The game in Enniskillen this week will be no different. It is all about getting points on the board.
He goes on to say he can't emphasise enough how professional the approach of the club is towards its rugby from the President down. There is a real focus and commitment from everyone to be successful. The club realise it is a big step up this season from the success of last season. That hunger and belief is there amongst the players. The attitude and numbers at training has been excellent. Div 1 is all about Hard/Physical/Honest good rugby. It is a good league for Carrick to play in.
Despite the retirement of two former stalwarts of the team Aaron McKinney and Andy Kinkaid, Carrick have been able to add the experience of Captain Andy McKeen and Paul Greenaway to their forwards with new faces Mark Gordon, David Ferris and Gareth McKeown starting on the 1st xv. Despite the unavailability of Paul Greenaway this week, Carrick are able to call on the returning Ulster Junior tight Head Jonny 'Bubbles' McIIwaine to take his place.
Another Ulster Junior Ross Marsden remains unavailable for selection due to work and family commitments. The Carrick backs including former Ulster under 19 scrum half Conor Cambridge and Ulster Junior out half Luke Whittal continue to be influential performers each week for the team. Both the local Grammar School and the clubs successful Youth structure are continuing to develop players for the 1st xv.
All the ingredients are there for the game of the day in Div 1 this weekend. Another big turn out of supporters will be at the Mullaghmeen venue to see if this Enniskillen team can take their place at the top of Div 1.
Instonians v Clogher Valley
Like their fellow Ulster sides Clogher Valley, Portadown and Ballyclare it will be a busy four weeks for the Shaws bridge side with league, AIL Junior Cup and Millar McCall Wylie Cup commitments. The season has not been kind to coaches William Leacock and Mark McDowell with an ever growing injury list from the intense fixture schedule.
Inst Director of Rugby William Leacock described Enniskillen as worthy winners last Sat in their 18 - 7 defeat at the Mullaghmmeen venue. Enniskillen brought a physicality and intensity that his side could not deal with. Inst were under pressure at the set piece and were second best at the breakdown and overall were beaten by a well drilled team.
For the match with Clogher Valley Inst are struggling with injuries with 12 1st xv players out. He is hoping that over the next few weeks he can get some of these players back on the pitch. Presently his attitude is to take it one week at a time. He is expecting Clogher to be a big challenge for his team on Sat.
Both Alan and Robert Whitten are big losses to the team in terms of quality and leadership with David Scott, Rory McCurry and Josh Cregan added to the long term injury list. The impact of these losses is that the team lacks experience. The young players are battling well but lack composure and experience but you can't fault their efforts.
Both Matthew Keane and Mike Blackwood come back into the squad for Saturday.
Speaking to Bob Beatty from Clogher there is a feeling that the 1st xv have been unlucky in some of the league games not to have picked up more league points.
The attitude amongst the Clogher players and coaches is that the "Old " Clogher Valley is not far away again. Injuries have not helped in recent weeks. The players put in an encouraging performance at Ballynahinch before losing 25 - 12 in their Conference league game last Thursday night. The Ballynahinch coaches could not understand how Clogher Valley had not won a game this season. There was a lot more spirit/drive from the players at Ballynahinch.
Injuries this week rule out Philip Moore, Neil Henderson, Richard Primrose, PC Falconer and David Sharkey with Ian Mulligan unavailable. Philip Wilson, Nathan Orr and Toby McAlpine return to the side this week.
The Conference league game seen the return of Matthew Keyes, Mark McKenna and Nathan Orr who all performed well and retain their places.
Clogher Valley squad 1 - 17. Neil Hopper, Kyle Cobane (Captain), Michael Treanor, Eugene McKenna, Mark McKenna, Matthew Keyes, Nathan Orr, Ryan Wilson, Neil Trotter, Fleming Agnew, Clive Donaldson, Allister Trenier, Toby McAlpine, Andy Breen, Philip Wilson, Ronan McAleer and Alex McKeown.
The loss of former half backs Aaron Best and Philip Holme along with the long term injury to the influential and experienced David Sharkey has impacted on the Clogher side this season. Maybe this weekend against all the odds this Clogher Valley side can win their first league game. Sure to be a fascinating and tense encounter at Shaws bridge.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE
DIV 1
Ballymena seconds v Omagh
Ballynahinch seconds v Portadown. Played Thursday 20.10.16. Kick off 7.45pm. Ballynahinch won 50 - 0.
RIVER ROCK TOWNS CUP
Preliminary Round
Dungannon seconds v Ballymena seconds. Playing Thursday 27.10.16. Kick off 7.45pm
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIV 2
Academy (3) v Grosvenor (7)
CIYMS (2) v Randalstown (6)
Limavady (5) v Lisburn (8)
UUC (9) v Donaghadee (10)
Academy v Grosvenor
Very interesting duel this game is at Roughfort on Sat. Two teams who have lots of potential and maybe lack the consistency to challenge teams like Coleraine and CIYMS. Crucial game for both sides if they harbour ambitions to be challenging the top two sides in Div 2 for promotion.
Academy have shown under Head coach Gareth Lynn they possess the players to be a force in Div 2. Everyone of their matches to date has involved high scoring outcomes. For the coach the problem for his team is they are scoring plenty of points but they are also conceding too many. In out half Chris Cooper they have an in form outhalf who has contributed many points for his side.
Grosvenor under Head coach Robert Ford have shown in their wins over Randalstown and Limavady they can compete with the best sides in this league. The additon of quality players to their back division in Allen McCluggage and Mitchell McComb has added to their attacking options. Centre Mitchell McComb has been particularly impressive scoring several tries in recent games along with Ulster Junior Hooker Stuart Smyth.
CIYMS V Randalstown
The Belmont side were rocked by UUC side whose defence was outstanding in the first half last week to lead the East Belfast side 7 - 6 at HT. It was a case of the CIYMS team changing tactics from their free running game to using their forwards Ross Hackney, Scott Dowle and Paddy Aiken in the set piece to score four tries and secure the all important bonus point to win 30 - 7. After comfortably negotiating their way through their playing programme this season it was a timely reminder for the CIYMS team and players they will face teams who will get stronger as the season progresses. CIYMS Officials were quick to point out that the student side were the best team they had played against this season.
This Saturday their opponents at Belmont are a Randalstown team who have lacked consistency so far this season. The Nelisbrook Park squad were expected to be challengers for promotion after a strong finish to last season. Two wins out of four is not good enough. Can Gary Longwell and his players derail the momentum gathering at Belmont as the 1st xv pursue a quick return to Div 1.
CIYMS are expected to select from the same 17 that travelled to Coleraine last week that will include two of their four try scorers Alan Whitley and Scott McNarry. The coach will also have further options to select from with the anticipated return of Gavin Woods, Simon Baillie, Ali Coulson and Will Herron in the next couple of weeks.
CIYMS 1 - 17 Timothy Acheson, Alan Whitley, Tom Stevenson, David Cobain, Paddy Aiken, Scott Dowle, Ross Hackney, Mark McConkey (Captain), Cameron Stewart, James McKinney, Andy Hodgin, Callum Irvine, Nathan Burns, Jason Gilliland, Scott McNarry and Eunan Nelson.
Limavady v Lisburn
Head coach Mark Nicholl will look to his players to reverse their three match losing run against a struggling Lisburn side this weekend. After an encouraging start for his newly promoted side they sit mid table nine points behind Coleraine and CIYMS.
Lisburn under Head coach Neil Hinds have seen their small playing squad decimated by injuries this season. After a strong finish to their league campaign last season the much anticpated progress this season has not materialised.
UUC v Donaghadee
The Riverside is the venue for two of the bottom three sides to meet this weekend. The only hope for both sides is that they both showed improvement last weekend with the students leading CIYMS 7 - 6 at HT before going down 30 - 7. Donaghadee just came up short losing 13 - 11 at home to Banbridge seconds in a Conference League game.
With the 10th placed side automatically relegated in Div 2 and the 9th place side involved in a playoff with the 2nd place team in Div 3 this is a must win game for both sides with Lisburn still searching for their first league win of the season.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 2
Banbridge seconds v Armagh seconds
Coleraine v Belfast Harlequins seconds
Larne v Malone seconds
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIV 3
Cavan (10) v Ballymoney (1)
Letterkenny (8) v Strabane (4)
Lurgan (2) v Ophir (12)
Newry (9) v Monaghan (11)
PSNI (3) v BHSFP (5)
Virginia (7) v Holywood (6)