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INSTONIANS v ENNISKILLEN
Cup favourites Instonians have selected their strongest squad for this intriguing encounter. Matthew Kilpatrick and fullback Ben Scott are unavailable but coach William Leacock has added Rory McCurry, Alan Whitten, Patrick Marks and Michael Melville to his match day squad with the goal of making the final. The South Belfast side do not underestimate the challenge the County Fermanagh side pose to their ambitions.
Enniskillen coach Norman Richmond will look forward to the trip to Shaws Bridge on Saturday. The Instonians juggernaut has been unstoppable this season in all competitions but Skins have the players to upset the form book with captain Jamie Johnston at number 8 supported by a well drilled front five. The recent return of Ulster Junior centre Alan Wilkinson has strengthened the midfield options with ex Instonians outhalf Nick Finlay filling the ten jersey for Enniskillen. Former Cooke fullback Ashley Finlay has been in outstanding form at fullback, using his electrifying pace to break opposition defences. With a large crowd expected, it promises to be a pulsating match.
BALLYCLARE v OMAGH
In the other semi final, Ballyclare coach Chris Campbell has built on the work of his predecessor Bob Young, who guided the County Antrim side into Kukri Qualifying League 1 this season. They are well positioned to finish in the top four of Q1 and have the desire to make the pre-Christmas showpiece and reverse the disappointment the players endured in losing to Ballynahinch 2nds in last year’s final. Their opponents Omagh, who they pipped in the promotion race, are their opposition at Cloughan this weekend.
Ballyclare have restored the evergreen Willie Logan to number 8 position, with Kris James filling the 10 jersey vacated by Niall Lawther. With centre David Clarke unavailable, the experienced Ryan Tweed is his replacement.
Omagh coach Phil Marshall has witnessed his hard work that started several years ago to rebuild rugby in the community. His reward is a resurgent Omagh club who hope to make the top table in Qualifying 1 next season. Back row Dean Porter remains unavailable and there are a couple of last minute fitness checks, but otherwise the Omagh squad will travel with much confidence this weekend. They have match winners in the form of captain Mark Smyth and Mervyn Edgar in the front row, half backs Stuart McCain and Lee Murphy, and threequarters Alastair Beckett, Neil Brown and Ryan Mitchell.