Match previews for Saturday's eight Powerade Towns Cup second round clashes.
DONAGHADEE v ENNISKILLEN
Donaghadee are currently sitting in 9th place in Kukri Qualifying League 1 and Enniskillen sit 7th in Qualfying 2. For Skins captain Ricky Connor and his halfback partner Alan Wilkinson, this game will bring back happy memories when they visit Donaldson Park on Saturday, having won a Towns Cup quarter final in 2010. The ‘Dee team has changed significantly but for those that remain from 2010; Billy Allen, Rory Garnham, Paul Blewitt, Gareth Gordon, Chris Good, Chris Hamilton and Richard Martindale, there is the opportunity to reverse that result. On paper ‘Dee should be favourites to win this game but cup games are all about how you perform on the day. It should be an interesting day for both sets of coaches, while the battle between the two scrumhalves and captains; Skins Ricky Connor's and Alastair Lockhart will set the tone for this game. ‘Dee to win.
BALLYCLARE v CLOGHER VALLEY
When the two sides met in the quarter final of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup in November, Ballyclare won 8-6 and went on to suffer their only league and cup defeat this season in the final to the all conquering Ballynahinch 2nds. The White Hare side remain undefeated against all Qualifying 1 sides in two seasons. Having watched Clogher Valley defeat Portadown convincingly last Saturday despite the scoreline of 19-10 you question whether Ballyclare can do the double over the best club side in Qualifying rugby in Ulster. Despite having an All Ireland Junior Cup final on Saturday week, the County Tyrone side want to visit Ravenhill on Easter Monday. Ballyclare will expect no less from this Clogher Valley side. There is no doubt Bob Young and his coaching team have replicated the work ethic instilled by Clogher Valley coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black into their players. A great game in store.
OMAGH v LARNE
The County Tyrone side have hit a rich vein of form with them pushing Ballyclare all the way for the Qualifying 2 title. They beat Dungannon 2nds 48-3 in the first round three weeks ago and recorded a very impressive 3-29 bonus point win at fellow promotion contenders Randalstown last Saturday. Larne coach Laurence Kelly is looking to measure his sides progress against Omagh on Saturday. It could be a tough day at the office for the Antrim side against Phil Marshall's team who will have their sights on an Easter Monday final at Ravenhill. Omagh to win.
BALLYMONEY v STRABANE
There would have been relief at Kilraughts Road amongst the supporters and players after the team recorded a last gasp 15-14 win over Cooke last Saturday at Shaw’s Bridge. Coaches Neil Beddow and Jason Taggart had hopes of the team contending for league and cup honours this season. A run of five defeats in six games necessitated changes to the team. Strabane have struggled this season and remain without a win from eleven games so Ballymoney should win.
ARMAGH 2nds v COLERAINE
With Armagh 1sts playing at home in the Ulster Bank League on Saturday, their 2nds will struggle to compete with a Coleraine side who have failed to perform this season despite reaching the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup semi final. Recent wins over Ballymoney, Randalstown and UUC will have boosted the confidence of the North Coast side. Expect coach Richard Beggs to have his side up for this game. Coleraine have struggled with injuries this season and will rely on their South African Bakkie Carstens to guide them through this tricky tie. Armagh are up against it even with home advantage.
DROMORE v BALLYNAHINCH 2nds
What a cracker of a game to be staged at Barban Hill this weekend. On paper Junior Cup holders Ballynahinch would be favourites to win this tie but under the guidance of coaches Dewet Bekker and Jeremy Ogle, Dromore have strung together a six match unbeaten run in the league and Towns Cup that has moved them into third place in Qualifying 1. It should be noted that Dromore defeated Ballynahinch 2nds 17-12 in a pre-season friendly back in August - probably the only defeat ‘Hinch 2nds have suffered this season. Such is the strength in depth at Ballymacarn Park, the 2nd XV players have all had the opportunity to play on the 1st XV this season. In the final of the Junior Cup they deservedly defeated Ballyclare with a very disciplined and structured team performance. In captain Josh Donaldson in the back row, along with the experience of Davy Nicholson in the backs, ‘Hinch should win.
BALLYMENA 2nds v UUC
The Eaton Park side were comfortable winners over Portadown (24-3) in the first round. Despite their 1st XV having an Ulster Bank League game at home this weekend the Braidmen are probably slight favourites to progress to the quarter finals. Ballymena 2nds have already defeated UUC 43-13 in the Conference league back in November and a repeat looks likely.
BANBRIDGE 2nds v BANGOR
This will be a tricky game for Bangor. Bann at home in the cup is always a difficult proposition. They always produce a big pack that makes it difficult for their visitors. Bangor have had two weeks off to recover from their 27-0 defeat at Clogher Valley. If Bangor can secure plenty of possession they have the talent in their free scoring backline to win this game comfortably. Captain Jamie Clegg has been an impressive leader from the front for his team this season. Bangor to win.