All kick offs 2.30pm unless stated.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1A
BALLYNAHINCH v Cork Constitution, Ballymacarn Park
It's great to have an Ulster side back in the top flight and a good one at that. Ballynahinch were hugely impressive in topping Division One B last season, finishing ahead of UCD - quite an achievement.
They have lost several players who helped them reach this level including Michael Lawton, Chris Quinn, James Thompson and Conor Carey. But they have strengthened their ...
All kick offs 2.30pm unless stated. ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1A BALLYNAHINCH v Cork Constitution, Ballymacarn Park It's great to have an Ulster side back in the top flight and a good one at that. Ballynahinch were hugely impressive in topping Division One B last season, finishing ahead of UCD - quite an achievement. They have lost several players who helped them reach this level including Michael Lawton, Chris Quinn, James Thompson and Conor Carey. But they have strengthened their squad with the addition of prop Chris Taylor from Malone, Banbridge front row players Johnny Murphy and Michael Cromie, Dominic Gallagher from Trinity and Queen's winger Ross Adair. Their exciting kiwi outhalf Richie Lobb has become a prolific points scorer for his team during the Ulster League campaign. Coaches Derek Suffern and Charlie McAleese know the back bone of the team is made of Captain Stuart Morrow who is ably assisted by Adam Craig, Harry McAleese and forwards Chris Napier, Neil Faloon and Michael Graham. Their game against Cork Constiution should give them some idea where they stand, with the Munster men earning a convincing 35-15 away win over UL Bohemians in the Munster Senior Cup last Saturday. Expect a large crowd at Ballymacarn Park to urge the 'Hinch on to an opening day triumph.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B BELFAST HARLEQUINS v Buccaneers, Deramore Park Belfast Harlequinswill be hoping that home advantage gives them the edge against a Buccaneers side that featured up close to the top of the table for much of last season. How Belfast Harlequins would love to be able to call on the services of the talented Stuart Olding who has gone on to make a big impression with Ulster. 'Quins will rely on their Ulster players to mount a challenge in this league. The inclusion of Michael Heaney and Neil McComb enabled the team to secure an unexpected and morale boosting win at Ballynahinch last Saturday. The injured Rory Scholes will be a blow to the' Quins team, while they have lost several players this season including Michael Ferguson to Malone as forwards coach. Coach Adam Larkin knows a win is crucial against the Connacht men who have lost their last three Connacht league and Cup games. Not ideal preparation. Buccaneers played some very good rugby at times last season but tended to blow hot and cold. This is a match which could well be very close. MALONE v DUNGANNON, Gibson Park This intriguing Ulster derby at Gibson Park between Malone and Dungannon will be sure to attract a large crowd. The Paddy Johns coached Dungannon managed a surge at the end of the season to move clear of the relegation zone. They have lost several players from their playing squad including Jaryd Bennett, Michael Dunleavy, Derek Hall, Stuart McKenzie, with Philip Whyte and David Egner returning to Bangor and Grosvenor. Club stalwarts Paul Magee and Glen Telford have both retired. Injuries have ruled influential second row Mark Jenkinson and back row forward James McMahon out of the opening game. 'Gannon recruited heavily from the junior ranks, bringing in Club Captain James Bates has joined from Clogher Valley, along with Portadown duo Mal Allister and Chris Cousens and Ballymoney wing Cormac McCartney. Johns will be looking to the Ulster coaches to release Chris Cochrane, Peter Nelson, Stuart McCloskey, Chris Farrell and Adam Macklin to bolster the playing strength of the 1st XV. Malone started last season off at a gallop looking like promotion candidates at an early stage. But their form then dropped off alarmingly and they moved down to mid-table. They will be hoping that Ulster players Alan O'Connor, Conor Joyce and James McKinney, along with U20 players Ross Kane, Ben Alexander and Rob Haldane can boost their playing squad along with player/coach Michael Ferguson.
All kick offs 2.30pm unless stated. ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1A BALLYNAHINCH v Cork Constitution, Ballymacarn Park It's great to have an Ulster side back in the top flight and a good one at that. Ballynahinch were hugely impressive in topping Division One B last season, finishing ahead of UCD - quite an achievement. They have lost several players who helped them reach this level including Michael Lawton, Chris Quinn, James Thompson and Conor Carey. But they have strengthened their squad with the addition of prop Chris Taylor from Malone, Banbridge front row players Johnny Murphy and Michael Cromie, Dominic Gallagher from Trinity and Queen's winger Ross Adair. Their exciting kiwi outhalf Richie Lobb has become a prolific points scorer for his team during the Ulster League campaign. Coaches Derek Suffern and Charlie McAleese know the back bone of the team is made of Captain Stuart Morrow who is ably assisted by Adam Craig, Harry McAleese and forwards Chris Napier, Neil Faloon and Michael Graham. Their game against Cork Constiution should give them some idea where they stand, with the Munster men earning a convincing 35-15 away win over UL Bohemians in the Munster Senior Cup last Saturday. Expect a large crowd at Ballymacarn Park to urge the 'Hinch on to an opening day triumph.
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B BELFAST HARLEQUINS v Buccaneers, Deramore Park Belfast Harlequinswill be hoping that home advantage gives them the edge against a Buccaneers side that featured up close to the top of the table for much of last season. How Belfast Harlequins would love to be able to call on the services of the talented Stuart Olding who has gone on to make a big impression with Ulster. 'Quins will rely on their Ulster players to mount a challenge in this league. The inclusion of Michael Heaney and Neil McComb enabled the team to secure an unexpected and morale boosting win at Ballynahinch last Saturday. The injured Rory Scholes will be a blow to the' Quins team, while they have lost several players this season including Michael Ferguson to Malone as forwards coach. Coach Adam Larkin knows a win is crucial against the Connacht men who have lost their last three Connacht league and Cup games. Not ideal preparation. Buccaneers played some very good rugby at times last season but tended to blow hot and cold. This is a match which could well be very close. MALONE v DUNGANNON, Gibson Park This intriguing Ulster derby at Gibson Park between Malone and Dungannon will be sure to attract a large crowd. The Paddy Johns coached Dungannon managed a surge at the end of the season to move clear of the relegation zone. They have lost several players from their playing squad including Jaryd Bennett, Michael Dunleavy, Derek Hall, Stuart McKenzie, with Philip Whyte and David Egner returning to Bangor and Grosvenor. Club stalwarts Paul Magee and Glen Telford have both retired. Injuries have ruled influential second row Mark Jenkinson and back row forward James McMahon out of the opening game. 'Gannon recruited heavily from the junior ranks, bringing in Club Captain James Bates has joined from Clogher Valley, along with Portadown duo Mal Allister and Chris Cousens and Ballymoney wing Cormac McCartney. Johns will be looking to the Ulster coaches to release Chris Cochrane, Peter Nelson, Stuart McCloskey, Chris Farrell and Adam Macklin to bolster the playing strength of the 1st XV. Malone started last season off at a gallop looking like promotion candidates at an early stage. But their form then dropped off alarmingly and they moved down to mid-table. They will be hoping that Ulster players Alan O'Connor, Conor Joyce and James McKinney, along with U20 players Ross Kane, Ben Alexander and Rob Haldane can boost their playing squad along with player/coach Michael Ferguson.