ULSTER SENIOR LEAGUE
Dungannon v Ards
Malone v Banbridge
Rainey OB v Ballymena
POWERADE TOWNS CUP SEMI FINALS
Ballymena 2nds v Clogher Valley
Interesting rematch between these two semi finalists after Clogher Valley overcame their opponents to reach last season’s final and defeat Donaghadee. Clogher Valley are coming off an exhausting five matches in 14 days that has decimated their playing squad. They have struggled to assemble a 20 man playing squad for this Cup tie with injuries ruling out Richard Primrose, BJ Wilson. Ryan Wilson, Philip Holme, Nathan Orr, Philip Holme, Matty Robinson and David Dunlop. Can the team muster one final effort to return to Kingspan Stadium on Monday 6th April to defend their cup? Coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black will rely on the youngsters such as Fleming Agnew and Mark McKenna to maintain their great cup tradition. It will require a massive effort against a Ballymena team who will be clear favourites at Eaton Park to win this cup tie.
Ballynahinch 2nds v Donaghadee
Once again another re-run of last season’s semi final when Donaghadee surprised the home side and favourites to claim a place in last seasons final. Can ‘Dee player/coach Paul McKenzie and his players upset the home side and make the final. Dee come into this match after three straight league defeats with their future in Q1 dependant on the return of Instonians to the AIL via the round robin play offs. ‘Dee have added forwards Jack Cooke, Richard Martindale and Matthew Stockton to their playing squad with Andrew Findlater replacing Adam Alexander in the backs. Despite the Six Nations rugby you can be sure the Dee supporters will be present in large numbers at Ballymacarn Park to support their team. ‘Hinch have to be clear favourites to win this contest.
McCREA CUP SEMI FINALS
Academy v Cooke
A difficult game to call. Academy coach Gareth Lynn was disappointed his team were denied a victory at Omagh last Saturday after a marginal call by the home touch judge. Small margins decide tight games and the coach will hope to use the players performance last Sat to complete a semi final win over Cooke to secure a Cup final place at the Kingspan stadium on Wed 6th April. Cooke coach Colin Atkinson is equally determined his side can continue their good form and make that trip to the Kingspan. Their in form winger Andy Pollock will pose a real threat to the Academy side on the back of 20+ tries this season. He scored three tries at Portadown in his team’s 28-15 win last Saturday to bring his total to eight in his last four matches. Both coaches have full strength squads to select from. Interesting duel with the Academy forward power up against a free running Cooke backline. Has all the ingredients for a drama filled spectacle to entertain the spectators at Roughfort.
Queen's 2nds v Malone 2nds
Both sides recorded impressive wins over Q1 opponents Instonians and CIYMS in the quarter finals. Injuries have depleted the playing squads available to both coaches. Queen’s coach Chris Moore is confident he will have the players to see his side through to the Final. Should be an entertaining contest between two teams who will want to play open running rugby.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 1
Dromore v CIYMS
The Barban Hill side, coached by former CIYMS coach Graham Cloke, require two points from their two remaining games against to secure fourth place in the league and qualification for the All Ireland Junior Cup. They will welcome back influential back row forwards Robert Greer and Adam McGregor this weekend, but Lee Steenson is ruled out. CIYMS survived last weekend’s fixtures to retain their Q1 status.
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 2
The focus may be on the race between Omagh and Carrickfergus to win the league. There is an equally fascinating duel developing between the bottom four teams Grosvenor, Lisburn, Holywood and UUC to see who will finish in the bottom two places. UUC held on for a 15-15 draw at Coleraine last Satrday with Holywood losing a tight match with Coleraine on Wednesday night 3-0 at Kerr Park. There is a crucial game for Lisburn at Blaris tonight against UUC. The Lisburn team have two matches left against the students and Enniskillen and need two wins. A win for the students tonight will instil a belief they can turn around their season and retain their Q2 status. These four teams face each other in crucial games that will ultimately decide their fate this season.
Lisburn v UUC
Carrickfergus v Holywood
Enniskillen v Grosvenor
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 3
Limavady v Larne
Newry v Strabane
PSNI v Donegal
KUKRI QUALIFYING LEAGUE 4
Virginia v Letterkenny