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Domestic club review - Saturday 17th February

Domestic club review - Saturday 17th February

Roger Corbett15 Feb 2018 - 17:02
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George Millar's look ahead to this weekend's games

What a weekend of Domestic club rugby we have coming up in the province. There are several appetising fixtures in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League and Div 1 of the Ulster Rugby Championship. The games that immediately pop up are the County Down derby involving Ballynahinch and Banbridge at Ballymacarn Park with both teams pursuing ambitions of promotion to Div 1A. We have the mid - ulster derby involving Rainey OB and Dungannon at Hatrick Park in Magherafelt with both teams chasing a top four finish in Div 2B. The one game that everybody has been talking about is the much anticipated top of the table clash between Ballyclare and Instonians at the Cloughan in Div 1 of the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship . Instonians have a six point advantage with Ballyclare having a game in hand. A win for Instonians would make them clear favourites for the league title with three games remaining. If Ballyclare win, the race will go down to the wire with bonus points probably deciding the outcome.

Many rugby supporters may have been watching Ireland play Italy last Saturday afternoon. For the clubs it was business as usual in the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship with one important rearranged game taking place in the UBL between Dungannon and Belfast Harlequins at Stevenson Park. Quins had shown in recent narrow defeats against Wanderers, Old Crescent and Sunday’s Well they were close to securing that all important break through win in the UBL. Their 20 – 7 win at Dungannon will surprise many rugby people but not Head coach Nickey Wells and President Michael Reid. Despite the difficulties of recent seasons their is a real buzz at Deramore Park with Nicky Wells in place as Head coach for the next three seasons. As the coach put it to me they will fight for every point as they look to retain their place in Div 2B. Well done guys.

Another result that raised many eyebrows was the 18 – 0 win by UUC over Academy as the students battle out with Lisburn and the PSNI at the bottom of Div 2 of the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship.. As I always keep saying to the rugby community it is important Domestic rugby clubs receive all the support they need to sustain their future. It does not matter what level you play your rugby at. The focus may be on the top clubs but it is important we don’t forget the clubs in Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal. It is the same in the North West with much work required to rebuild City of Derry as a force in Senior Rugby.

With no Six Nations rugby this week end there are no excuses for rugby supporters not making the effort to get out and support their local rugby team.

In the Ulster Bank All Ireland league we have five rounds left with several Ulster teams in contention for league honours and the playoffs. So much to play for in the remaining games.

Before I go any further I have to mention Glen Sinnamon the well known Dungannon prop who will be making his 200th appearance for the club in the All Ireland League this week end. A most notable achievement for this popular player at Stevenson Park. Despite his work and family commitments Glen has continued to serve Dungannon rugby club. Well done Glen. Thank you Allan Buchanan for bringing it to my attention.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE

In Div 1B Ballynahinch have a two point advantage over second place Shannon followed by their Ulster neighbours Banbridge in 3rd place. What a boost for Ulster club rugby if Brian McLaughlin and Daniel Soper can steer their teams into Div 1A next season. When you watch the highlights of the UBL on ‘Against the Head’ you never hear the Ulster teams mentioned with the focus on the Div 1A teams. As Bryn Cunningham said last week the foundations for Ulster rugby have to be put in place to make the province competitive in both producing and developing players to be competitive in both the professional and domestic game. Ballymena find themselves involved in a dog fight to retain their place in this Division. Injuries and unavailability have impacted on the team throughout the season.

In Div 2A Malone have a seven point advantage over second place Highfield. They have two tricky games coming up against bottom four teams Blackrock College and Galwegians. Again these two teams have shown how you can take nothing for granted as they battle to retain their Div 2A status along with Galway Corinthians and Greystones. Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong is making sure the players are totally focused on the next game and not looking too far ahead. City of Armagh have ambitions to make the playoffs but again have a difficult fixture away to Nenagh Ormond this weekend. Queens Uni have not won a UBL game since defeating Malone on the 10.11.17. They are on a six match losing run and can’t afford to lose at home to Galwegians this week otherwise they will find themselves drawn into a relegation battle that was not the target of this Queens squad this season.

In Div 2B Rainey OB find themselves seven points behind leaders Old Crescent with five rounds remaining. The Limerick team remain the only unbeaten team in the UBL with both these teams due to meet in their final game at Rossbrien on the 14th April. Rainey entertain neighbours Dungannon this Saturday with the Stevenson Park side looking to reverse their two UBL defeats as they pursue a top four finish and the playoffs. With Belfast Harlequins winning at Dungannon can the Deramore side close the gap on 8th place Sunday’s Well to avoid the playoffs. City of Derry put in a much improved performance in their defeat against Navan. This weekend they travel to Limerick to play unbeaten Old Crescent. Richard McCarter is determined to see City of Derry rebuild as a club to be competitive in the UBL. We wish them well.

In Div 2C we have a league involving 10 teams who are capable of beating each other on the day. You look at the table and you can see 16 points separate Malahide in 1st place and Tullamore in 10th place. We have two newly promoted Ulster teams in Bangor and Omagh who could win the league and finish in the top four. Equally they could lose a couple of matches and find themselves in a relegation battle. Leaders Malahide are on 39 points with Bangor in 4th place on 34 points and Omagh in 6th place on 33 points. Bangor play the top two teams Malahide and Thomond in their next two matches. Omagh are away to bottom side Tullamore this weekend. Every game left will be a Cup Final for all 10 teams in this league.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

In Div 1 we have the top four teams playing each other with Ballyclare hosting leaders Instonians at the Cloughan and 3rd place CIYMS playing 4th place Dromore at Belmont. A lot at stake for all four teams in these two matches. Below the top four teams we have six teams separated by 21 points with the bottom two teams Clogher Valley and Coleraine having the advantage of two games in hand. Will these rearranged games provide the points to allow Coleraine and Clogher Valley to move away from 9th and 10th place. Enniskillen, Portadown and Cooke are the teams who need to keep picking up league points. This weekend Portadown meet Clogher Valley with Enniskillen travelling to play Cooke. Coleraine entertain Carrickfergus who can still finish in top four. So much at stake in all the matches being played this weekend.

In Div 2 leaders Grosvenor have stretched their lead to 18 points over second place Randalstown with five games remaining. Randalstown are only four points ahead of 3rd place Ballymoney with Ards closing the gap on both teams with a game in hand. All makes for a fascinating finish to see who makes the playoff place. With UUC defeating Academy we have a real contest developing between Lisburn, UUC and the PSNI to see who avoids finishing in the bottom two places. The students had been showing much improved form after defeats against Randalstown and Larne. Limavady have continued their remarkable turnaround with another win at Lisburn to move them clear of the bottom three teams. Five points separate them from 4th place Ards.

In Div 3 both leaders Lurgan and second place Donaghadee returned bonus point wins at the weekend with three points separating the two sides with five matches left to play. Both these teams are in action in the Gordon West Cup quarter finals this week with Lurgan looking to repeat their 29 – 0 win last Sat at Strabane and Donaghadee travelling to play current Cup holders Cavan.

INURIES IN RUGBY

Can’t but notice the increasing numbers of injuries we are witnessing in the club game at present. Have to say I don’t think there is a club that hasn’t got a lengthy injury list. What can we do about it. The players are bigger, stronger and more athletic with the collisions increasing in their physicality. I know rugby is a physical sport but when you see the number of concussions, fractures and particularly knee injuries you have to ask the question are we doing enough to condition our players to reduce the number of injuries. Is it a conditioning issue. Do we need to improve the skill level and awareness of players to avoid these injuries. Is that possible. Where do the match officials come into this. Ireland introduced the choke tackle in 2011. Are we paying the price for this approach with the increasing number of head injuries and tackles above the chest. Should the double tackle be allowed. Is it right we are allowing a double tackle on a knee joint that was never shaped to absorb such collisions as we are witnessing. When Andy Graham described the collision that knocked his winger Jonny Rossborough out for several minutes in Cork. I asked myself are we going to experience a fatality on the rugby pitch in the very near future. The IRFU along with match officials, coaches and players have a responsibility to ensure that we don’t experience or wait until such a scenario is allowed to happen.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE

DIV 1A

Lansdowne (1) v St Mary’s College (8). Played Friday 16.2.18. Kick off 7.30PM

Terenure College (30 v Clontarf (10). Played Friday 16.2.18. Kick off 7.30PM

Dublin Uni (9) v Buccaneers (10)

UCD (7) v Garryowen (4)

Young Munster (6) v Cork Constitution (2)

DIV 1B

Shannon (2) v UL Bohemians (8). Played Friday 16.2.18. Kick off 7.30PM

Ballymena (9) v Naas (6)

Ballynahinch (1) v Banbridge (3)

Old Belvedere (5) v Dolphin (10)

Old Wesley (7) v UCC (4)

Ballymena v Naas

It takes a certain type of person to be a Head coach at a Rugby Club. In Andy Graham Ballymena have that person who despite all the adversity that is directed his way still retains his dignity and composure when faced with assembling and selecting teams to represent the club in the All Ireland League. In their last game away to UCC in Cork the coach had to deal with late cry offs involving injuries and unavailability not to mention illness on the Friday morning before the team set off on their lengthy journey. This necessitated young David Fullerton being summoned at 11AM to take a place on the coach to make up the match day 20. This was compounded during the game with illness forcing Azur Allison and Stephen Mulholland from the pitch early in the game to be replaced by David Fullerton and Ben O’Ryan. Further injuries resulted in Ulster prop Ross Kane along with John Loughlin and Jonny Rossborough leaving the pitch with prop Nacho Crespo moving into the back row. Winger Jonny Rossborough was knocked out cold for several minutes before being taken to and detained in hospital in Cork. This delayed the team leaving Cork on Saturday night as the team and officials were anticipating Jonny was going to be released before doctors made the decision not to release him. As Andy Graham pointed out it was 4AM on the Sunday morning before he got home. As the coach made clear, it was quite an introduction for young David Fullerton in his first match for the 1st xv. He is also concerned that the injury sustained by Jonny Rossborough could rule him out of playing rugby for a period of time.

The club are paying the price for having so many players involved at representative level both for Ulster and Ireland at Under age and Sevens. Injuries had ruled out Rodger McBurney, James Beattie, Glen Baillie and Brett Herron with Angus Kernohan not released by the Ireland under 20 management team. Prop Andy Warwick was expected to be released when he was needed by Ulster for the match against the Southern Kings. Second row Conor Smyth had picked up a shin injury in the Shannon match that ruled out the player for Cork. JJ McKee was another player expected to be released with Ulster saying no. Number 8 Adrian Hamilton has an injury to his shoulder that will potentially rule him out for the remainder of the season. Ben O’Ryan who played against UCC was injured last Saturday playing for the seconds against Ballyclare in the Towns Cup defeat. Joe Thompson was another player unavailable to travel to Cork. Matthew Norris remains on the injured list for another 2/3 weeks.

With five games remaining in the UBL Ballymena are faced with a real dog fight to retain their place in Div 1B. Their three final games are against UL Bohemians, Dolphin and Old Wesley who occupy the bottom four places along with Ballymena. Nine points separate these sides. The game at home to Naas this week end is a must win. Ulster releases include Callum Patterson, David Shanahan, Marcus Rea, Clive Ross and Ross Kane. Injuries rule out Adam McBurney and Brett Herron with Andy Warwick, Matthew Rea and John Andrews required by Ulster. Alan O’Connor has become a regular in the Ulster second row along with Kieran Treadwell. The unavailability of these players has had a big impact on the performances of the Ballymena team this season. Matthew Agnew is being retained by Ireland under 20s with the coach hoping to have Angus Kernohan released for this weekend. Ballymena Sub Academy players include: 1. Matty Agnew, Angus Kernohan, Michael Stronge and Azur Allison.

Ballymena squad to play Naas: 1. Nacho Clandero Crespo, 2. James Taggart, 3. Ross Kane, 4. Mark Foster, 5. David Whann, 6. Clive Ross, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Azur Allison, 9. David Shanahan, 10. Glenn Baillie, 11. James Beattie, 12. Callum Patterson, 13. Angus Kernohan (Subject to release by Ireland under 20s), 14. Dean Reynolds (Requires late fitness test)/ Michael Stronge ( Requires late fitness test), 15. Steven Shaw. 16. Chris Cundell, 17. Ryan Matheison, 18. JJ McKeee, 19. Stephen Mulholland, 20. Rodger McBurney. Both Stephen Mulholland and Rodger McBurney will require late fitness tests.

Ballymena won the away fixture involving these two teams 19 – 13 on the 28.10.17.

Ballynahinch v Banbridge

Results in Round 13 enabled Ballynahinch to move two points ahead of second place Shannon in Div 1B following a late Richard Reaney drop goal at Naas to win 27 – 24. Banbridge remain in 3rd place four points behind Shannon and six points behind Ballynahinch. The result on Saturday will have a significant impact on the promotion ambitions of both teams. Shannon play UL Bohemians at Thomond Park on Friday night. Again a game with the result potentially impacting at both ends of this division.

Fascinating contest in prospect at Ballymacarn Park with former Ulster coach and Ballynahinch rugby consultant Brian McLaughlin coming up against Daniel Soper the Banbridge Head coach in this crucial contest. Is it possible we could see both these teams playing in Div 1A next season. What a boost this would be for club rugby in Ulster.

Ballynahinch Ulster releases: 1. Peter Browne, Peter Nelson, Aaron Cairns and Zac MCall. David Busby not released. Injuries rule out Jack Regan, Aaron Hall and Rory Butler.

Five games left to play for Banbridge in the UBL with two home and three away. First up is all County Down affair with neighbours Ballynahinch at Ballymacarn Park this weekend. For Head coach Daniel Soper it is all about his players focusing on the game this week end and picking up the four league points. The win over Ballynahinch at Rifle Park in October was a first for Banbridge against their neighbours in the All Ireland League with the team taking great confidence from it. There has been many changes in both sides since that meeting with Hinch now at the top of the league.

Selection wise this week end Banbridge will be without scrum half Ian Porter coupled with the season ending injury picked up by Josh Cromie means Jason Gribben gets this rare opportunity to start at number 9.

James Hume will make his first start in midfield following a six month injury layoff. The player has been training with the Ireland under 20 squad in recent weeks. Conor Field returns to the wing after missing the 15 – 15 draw with Shannon. In the pack Ulster have released Eric O’Sullivan and Caleb Montgomery with a decision on Greg Jones not being made until Thursday. Both Ryan Hughes and Robin Sinton have returned to playing and will be either involved with the 1st or 2nd xv on Saturday. Injuries rule out Rob Lyttle and Michael Lowry.

Depth in strength is vital in the UBL. Banbridge have been able to call on experienced 1st xv players Adam Ervine, Dale Carson and Mike Bentley after the squad picked up several injuries. All three players played a key part in the 15 – 15 draw with Shannon at Rifle Park.

A big challenge for the entire squad as the 2nd xv are also at Ballynahinch. If the crowd at Rifle Park in October is anything to go on this Saturday will be a big day for an Ulster derby.

These two teams have already met twice this season. Ballynahinch defeated Banbridge 25 – 19 in the Ulster Premiership League on the 9.9.17 at Ballymacarn Park. In the second meeting Banbridge recorded their first All Ireland League win over Ballynahinch winning 20 – 10 at Rifle Park on the 28.10.17.

DIV 2A

Galway Corinthians (10) v Highfield (2)

Greystones (8) v Cashel RFC (4)

Malone (1) v Blackrock College (7)

Nenagh Ormond (3) v City of Armagh (5)

Queens Uni (6) v Galwegians (9)

Malone v Blackrock College

The Gibson Park side have opened up a seven point advantage over second place Highfield with five games remaining. Head coach Paddy Armstrong is aware that Blackrock have won their last two UBL games and will be taking nothing for granted in this match. The coach is hoping to have a similar squad available from the side that defeated City of Armagh 34 – 18 at the Palace Grounds. Malone have made an impressive start to 2018 winning their three UBL games.

Ulster releases: Jack Owens to be confirmed on Thursday, Peter Cooper, Joe Dunleavy Release to be confirmed by Ireland under 20 Management.

City of Armagh v Nenagh Ormond

Assistant coach Chris Parker will be aware of the importance of this match away to Nenagh Ormond in County Tipperary. They have ambitions to finish in the top four and make the playoffs. His side find themselves ten points behind 3rd place Nenagh Ormond and four points behind 4th places Cashel. After the Nenagh match City of Armagh have four games remaining against the bottom four teams. You can see how important this game is at Nenagh on Saturday for Armagh who have only won 1/5 of their last away matches in the UBL.

Chris Parker is hoping his team can turn those narrow defeats away from home into a win this Saturday. The Galwegians win over Nenagh last Friday night means it is all to play for and if the Armagh team have any ambitions to make the play offs they need to win on Saturday to stay in touch with Nenagh Ormond and Cashel.

Prop Philip Fletcher is likely to be out for the remainder of the season after sustaining an ankle injury. Both Neil Faloon and Jonny Morton will undergo fitness tests on Thursday night with a number of players due to confirm their availability due to work commitments with final selection to be confirmed on Thursday night.

When these two teams met at the Palace Grounds on the 28.10.17 Nenagh Ormond won a high scoring game 38 – 32.

Queens Uni v Galwegians

A late knock on against Blackrock College allowed the home side to gain field possession and maul over for try to win their contest with Queens Uni 15 – 14. 1st xv Manager Ian McAvoy was disappointed with the late defeat that has Queens in 6th place with eight points separating the bottom five teams. Visitors Galwegians required a late score at home to Nenagh Ormond to win 16 – 14 last Friday night. This win moved the Connacht side up to 9th place two points ahead of 10th place Galway Corinthians. You can see how important a win is for both teams in this meeting at Dub Lane. With five games remaining Queens know they need to win two of these fixtures. For a team that had targeted the playoffs this season this has become a case of the players fighting to retain their Div 2A status.

Queens team for this week end is expected to be along the lines: 1. Anton Lupari, 2. Alexander Clarke, 3. Andrew Clingan, 4/5 between Ali Burke, David Whitten and Marc Campbell. 6. Nigel Simpson (Captain), 7. Jonny Lees, 8. Gary Dillon, 9. John Creighton, 10. Richie McMaster/Jack Milligan, 11. Mark Keane. 12. Conor McKee, 13. Conor Shiels, 14. Jonny Milliken, 15. Jack Milligan/Richie McMaster, 16. Jonny Black, 17. David Swann, 18. Gerard Treanor with remaining two bench replacements to be finalised on Thursday night.

Both Jonny Stewart and Angus Curtis have been retained by Ireland under 20 management. Rory Bell remains on injured list.

DIV 2B

MU Barnhall (3) v Belfast Harlequins (9)

Navan RFC (4) v Wanderers (5)

Old Crescent (1) v City of Derry (10)

Rainey OB (2) v Dungannon (6)

Sunday’s Well (8) v Skerries (7)

Belfast Harlequins v MU Barnhall

Head coach Nicky Wells was delighted with the performance of his team in their 20 – 7 win at Dungannon last Saturday. The team may be nine points adrift of 8th place Sunday’s Well but their is a belief amongst the squad they can close the gap with five games remaining. The team will remain the same for the trip to Parsonstown with both Jaz Andress and Paul Kerr coming in on the replacements bench.

When these teams met at Deramore Park on the 28.10.17 the game finished in a 22 – 22 draw. Number 8 Toby Mannus made it 4 x tries in 6 games with another against Dungannon. Full back Mark Glover made it two tries in his last two matches. Whatever happens in these remaining games, Quins coach Nicky Wells wants his team to finish their season on a high. Momentum will be all important if it comes to the playoffs for the team to remain in Div 2B next season.

Belfast Harlequins team played Dungannon: 1. Rory Harrison, 2. Saul Herdman, 3. James Harrison, 4. Danny Annett (Captain), 5. Callum Leckey, 6. Zac Jordan, 7. Daryl Marshall, 8. Toby Mannus, 9. David Devine, 10. Conor McAuley, 11. Richie McKee, 12. Mattie McKenzie, 13. Mark Gribben, 14. Aodhan Gallagher, 15. Mark Glover, 16. Steven Weir, 17. Rory Winters, 18. Matthew Borne, 19. Christian Bennison, 20. Matthew Robinson.

Points scorers: Toby Mannus and Mark Glover 1 x try each. Mattie McKenzie 2 x con and 2 x pens.

City of Derry v Old Crescent

Backs coach Richard McCarter is looking to the performance in the game against Navan to provide the playing squad with the confidence going forward. Having a bit more structure in place helped in their performance.

Unfortunately it is a case of one step forward and two back in terms of selection this week. A lot of unavailability this weekend with selection being finalised on Thursday night.

When these two teams met at the Craig Thompson Stadium on the 28.10.17 Old Crescent ran out comfortable 54 – 21 winners.

Rainey OB v Dungannon

Injuries once again will impact on Rainey’s Head coach John Andrew’s selections before he finalises his team to play neighbours Dungannon on Saturday at Hatrick Park. He has already lost Hooker Brad Roberts, back rower Paul Pritchard and winger Andrew Donaghy to long term injuries. Donaghy was once again showing his potential after scoring two tries in the teams 31 – 22 bonus point win at Wanderers on the 3.2.18.Other notable absentees have been scrum half Jason Bloomfield and winger Nicholas Stirling. Injuries always present opportunities for others with the coach welcoming back Darren Corrigan, Callum Smyth and Scott McLean into the 1st xv squad. There may be concern at the club over their injuries but Rainey through their under age structures up to under 20 level are building strength in depth.

Rainey Ulster releases: John McCusker (To be confirmed on Thursday), Tommy O’Hagan.

Dungannon Head coach Andy Hughes missed having the direction of Chris Swash at out half in their two defeats against NUM Barnhall and Belfast Harlequins at Stevenson Park. The midfield combination had started to function and control the teams play, but in saying that , in both games Dungannon had created plenty of chances. It was the inaccuracy in that final third of the pitch that cost the team in both defeats.

In the game against Quins he felt his dominated the opening 20 minutes but failed to take their chances. Credit to Quins they hung in there in that early period and when they got their opportunity they took it. From then on they grew in confidence whereas his Dungannon team lost their focus. He had no complaints about the result. In the end Quins deserved their victory.

The coach is looking forward to the Rainey match. He is expecting a physical battle up front so it will be a challenge for his forwards. It is important Dungannon stay positive and as long as the team are creating chances. With a little more accuracy the team would be in a better position right now.

He is hoping the return of Chris Swash will provide that little bit more direction. Finishing in the top four is still achievable with five matches remaining.

When these two teams met at Stevenson Park on the 28.10.17 Rainey OB won 27 – 10.

DIV 2C

Bangor (4) v Malahide (1)

Seapoint (8) v Bruff (5)

Sligo (3) v Bective Rangers (9)

Thomond (2) v Midleton (7)

Tullamore (10) v Omagh (6)

Bangor v Malahide

The North Down side gave it their all at Bruff two weeks ago in drawing 10 – 10. It made it six points from two away matches in this tightly contested league. Losing their Captain David Bradford in the first 30 mins to injury and trailing 5 – 3 meant it wasn’t easy going for the Bangor team. The players showed great character to come back from that shock and then take the lead with the team almost holding on for a famous victory. Despite a heroic defensive effort in the final 10 minutes as Bruff laid siege to the Bangor line the Limerick side crossed for a try to level the game. Never the less two valuable points picked up.

Like many Ulster clubs Bangor have an ever growing injury list. Both Captains Phil Whyte and David Bradford are out with long term injuries. Scrum half Ali Lockhart needs an operation on his groin. Out half Gareth Millar needs a knee operation with back row forward Ryan Latimer needing shoulder surgery. Back row James Henley remains on the injured list and hopefully will return in next few weeks. Winger David Charles picked up a knock at Bruff and will miss the game against Malahide this week end.

Despite injuries Bangor still have a decent squad to compete with league leaders Malahide at Upritchard Park on Saturday. They will be looking to experienced players like Jamie Clegg, Mark Widdowson, Desi Fusco, Mike Aspley, Mikey Weir and Lewis Stevenson to drive forward the young players to play at this level. As he says they are relishing it and thriving along with it.

Ricky highlights the work being done by Alan Atcheson and Paul Andrews to get the seconds and thirds out each week with the injuries on the 1st xv. One of the problems is that the club like so many other clubs have so many quality players who have just stopped committing to playing rugby week in and week out. A lot of them will play the odd game which is great, but it is getting that consistency off performance is difficult off the back of unsettled squads all the time. He feels it is something that needs to be seriously addressed at Ulster Branch level.

The game for the 1st xv this week end is huge. There is no respite in this league. His team is one win off top and 2 losses off relegation in this crazy league. If Bangor win their next two games against Malahide and Thomond they could potentially be in a position to win the league, with two homes games and an away game to bottom place Tullamore to come after that. However the attitude has to be to take it one game at a time. Malahide picked up the bonus point down their with Bangor having to be at their best this week end. The scoreline flattered Malahide who scored some lovely tries. They have a talented back row and good half backs that Bangor will have to watch.

Selection for the Malahide game has been difficult with a few players coming back from injury with 2/3 finalising their fitness on Thursday night. Dave Caughey comes back into the squad along with Chris Jordan. Phil Broderick who scored a fine individual try against Bruff is unavailable this week and is replaced by Gareth Wright.

Bangor squad: Charlie Clegg, Evan Wellard McMillan, Andrew Jackson, Max Montgomery, James Leary, Dave Caughey, Jack Cooke, Lewis Stevenson, Jamie Clegg, James Stewart, Martin Withers, Andrew Shaw, Mike Aspley, Mike Weir, Lewis Brett, Rob Gamble, Nathan Graham, Ross McCloskey, Mark Widdowson, Chris Jordan, Gareth Wright.

Bangor lost 29 – 7 away to Malahide on the 28 .10.17 .

Omagh v Tullamore

Head coach Phil Marshall is expecting a real battle away to Tullamore this week end. Experienced second row Mervyn Edgar remains side lined for another few weeks with a knee injury. Winger Neil Brown popped his shoulder in training last week after being out with a groin injury for six weeks. There are a few players who face fitness tests on Thursday night. One piece of good news is the return of second row Jamie Sproule to the bench after fracturing his fibula 10 weeks ago.

In this league every team has something to play for in every game. Tullamore are fighting to avoid relegation with points at home vital to them.

When these two teams met at the Thomas Mellon Playing fields on the 28.10.17 Tullamore won a close game 23 – 19.

ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP 2ND XV LEAGUE

Ballymena seconds (6) v Malone seconds (4). Kick off 2PM

Ballynahinch seconds (2) v Banbridge seconds (3)

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMP/CONF DIV 1

Ballyclare (2) v City of Armagh seconds (1). Played Tuesday 20.2.18. Kick off 7.45PM

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1: ROUND 15

Ballyclare (2) v Instonians (1)

CIYMS (3) v Dromore (4)

Coleraine (9) v Carrickfergus (5)

Cooke (6) v Enniskillen (8)

Portadown (7) v Clogher Valley (10)

Ballyclare v Instonians

Busy period coming up for Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever and his players with three games at home over the next eight days. First up they have Instonians this weekend followed by a Conference league game against City of Armagh seconds on Tuesday night and Limavady at home in the River Rock Towns Cup on Saturday week. One week that could define their season. Instonians have a six point advantage over Ballyclare who have a game in hand at Clogher Valley to play. A win for Ballyclare would narrow the lead of Instonians. A win for Instonians would potentially open up a 10/11 point lead with three games remaining. Both teams are in good form with Instonians winning their last 9 league games and Ballyclare their last 7.

Head coach Mike McKeever was pleased with the strong performance from his team in their 41- 0 Towns Cup win over Ballymena seconds at Eaton Park. Scoring seven tries will increase the confidence in the squad going into the top of the table clash with Instonians. His Ballyclare team are looking forward to hosting the league leaders. The coach is expecting it to be a superb game of rugby between the top two sides in the league.

It will be a case of the squad focusing on themselves and how the team play. His team is expecting a strong Instonians pack organised around Roger Wilson and John Andress with a backline that will have their live spark in out half Frazer Wright.

The coach is encouraging as much support from the town and community to get down to support club rugby in Ballyclare this Saturday. He also wants to see this support across the province. His message is to go along and support your local rugby club.

Instonians Director of Rugby William Leacock regards this meeting of the two teams as a big game this week end with the winner taking a huge step towards winning the league. His team go into the game on a good run of form having regained the top spot with a number of bonus point wins. His players are taking nothing for granted and know they will have to be at their best to beat Ballyclare.

The Instonians squad has a settled look to it with Ben Alexander returning to training this week after illness. His players are working hard and looking forward to the match on Saturday.

When these two teams met at Shaws bridge on the 4.11.17 Instonians won 17 – 13.

Ballyclare team played Ballymena seconds: 1. Dean Jones, 2. Matthew Coulter, 3. Rory Henderson, 4. Robert Boyd, 5. Grant Bartley (Captain), 6. Ryan Tweed, 7. Gary Weatherup, 8. David Clarke, 9. Andy Eastop, 10. Robert Smith, 11. Michael Kirk, 12. Joel Mcbride, 13. Robbie Reid, 14. Stuart Cusick,15. Gary Clotworthy.

Points scorers: Robert Smith and Stuart Cusick 2 x tries each, David Clarke, Robert Boyd and Gary Clotworthy 1 x try each. Robbie Reid 3 x cons.

Instonians team played Dromore: 1. John Andress, 2. Neil Saulters, 3. Alan Whitten, 4. Sean Shuttleworth, 5. Rory McCurry, 6. Aaron Davis, 7. Josh Atkinson, 8. Roger Wilson, 9. Matthew Keane, 10. Fraser Wright, 11. Michael Melville, 12. David Scott, 13. Ben Scott. 14. Matthew Kilpatrick. 15. Gareth Delaney- Burns , 16. Conor Gallagher, 17. Harry Clelland.

Points scorers: Sean Shuttleworth, Neil Saulters and Gareth Delaney – Burns 1 x try each, 1 x pen try + con, Fraser Wright 3 x cons.

CIYMS v Dromore

Two teams well placed to finish in the top four to qualify for the All Ireland Junior Cup next season. Both suffered bonus point losses away to Enniskillen and Instonians last week. CIYMS have a two point lead over Dromore. A win for CI would put them in a strong position for the remaining matches. Both will be conscious that Carrickfergus can finish in the top four. CI have won 5/7 games with Dromore only winning 2/7 games. CI have won their last three home league games and will be looking to extend that run.

CIYMS Head coach Gareth Fry acknowledged Enniskillen played really well in their 25 – 7 win at Mullaghmeen last Saturday. His team did not convert their chances in the first half they created. Enniskillen dealt well with the pretty horrific conditions and deserved their win.

His players are looking forward to the visit of Dromore to Belmont on Saturday. It was really tight the last time the two teams met each other with the coach hoping to have a few players returning this week. Dromore play a similar style to CI , 15 man rugby that makes for an exciting game. CI team to be finalised on Thursday night.

CIYMS team played Enniskillen: 1. J Jordan, 2. Scott McNarry, 3. Gavin Woods, 4. Cory Tipping, 5. Paddy Aiken, 6. Scott Dowle, 7. Jason Gilliland, 8. Mark McConkey, 9. Cameron Stewart, 10. Paddy Beverland, 11. Matty Butler, 12. Matthew Kilgore, 13. Callum Irvine, 14. Craig Devlin, 15. Nathan Burns, 16. David Cobain, 17. Peter Raine.

Points scorers: Matty Butler 1 x try, Matt Kilgore 1 x con.

When these two teams met at Barban Hill on the 4.11.17 Dromore won a high scoring game 31 – 20.

Coleraine v Carrickfergus

There was much relief around Rugby Avenue last Saturday when Coleraine overcame a 7 – 3 deficit at halftime against Portadown to win 16 – 10. This win ended a a four match losing run in the league. Head coach Richard Boyd has had to deal with a worryingly lengthy injury list throughout the season and has had to place his faith in his under 20 players. Seven played against Portadown including Cillian Butler, Andy Mckee, Peter Wisener, James Millsopp, Ally Corbett, Matty Leighton and Josh McCaw.

Two back to back wins for Carrickfergus against Strabane in the Towns Cup and Cooke in the league have closed the points difference on 4th place Dromore to seven points. This is Carrick’s last away game with the remaining three league games at home. A win at Coleraine could leave the team well placed for a top four finish even 5th place may be enough to qualify for the All Ireland Junior Cup if either Instonians or Ballyclare are promoted to the All Ireland league next season. Carrick ended a six match losing run in the league by coming back to defeat Cooke 15 – 13 at the Tom Simms Memorial Park last Saturday. With a Towns Cup match against Randalstown Carrick can turn their season around in the pursuit of honours.

Coleraine team played Portadown: 1. Cillian Butler, 2. Andy McKee. 3. C Breadon, 4. Josh Christie, 5. Ally Corbett, 6. James Millsopp, 7. Peter Wisener, 8. Steven Dickey, 9. Mathew Leighton, 10. Bokkie Carstens, 11. Niall Irwin, 12. Kyle McAuley, 13. Mikey Poskitt, 14. Josh McCaw, 15. Brian Cochrane, 16. Michael ferguson, 17. Adam parke.

Points scorers: Bokkie Carstens 1 x try. Mikey Poskitt 1 x con and 3 x pens.

Carrick team played Cooke: 1. Derek McKeen, 2. Alan Whitley, 3. Richard Williams, 4. C Taylor, 5. Stuart Currie, 6. Bradley Luney, 7. Ryan McGonigle, 8. Andy McKeen (Captain), 9. Conor Cambridge, 10. D Carse, 11. David Moore, 12. Adam White, 13. Pete Simpson, 14. Fionn McCormick, 15. Michael Black, 16. J Graham, 17. Bob O’Callaghan.

Points scorers: Andy Mckeen and Ryan McGonigle 1 x try each. Adam White 1 x con and 1 x pen.

When these two teams met at Carrick on the 4.11.17 the home side prevailed to win 18 – 7.

Cooke v Enniskillen

Head coach Colin Atkinson is hoping experienced players Alex Gourley, Philip Cartmill and Jonathan Walsh will return to the Cooke squad this week for the crucial game with Enniskillen at Shaws bridge. His small squad have been struggling with injuries after narrow defeats away to Carrickfergus and Portadown. His team have picked up only one win from their last six league games.

Enniskillen made it three wins from their last four home games as they scored five tries against CIYMS to secure an important bonus point win. Unfortunately for Skins they have only won one league game away from home this season. That was a 20 – 19 win at Portadown on the opening day of the season. Head coach Willy Gibson is again looking another big effort from his players this week after they bounced back at the week end to end a three match losing run. He views the match this week as a must win game for his Enniskillen team. He felt the players took responsibility last week for their actions on the pitch and produced a good performance in very poor conditions against CIYMS. He is asking the players to back it up this week and indeed carry their form from Mullaghmeen to Shaws bridge.

Enniskillen make four changes with two in the front row and two in the backs with the core of the team retained from last week. As he put it the time for excuses is gone.

Enniskillen team that played CIYMS: 1. Steven Fox, 2. Ryan Cathcart (Captain), 3. Ricky Lee, 4. David Buchanan, 5. Kaine Holden, 6. Gareth McCoy, 7. Gavin Parke, 8. Jamie Johnston, 9. Patrick McCleery, 10. Adam Lendrum, 11. Matthew Balmer, 12. Michael law, 13. James Ferguson, 14. Mark O’Shea, 15. Ashley Finlay, 16. Sam parke, 17. Jamie Kelly.

Points scorers: Gavin Parke 2 x tries, Mathew Balmer, Kaine Holden and Patrick McCleery 1 x try each.

When these two teams met at Mullaghmeen on the 4.11.17 Enniskillen won 15 – 11.

Portadown v Clogher Valley

Clogher Valley are now 12 points behind 9th place Coleraine with two games in hand on opponents Portadown this week. Forwards coach Davy Black is convinced with six games left to play Clogher can avoid the drop into Div 2. After their Towns Cup win over Dromore both the coaches and players were disappointed their league match with Ballyclare at the Cran had to be postponed due to the rearranging of the Ballymena seconds v Ballyclare Towns Cup game. Davy Black felt the 26 – 7 loss at home to Instonians the week before the win over Dromore was a defining moment for the players and coaches this season. Their defence has improved with the coaches able to select a settled team. The players heads are up heading into the remaining league games. One valuable addition to the back row alongside the Wilson brothers has been local player Jonny Porter who has been impressive in the 7 jersey. Of the six league games three are at home with three away. Injuries and unavailability have ruled out Ross Finlay, Fleming Agnew and Toby McAlpine. The presence of the experienced James Bates and PC Falconer in the squad has made an impact with Andy Breen and Allister Trenier forming a very solid defensive pairing in the midfield. What has pleased the coach is how young player such as Jonny Porter, Josh Coulter, Dave Kelly and Simon Clarke have stepped up to perform on the 1st xv.

There was disappointment amongst the Portadown players they lost at Coleraine on Saturday after leading 7 – 3 at halftime. Head coach Richard Hedley knows the league game between the two teams is very important for both clubs on Saturday. Injuries and unavailability make selection very difficult with full back Luke Ashton returning.

When these two teams met at the Cran in Fivemiletown on the 14.10.17 Portadown won 14 – 5.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2: ROUND 14

Academy (5) v Ards (4)

Ballymoney (3) v UUC (9)

Grosvenor (1) v Limavady (7)

Larne (6) v Lisburn (8)

PSNI (10) v Randalstown (2)

Academy v Ards

We were looking at Academy as a team who could challenge Randalstown and Ballymoney for second place in the league and the playoff. Two away defeats to UUC and Lisburn have all but ended their interest. This is an interesting return fixture for Academy with Ards this weekend. When these two teams met Hamitlon Park on the 4.11.17 Academy opened up a 12 – 0 lead only for Ards to bounce back and score nine tries to win 57 – 12. Since that win Ards have played 11 games. They have won eight with two of their three defeats coming against Div 2 league leaders Grosvenor. Despite Academy’s indifferent form they remain undefeated at home in their last five league games with Ards having won their last two away league games. With a match in hand Ards could potentially overtake Randalstown and Ballymoney for 2nd place and the playoff.

Ards coach John West is pleased with the way things are going at the minute, though he feels their is still room for improvement in aspects of their game. For him and Scott Young the squad have come a long way in a very short time. That is a credit to the players and the coaches that work alongside them behind the scenes. The team know the goals they want to achieve this season and the players will keep working hard to accomplish them. The attitude is we look no further than the game at Academy on Saturday. The coach is expecting a hard game as Academy will be looking to put the defeat against UUC last week behind them. He does not foresee any changes to the team that played against Randalstown last week in the 25 – 9 win.

Ards team played Randalstown: 1. Andrew Foster (Captain), 2. Tom Arthur Donnan, 3. Matty kane, 4. Ross Torney, 5. Gareth McBurney, 6. Danny patton, 7. Onisi Burekama, 8. Graeme Taylor, 9. Stuart Paul, 10. Mark Banford. 11. Paul Cox, 12. Trevor Devlin, 13. Scott Young, 14. Adam coulter, 15. David Armstrong. 16. David Chivers, 17. John Dowey.

Points s corers; Trevor Devlin , Adam Coulter and Paul Cox 1 x try each Paul Cox 2 x cons and 2 x pens.

Ballymoney v UUC

A lot at stake in this match for both teams. Ballymoney remain in 3rd place four points behind Randalstown as they chase the playoff place with the students pushing Lisburn to move away from 9th place. UUC are five points behind 8th place Lisburn with a game in hand. Both UUC and Lisburn meet in games on the 24th of February and the 14th April that potentially can decide who will finish in 9th place and the playoff place.

Ballymoney coach Jonny Hanna felt the team played well in patches in their 30 -10 defeat at league leaders Grosvenor but didn’t have the intensity for sustained spells to really trouble them. The challenge for the team is to get that intensity back into their game that they showed before Christmas.

The players are looking forward to playing a home game this week and with other results they still have a chance to finish in second place with that being our target for the season. The coaching staff are hoping to have Peter Irvine back in the pack but will be without Captain John McFetridge along with James Cleland and Matthew Steele in the backs.

UUC got a deserved win at the week end and when Ballymoney played them there was nothing in the game until the last 20 minutes with the Ballymoney team expecting another tough game on Saturday.

Talking to UUC Director of Rugby Brett Campbell their 18 - 0 win over Academy last week was a reward for the hard work the players have been putting in on the training pitch. Having played well in their defeat at Randalstown all the pieces fell into place for the 80 minute performance against a dogged Academy team.

UUC team: 1. Peter McCully, 2. Mike Smyth, 3. Gary Burke, 4. Jake Stevenson, 5. Dan Morgan, 6. Jacque Boldger, 7. Bernard Mullan, 8. Cori Hamill, 9. Brendan Parke, 10. Cameron McAteer, 11. Chris Allen, 12. Alan Johnston,13. David Gilkinson (Captain), 14.Steven Logan, 15 Jack Harkness. 16. Wallace Bruce, 17. Sam Hetherington.

Points scorers: Chris Allen 1 x try, Steven Logan 2 x tries. Cameron McAteer 1 x pen.

The same starting xv will start away to Ballymoney who were comfortable winners in the first meeting in October. The experienced Ollie Millar will come on to the bench in place of Wallace Bruce this years 2nd xv Captain who’s performance reflected the clubs strength in depth and the competition there is in the back row.

When these two teams met on the 4.11.17 Ballymoney won 27 -11. The game at Kilraughts Road this week end could be a much closer affair.

Grosvenor v Limavady

The Gibson Park side have opened up a 18 x point lead on 2nd place Randalstown with five games remaining. They maintained their undefeated run winning 30 -10 at home to secure another bonus point win. 61points out of 65 from 13 matches played is impressive to say the least. Knowing the Grosvenor coaches they will want to finish the season off in style. Interesting opponents Limavady at Gibson Park this week end. The North West side are undefeated in their last four league and Cup games. In fact their record is 7 x wins from their last nine games played in the league, Conference league and Towns Cup. Next week they travel to play Ballyclare in the quarter finals of the Towns Cup at the Cloughan. For Head coach Mark Nicholl it will be an opportunity to see how his team match up against runaway league leaders Grosvenor.

For Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford it is all about building strength in depth at the club. The second xv won their league last season and are in the hunt again this season as well as making it through to the semi finals of the Crawford Cup . Former 1st xv Captain James Bowman has taken on a player/coach role with the seconds along with Marty McCullough and John Lutton.

His 1st xv have a very tough game this week at home to Limavady . Their Head coach Mark Nicholl has done a great job as coach up there with his team on a bit of a roll. The score line flattered Grosvenor when they played them up there so we know it will be tough on Saturday.

Grosvenor will be missing Peter Dawson, Peter Davison and Ben Coard for Saturday with a couple of other players facing late fitness tests. Both Stuart McIIwaine and Paddy Hamill return to the squad this week.

Limavady recorded an impressive 27 – 19 bonus point win at Lisburn last Saturday. The win moves the team up to 7th place two points behind 6th place Larne but most importantly 15 points ahead of 8th place Lisburn who have two games in hand. Three players who missed that game will return for the Grosvenor match. They include Rory Squires, Sam Mackey and Ton McClelland.

Limavady team played Lisburn: 1. Clive Scott, 2. Luke Montgomery, 3. John McCollum, 4. Michael Rice, 5. Colin Henry, 6. Adam Nathan, 7. Perry Semple, 8. Daniel Irvine, 9. Jamie Millar, 10. Michael Haslett, 11. Stewart Roddy, 12. Jamie ‘Mo’ Millar, 13. William McCleery, 14. Graham McAleese, 15. Peter Wilson, 16. Thomas McAuley, 17. Jack Elliott.

Points scorers: Matthew Haslett, Jamie ‘Mo’ Millar, Clive Scott and Peter Wilson 1 x try each. Peter Wilson 2 x cons and 1 x pen.

When these two teams met at the John Hunter Memorial Fields on the 4.11.17 Grosvenor won 38 – 5.

Larne v Lisburn

Head coach Graham Cloke is looking to his team to build on their 43 – 0 win over the PSNI at the week end. He is also wary of a resurgent Lisburn team fighting for league points at the bottom end of the table. Selection for this match will be finalised on Thursday night. Out half BJ Mc Faul is unavailable this week which will see changes in the back line. Matthew Agnew is 50/50 on whether he will play with prop Chris Rea also unavailable. The coach has been pleased with the increased numbers at training with the clubs second team performing very well in the league which puts pressure on the 1st xv players. Graham Cloke will be looking his team to finish in the top half. Their remaining games are against Grosvenor, Ards, Ballymoney, Randalstown and Academy.

Lisburn will be disappointed not to have picked up at least two points from their 27 – 19 defeat at home to Limavady. Despite scoring three tries the team were unable to cross for that 4th try. As I said the two games scheduled between Lisburn and UUC could decide who finishes in the play off place.

PSNI v Randalstown

Has been a difficult season for the PSNI after securing promotion last season. The team have conceded 171 points without reply in their last three league games with UUC moving ahead of them at the weekend. Second place Randalstown will show them no favours as they push for second place and the playoff.

Head coach Gary Longwell is looking forward to the challenge that awaits his players on their run in to finish in second place. The PSNI have some excellent players with the coach expecting a very physical game.

GORDON WEST CUP QUARTER FINALS

Strabane v Lurgan

Newry v Monaghan

Donegal Town v Holywood

Cavan v Donaghadee

Enjoy your rugby this weekend. Keep spreading the message about the Domestic game in your community.

Cheers

George

Further reading