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Domestic club review - Saturday 3rd February

Domestic club review - Saturday 3rd February

Roger Corbett31 Jan 2018 - 20:41
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George Millar's look-ahead to this weekends fixtures

In my preview last week I queried the number of matches teams were expected to play in the Ulster Domestic leagues. One Ulster UBL coach said he didn’t agree with my views. His view was that players join a club to play rugby on a Saturday. He was also concerned that if players don’t have a match they can be reluctant to train. The Ulster Premiership League and the First Trust Senior Cup were not ideal especially if you want to give other players an opportunity to play at a higher level – lose one game and its all over for your team. It needs to be a competitive league for developing players.

He was also of the view what happens to teams that exit cups in round 1. Where do they get their rugby if we don’t have strong competitive leagues for them to play in. Players need games nearly every week – every 4 in 5 weeks.

He also questioned whether the All Ireland League was sustainable in its current format. With no British & Irish Cup next season more professional players would be looking to play domestic club rugby. The clubs have to be ready and prepared to get back to strong senior provincial competitions or we will not continue to develop players because the majority of the clubs developing players may not get the opportunity to play UBL rugby if the All Ireland League reverts to two divisions.

My response is that several Ulster UBL teams have questioned their teams playing in both the Premiership league and the First Trust Senior Cup. It has to be one competition not both. Is there an issue with clubs lacking the strength in depth of Ballynahinch, City of Armagh and Malone being left with no choice but to play the same players week in week out in all three senior competitions. In those circumstances how do we manage player welfare. There is the question of several Ulster UBL teams being allowed to play in the All Ireland League when their second xv compete in the Ulster Provincial League. Ballynahinch 3rds and 4ths compete in Div 1 alongside Dungannon, Belfast Harlequins, Queens Uni and Bangor seconds with Rainey OB and City of Derry seconds in Div 2.

The Premiership 2nd xv league includes Ballynahinch, City of Armagh, Banbridge, Ballymena, Malone and Omagh. Interesting to note that Ballynahinch, City of Armagh and Malone seconds all competed in the semi finals of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup this season with Ballynahinch retaining the cup after defeating Armagh in the final. Both Ballynahinch and City of Armagh have performed well in Conference league Div 1 with the league winners still to be decided. In Div 2 of the Conference League Malone will finish second if Grosvenor win their rearranged match on Sat with Banbridge seconds. Does that strength in depth reflect the position of these three Ulster teams in the All Ireland League this season. Where does that leave Banbridge, Ballymena, Rainey OB and Dungannon as they look to build their strength in depth. Queens Uni, Belfast Harlequins and City of Derry have much work to do. Bangor and Omagh have returned to the UBL in the last two seasons. Bangor don’t have a Youth structure and rely on player recruitment to strengthen their playing squad. Omagh have traditionally had a strong development structure through their Youth section and will be looking to sustain that pathway for players into the Adult game at club level.

There is a gulf between the 12 Ulster UBL clubs who play in Section 1 and 2 of the All Ireland League and the playing resources they have at their disposal. Ballynahinch, City of Armagh and Malone have that strength in depth to compete in the three Senior competitions. Is that the case for the other nine UBL teams. Should all teams in the UBL be asked to play their second xv teams in the second xv league and Conference leagues. If not should these teams be allowed to play in the All Ireland League.

When one looks at the Crawford Cup results last weekend I was surprised to see Instonians seconds beaten 48 – 0 by Ballynahinch fourths and Ballyclare seconds going down 26 – 13 away to Bangor seconds after defeating ballynahinch 3rds in the 1st round. As we keep saying strength in depth is all important for clubs to compete in the All Ireland league.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE: ROUND 12

Last weekend was a good weekend for the Ulster UBL clubs after Round 12. There were wins for Ballynahinch, Banbridge, Ballymena, Malone, City of Armagh, Dungannon and Bangor with Queens Uni, Rainey OB, Belfast Harlequins, City of Derry and Omagh losing.

In Div 1B Ballynahinch narrowed the gap on leaders Shannon to one point after the Limerick side were beaten 10 – 5 by Ballymena at Eaton Park with Ulster centre Luke Marshall scoring the decisive try. Ballynahinch defeated UCC 23 – 7 thanks to the boot of Richard Reaney contributing 13 points with Banbridge needing two late Ian Porter penalties to overcome Old Wesley 18 – 12 at Rifle Park.

In Div 2A two excellent touchline conversions from Mark O’Connor and Rory Campbell proved crucial in Malone’s 14 – 12 win over a well organised Greystones side at Gibson Park. The win plus the defeat of second place Highfield at Cashel 10 – 0 allowed Malone to open up a six point lead at the top of the table. In the Ulster derby at the Dub City of Armagh prevailed to win 10 – 3 against Queens Uni and hold on to 4th place one point ahead of 5th place Cashel in their efforts to make the playoffs.

In Div 2B there was a surprising defeat for second place Rainey OB at Skerries with the Magherfelt side going down 20 -13. Dungannon made it five wins on the trot as they push for a play off place after defeating Wanderers at the Aviva stadium 24 – 17. Out half Chris Swash contributed 14 points with winger Mervyn Brown scoring two tries. Belfast Harlequins made the long trip to Limerick to play league leaders Old Crescent before going down 33 – 15. City of Derry were overrun by MU Barnhall at the Craig Thompson stadium going down 73 – 12.

In Div 2C Bangor have adapted their playing style to compete in the All Ireland League and recorded a fine 16 – 0 win at Bective Rangers courtesy of a crucial try from number 8 Jack Cooke. Omagh’s poor home form in the All Ireland league continued as Thomond recorded a 10 -6 win at the Thomas Mellon playing fields. The County Tyrone side find themselves looking over their shoulder as they need points to move away from the bottom half of the table.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE : ROUND 13

Div 1B: Ballynahinch travel to play a Naas team who defeated Old Belvedere 27 – 13 last week. Can Banbridge do their County Down neighbours a favour by defeating Shannon at Rifle Park. A win for Banbridge could see Ballynahinch replace Shannon at the top of the table. Ballymena will want to build on their win over Shannon when they travel to Cork to play UCC. Students are always difficult opponents at the Mardyke.

Div 2A: We have the top four teams playing each other. Leaders Malone travel to the Palace Grounds to play City of Armagh in an Ulster derby with Highfield meeting Nenagh Ormond. Queens Uni are in 6th place on 26 points. They travel to play 9th place Blackrock College at Stradbrook with seven points separating these two teams.

Div 2B: Rainey OB will look to return to winning ways. They make the journey to the back pitch at the Aviva stadium to play a Wanderers team contending for a top four finish despite their 24 – 17 home defeat to Dungannon last week. Dungannon have back to back games coming up at home with MU Barnhall this weekend followed by their twice postponed game with Belfast Harlequins at Stevenson Park. Two wins can propel the County Tyrone side into the top four. Belfast Harlequins have 8th place Sunday’s Well at Deramore Park. The Cork side have a ten point advantage with Quins having a game in hand. Nothing less than two wins from their next two games will be needed by Nicky Wells and his players to keep alive their chances of playing in Div 2B next season. Struggling City of Derry entertain Navan RFC at the Craig Thompson stadium.

Div 2C: Bangor are on the road again this week as they travel to Limerick to play Bruff. Both teams are level on 32 points in 4th and 5th place. Omagh need to reverse their home form when they welcome Seapoint to the Thomas Mellon playing fields. Three points separate these two teams in 6th and 7th place. In fact seven points separate Omagh in 6th and 10th place Bective Rangers.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP.

Tries may have been in short supply in the All Ireland league last week. We could not say the same in the Ulster Rugby Championship. In Div 1 we had 35 tries scored in five matches. At Belmont we again had another nail biting finish to a game as CIYMS almost let slip a 32 – 14 lead against Portadown last week in a nine try thriller to hold on for a 32 – 28 win. On Saturday the spectators were treated to another tense out come. CIYMS had built up a 26 – 10 lead at halftime and a 38 – 17 lead with 10 minutes to go before they conceded three late tries to hang on for a 38 – 34 win in this 12 try thriller.

At the top of the table Instonians picked up another bonus point in their hard earned 26 – 7 win at Clogher Valley to make it six bonus point wins from their last seven league games. Second place Ballyclare picked up their first bonus point win in four matches to defeat Coleraine 32 – 5. On the 2nd December Ballyclare had a seven point advantage over Instonians who had a game in hand. Instonians won the game in hand to close the gap to two points. Bonus points would prove decisive in the coming weeks. Instonians picked up 6/7 bonus point wins, Ballyclare 3/7 bonus point wins for Instonians to move one point ahead of Ballyclare with five games remaining. Instonians have no Cup distractions this weekend with their focus purely on the league. The team did not enter the McCrea Cup this season. Ballyclare have a Towns Cup match at Ballymena this week followed by Clogher Valley away on the 10th Feb, Instonians at home on 17th Feb, City of Armagh seconds at home in Conference league on Tuesday 20th Feb, With the potential for a Towns Cup quarter final on the 24th Feb followed by their three final league games, Portadown away on the 3rd March, Carrick away 10th March, Potential Towns Cup semi final on 17th March and their final league game on the 24th March against Enniskillen. Instonians have five league games left to play in eight weeks with three week ends off.

CIYMS maintained their 3rd place with a 38 – 34 win over Carrickfergus who suffered their sixth straight league defeat. Dromore closed the gap on CIYMS to two points with their 27 – 0 bonus point win over Enniskillen at Barban Hill. Dromore have opened up a eleven lead over 5th place Carrickfergus. There are now nine points now separating Carrick in 5th place and Coleraine in 9th place with struggling Clogher Valley firmly rooted in 10th place eight points adrift of Coleraine who have two games in hand. Portadown picked up another valuable bonus point win in their 28 – 21 win over Cooke at Chambers Park.

Instonians, CIYMS and Cooke will have the week end off with McCrea Cup matches not commencing until the 24th February for CIYMS and Cooke. The remaining seven Div 1 teams all received a bye in the 1st round of the Towns Cup and enter the 2nd round draw this week.

In Div 2 Grosvenor maintained their 13 point advantage at the top of the table with a hard earned 27 – 7 win at Hamilton Park against Ards. Out half Peter Davison was the star performer scoring two tries. Randalstown are in 2nd place after defeating UUC 22 – 3 to remain four points ahead of 3rd place Ballymoney with six games to be played. Ballymoney returned to winning ways by defeating the PSNI 56 – 0 at Kilraughts Road. There was a surprising defeat for 4th place Academy at Lisburn as they went down 17 – 15. Larne conceded a late penalty to lose 15 – 13 at Limavady.

Lisburn team v Academy : 1. Matt Millar, 2. Peter graham, 3. Uate Caquea, 4. Andy Hamilton, 5. Paddy Anderson, 6. Kenny McComb, 7. Josh McCready, 8. Matt Edgar (Capt), 9. Richard Dawson, 10. Ryan Duddy, 11. Chris Magill, 12. Willi Liltee, 13. Epi Ratu, 14. Chris Nimmons, 15. Craig Walsh, 16. Phil Jefferson, 17. Jamie Dickson.

Points scorers: Epi Ratu 2 x tries. Ryan Duddy 2 x con, 1 x pen.

In Div 3 Lurgan and Donaghadee remain in 1st and 2nd place. Lurgan winning 68 – 0 at home to Cavan and Donaghadee defeating Virginia 58 – 5. Donaghadee can close the gap on Lurgan this week when they travel to Newry to play a postponed game.

RIVER ROCK TOWNS CUP SECOND ROUND

Towns Cup holders Ballynahinch seconds meet old rivals City of Armagh seconds for the fourth time this season having defeated them on three previous occasions including the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup Final before Xmas. Ballynahinch will be firm favourites to retain their hold on this Cup. Can Ballyclare challenge the dominance of the County Down side as they travel to play near neighbours Ballymena seconds at Eaton Park. Last years beaten finalists Enniskillen travel to play an inform Portadown team at Chambers Park who defeated the Fermanagh team 24 – 0 at Mullaghmeen on the 6th January. We have Clogher Valley hosting Dromore at the Cran with the Fivemiletown side having already defeated Dromore twice in the Junior Cup and League this season. Div 1 side Coleraine host Randalstown at Rugby Avenue with Carrickfergus travelling to the North West to play Strabane. Ards host Junior Cup semi finalists Ballymoney at Hamilton Park. There is one interesting tie at the John Hunter Grounds with Limavady playing Div 3 pacesetters Lurgan. Both teams had impressive 1st round wins with Limavady defeating Banbridge seconds and Lurgan winning at Blaris against Lisburn.

For those of you interested in what is happening in the other provinces at Junior level. Don’t forget the Round Robin matches start on the 7th April. Who will represent Ulster – Instonians or Ballyclare.

In Leinster AIL Junior Cup winners Ashbourne are leading Enniscorthy by three points with three matches left to play.

In Munster Richmond lead Bandon by five points with four matches to play.

In Connacht the weather has had a terrible impact on league matches with 14 games postponed. It remains a contest between Connemara and Ballina with the Clifden side having a one point advantage. The crucial game that could decide this league is the meeting between the two teams on the 18th March.

Interesting to note that three former All Ireland League teams Instonians, Richmond and Connemara could be involved in the Round Robin playoffs this season.

KUKRI CONFERENCE LEAGUE

The often maligned Conference League is still playing fixtures despite all games having to be played by the 31st December. In Conference league 1 City of Armagh seconds, Ballyclare and Ballynahinch seconds are all in contention for the league title. Ballyclare play City of Armagh seconds on Tuesday 20th February with a 7.45PM kick off. A bonus point win will see Armagh lift the title. Anything less will see Ballynahinch seconds having to play Enniskillen and Portadown and take all 10 points to draw level with Armagh unless Ballyclare defeat Armagh. Two bonus point wins will then see Ballynahinch lift the title.

In Conference 2 Malone seconds lead Grosvenor by one point. A win for Grosvenor this week end over Banbridge seconds will see the Gibson Park side lift the league title with one outstanding game remaining to be played against Ballymena seconds.

By creating four Championship divisions and Conference leagues would we not be able to ensure the league programmes in the Conference leagues are completed by the 31st December. There is clearly a need to look at the number of teams in each division. What benefit is there in placing teams in divisions where they are ‘cannon fodder’ for the stronger teams. It has to be demoralising for teams, players and coaches to see their teams suffering heavy defeats each week.

Interesting when I checked to see the regions of the provinces who have Youth structures. What surprises me is to see areas such as North Down and East Belfast where several clubs have no Youth structures. In Ards and Donaghadee you can see the progress these clubs are making. What surprises me is we have no Youth structure at Bangor, Holywood or CIYMS in East Belfast. Both Cooke and Instonians are working hard to develop their Youth structures. One club that stands above them all is Malone who have traditionally and historically been at the fore front of developing players through their Youth structure at the club.

Several of the clubs who have no Youth structures rely on local grammar schools to provide players. Is this the right approach. I suspect not with many large Academies in East Belfast and North Down providing no opportunities for young players to play Schools/ Youth rugby.

One area that has disappointed me this season is the unwillingness of clubs to play club matches during the week as an alternate to playing matches on a Saturday. I know the Ulster Branch have been encouraging the clubs to take this step. Despite the clubs Mini and ladies sections playing on a Sunday we have yet to see the men taking that option. Have we clubs that are prepared to take that first step.

It is encouraging to see clubs like Ballymena, Rainey OB, Coleraine, Limavady and City of Derry playing under 20 matches mid week. I have also noticed these clubs playing Youth matches during the week.

The club game cannot compete with the Pro 14, European Cup and the Six Nations.

Delighted to hear Enniskillen RFC have entered a 4th xv in the new Regional West league along with Rainey OB 3rds, Donegal Town 2nds, Ballyshannon 1st xv, Strabane 3rds and Cookstown 1st xv. Good to see clubs like Enniskillen and Strabane fielding another team. Also positive news to see Ballyshannon back playing along with Donegal Town seconds. Former 1st xv player Jack Harte along with Enniskillen Development Officer Gareth Beatty have been instrumental in assembling a squad of players from non rugby playing backgrounds along with a few experienced retired players and a number of players coming through from the clubs Youth Section. Well done Guys. It is never easy for clubs to recruit Youth players. Again good work by Gareth Beatty has resulted in the clubs under 14 team moving from a position of not having enough players to again assembling a competitive squad of 26 players with Gareth continuing to make a big impact in his work for the club in the Schools throughout County Fermanagh.

It is pleasing to see a number of Ulster players making the Ireland under 20 squad for the match against France on Friday the 2nd February. They include

Jonny Stewart Queens Uni.

Matthew Dalton Malone RFC

Aaron Hall Ballynahinch RFC

Tom O’Toole Banbridge RFC

Angus Curtis Queens Uni

Angus Kernohan Ballymena RFC

Well done to all the players.

Ulster Rugby are hosting a Club Information evening at the Kingspan stadium on Wednesday the 21st February between 6.15PM and 9.15PM. Further details are available on the Ulster Rugby Website. To confirm your attendance e mail Pamela Wilkes at pamela.wilkies@ulsterrugby.com by the 14th February.

It is pleasing to see the work clubs are putting into electronic platforms to promote their clubs this season most noticeably through Facebook and twitter. Well done everyone.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE: ROUND 13

DIV 1A

Buccaneers (10) v Terenure College (3)

Clontarf (4) v UCD (7)

Cork Constitution (2) v Dublin Uni (9)

Garryowen (6) v Lansdowne (5)

St Mary’s College (8) v Young Munster (5)

DIV 1B

Banbridge (3) v Shannon (1)

Dolphin (10) v Old Wesley (7)

Naas (6) v Ballynahinch (2)

UCC (5) v Ballymena (8)

UL Bohemians (9) v Old Belvedere (4)

Banbridge v Shannon

Head coach Daniel Soper had to deal with the news this week that out half Josh Cromie has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a thumb injury. Ben Carson will come in to replace him. Winger Conor Field has a niggly hamstring injury so will be rested this week with Captain Adam Ervine coming in to replace him. Back row forward Nick Hayes has a back injury so will be replaced by Dale Carson.

All the Banbridge games have been tight this season with this week being a tough challenge against the league leaders Shannon at Rifle Park. In their first meeting Shannon dominated the exchanges up front so it will be a challenge for the Banbridge forwards to step up.

Ulster releases this week include Caleb Montgomery and Eric O’Sullivan.

Shannon won the first meeting at Thomond Park 33 – 14 0n the 4.11.17

Ballynahinch v Naas

Talking to Ballynahinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan no decisions will be made on final selections until Thursday night with the 1st xv travelling to Naas and the clubs second xv playing City of Armagh second xv in the 2nd Rd of the River Rock Towns Cup at Ballymacarn Park. The club are awaiting news from Ulster rugby on whether David Busby, Peter Browne, Aaron Cairns or Zac McCall will be released to play on Sat. Both Peter Nelson and Jonny McPhillips are expected to be involved with Ulster for the remainder of the season. Jonny ‘Mo’ Simpson and Jack Regan are unavailable due to injury with Aaron Hall involved with the Ireland under 20 squad.

Former Wallace High School out half Ryan Wilson stepped into the 10 jersey on Sat and performed very well against UCC. His game is expected to develop further under the guidance of backs coach Tom Rock during the remaining matches.

One piece of good news is the welcome return to training of Zac Ward. He is expected to be available for selection in 2/3 weeks. Another player making steady progress is prop Jonny Blair. Back row forward Ollie Loughead suffered a serious injury playing against UCC on the 25th November. It was anticipated he would not play again this season. He continues to make progress with the possibility he could play again before the end of the season.

In the first meeting between these two teams at Ballymacarn Park, Ballynahinch won 18 – 10 on the 4.11.17

Ballymena v UCC

Head coach Andy Graham was delighted with his teams 10 – 5 win over league leaders Shannon at Eaton Park last Saturday. He felt his forwards dominated the game and played with a lot of grit. The players stood up in defence and despite putting in a lot of hard work didn’t achieve a lot in the difficult conditions. Despite being 5 – 0 down the team came back to lead 10 – 5 with a Luke Marshall try. The fear factor was suffering one lapse in concentration that could have cost them the game. The team had to make a late change on Friday night with number 8 Adrian Hamilton crying off. This necessitated Ulster under 19 back row player Azur Allinson coming in at 6 with Marcus Rea at 7 and Stephen Mulholland moving to number 8. Shannon struggled to cope with the Ballymena front row of Andrew Warwick, James Taggart and Chris Cundell with Andrew Warwick delighted to get 80 minutes of rugby under his belt. The Ballymena prop excelled in his defence and ball carrying through out the game and along with Luke Marshall had a presence on the pitch that brought the best out of the team. Apart from Coleraine /Portstewart second row Conor Smyth all the pack were from Ballymena. The back line apart from Dave Shanahan and Glenn Baillie again were all local Ballymena players. It is the pride the local players have in wearing the jersey and playing for their club.

Ulster releases include Andrew Warwick, Ross Kane, Marcus Rea and Callum Patterson. The coach is hoping to have scrum half Dave Shanahan subject to his release. Injuries rules out Brett Herron and Adam McBurney.

Injuries and unavailability rule out Adrian Hamilton, Glenn Baillie, Matthew Norris, Alan Smyth, Ryan Matheison and Rodger McBurney. Matthew Agnew and Angus Kernohan are involved with the Ireland under 20 squad.

If Dave Shanahan is not released Michael Stronge will start at scrum half with Callum Patterson moving into out half in place of Glenn Baillie. John Laughlin and James Beattie will be partnered at 12 and 13 with Stephen Shaw starting his first game at full back after making an appearance of the bench in the Old Belvedere game.

Ballymena team for UCC: 1. Andrew Warwick, 2. James Taggart, 3. Ross Kane, 4. David Whann, 5. Conor Smyth, 6. Azur Allinson, 7 Marcus Rea, 8. Stephen Mulholland, 9. Dave Shanahan/Michael Stronge, 10. Callum Patterson, 11. Jonny Rossborough, 12. John Loughlin, 13. James Beattie, 14. Dean Reynolds, 15. Stephen Shaw. 16. Chris Cundell, 17. Nacho Clandero Crespo, 18. Mark Foster. The two remaining places on the bench will be filled on Thursday with the coach either selecting another forward or two backs. Both Ben O’Ryan in forwards and Chris Smyth scrum half are the options.

Players including Dominic Gallagher, James Boville, David O’Hara Tim Savoury, Houston Bonner, Scott Agnew, Joe Thompson and Andrew Ferguson who faces a late fitness test have all played for 1st xv this season and are expected to be involved for Ballymena seconds in the River Rock Towns Cup 2nd Rd match with neighbours Ballyclare at Eaton Park this week.

In the first meeting between these two teams UCC won a close game 35 – 34 at Eaton Park on the 4.11.17

DIV 2A

Blackrock College (9) v Queens Uni (6)

Cashel RFC (5) v Galway Corinthians (8)

City of Armagh (4) v Malone (1)

Galwegians (10) v Greystones (7)

Highfield (2) v Nenagh Ormond (3)

Queens Uni v Blackrock College

1st xv Manager Ian McAvoy is expecting few changes to the Queens team for the trip to Dublin to play Blackrock College at Stradbrook. There are doubts over the availability of back rower Jonny Lees along with winger Mark Keane who is carrying a slight injury. If Jonny Lees does not make it. Dave Whitten is expected to move to 7 with Ali Burke coming in to partner Marc Campbell in the second row. Both Jonny Stewart and Angus Curtis are with the Ireland under 20 squad. Curtis Stewart came off the bench on Sat with Gary Dillon starting at number 8.

Ian McAvoy felt Queens did not take advantage of their strong 1st half performance against Armagh with winger Mark Keane denied two tries. With games running out Queens need to pick up a few wins. They are only 7 points ahead of 9th place Blackrock. Queen have now lost their last five UBL matches.

In their first meeting at the Dub Queens won 49 – 14 on the 4.11.17.

City of Armagh v Malone

Armagh assistant coach Chris Parker felt both his team and Queens played better into the wind than when it was at their backs. Neither team could make use of the wind advantage in both halves. As he describes it, it is very tight between the teams in 4th – 6th place in Div 2A with six games left. The positive news is that Andrew Willis returns to the squad after recovering from injury, however Michael Hoey misses out after picking up a knock playing for the 2nds against Malone seconds. He described the game against Queens as very physical with a few players needing to be assessed on Thursday night before selection is finalised with City of Armagh seconds drawn away to play Ballynahinch seconds in the second round of the River Rock Towns Cup.

The coach is looking forward to Saturday against Malone. If the two previous games are anything to go by the match should make for good entertainment.

Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong was delighted with the ability of his players to grind out a 14 – 12 win over Greystones in difficult conditions last Saturday. Again the match was another example of how tough each game is in the league. It is why you can only focus on the next game and not look too far ahead. His players trained well on Tuesday night. He is aware of the challenge Armagh bring. Head coach Willie Faloon has done a great job with them this season. Team for Sat has yet to be finalised due to availability queries.

Both these teams have met twice this season. Malone won the first UBL league encounter at Gibson Park 28 – 26 on the 4.11.17 with Armagh winning the First Trust Senior Cup semi final between the two teams at the Palace Grounds 26 – 19 on the 18.11.17. Both teams have a 4th meeting in the SONI Ulster Premiership league Div 1 at Gibson Park on the 10.3.18.

DIV 2B

Belfast Harlequins (9) v Sunday’s Well (8)

City of Derry (10) v Navan RFC (4)

Dungannon (6) v MU Barnhall (3)

Skerries (7) v Old Crescent (1)

Wanderers (5) v Rainey OB (2)

Belfast Harlequins v Sunday’s Well

Two massive games coming up for Quins with their rearranged UBL game at Stevenson Park on Saturday week against Dungannon. One positive for Quins has been the performance of former Ulster Junior number 8 Toby Mannus who has scored three tries in his last four UBL matches.

Quins team v Old Crescent: 1. Mark McGrath, 2. Saul Herdman, 3. Rory Harrison, 4. Danny Annett, 5. Callum Leckey, 6. Jaz Andress, 7. Daryl Marshall, 8. Toby Mannus, 9. Conor McAuley, 10. Matty Mckenzie, 11. Richie McKee, 12. Christian Bennison, 13. Mark Gribben, 14. Matthew Robinson, 15. Mark Glover, 16. Steven Weir, 17. James Harrison, 18. Zac Jordan, 19. David Devine, 20. James McConnell.

Points scorers: Toby Mannus and James Harrison 1 xtry each. Matty McKenzie 1 x pen 1 x con.

Quins lost the first game 17 – 12 away to Sunday’s Well on the 21.10.17

City of Derry v Navan RFC

City of Derry lost the first game 41 - 12 between these two teams at Balreask Park on the 4.11.17

Dungannon v MU Barnhall

Head coach Andrew Hughes described last weeks win at Wanderers as very pleasing. To be honest he didn’t really know what to expect from his players after most of them hadn’t played for 7 weeks. The team showed energy and control for the first 30 minutes against Wanderers which was great. When you are coming away from Dublin disappointed you didn’t pick up the bonus point, it can only be positive. The question for his players is can they back it up at home against a Barnhall side that is arguably a step up. Barnhall are a quality side and are on a good run at the minute. They are a big ball carrying pack along with some strong running backs who will certainly test the Dungannon defensive structure.

Out half Chris Swash is unavailable this week end so Conor McGeough will step in . Peter Doran comes back into the squad after missing the win last Sat through sickness. Can Dungannon make it six back to back wins in the UBL.

Dungannon team v Wanderers: 1. Glen Sinnamon, 2. Daniel Maxwell, 3. James Gamble, 4. Stephen Todd, 5. David leyburn, 6. James Mcmahon, 7. Mark Riddell, 8. Jonah Mau’u , 9. Ben Matchett, 10. Chris Swash, 11. Mervyn Brown, 12. Paul Armstrong, 13. Seamus Mallon, 14. Matthew Montgomery. 15. Andrew McGregor, 16. Malcolm Allister, 17. Adam Lockhart, 18. Conor McGeough, 19. John Russell, 20Andrew McPhillips.

Points scorers: Mervyn Brown 2 x tries. Chris Swash 1 x try, 3 x con, 1 x pen.

When these two teams met at Parsonstown on the 4.11.17 MU Barnhall were comfortable 41 – 24 winners.

Rainey OB v Wanderers

For Head coach John Andrews it has been a tough couple of weeks losing hooker Brad Roberts followed by Paul Pritchard for 6/8 weeks with a head injury away to Skerries. Michael Nevin came in to replace Brad Roberts in the 20 – 13 defeat at Skerries and was excellent. The coach felt the team made too many handling errors and poor decision making against a Skerries team fighting for their lives.

Rainey won the first meeting between these two teams 32 – 18 at Hatrick Park in Magherfelt on the 4.11.17

DIV 2C

Bective Rangers (10) v Tullamore (9)

Bruff (5) v Bangor (4)

Malahide (3) v Thomond (1)

Midleton (8) v Sligo (2)

Omagh (6) v Seapoint (7)

Bangor v Bruff

1st xv manager Ricky Armstrong was pleased with the performance of the Bangor team in their 16 – 0 win over Bective at Donnybrook last Sat. For the game at Bruff the squad have been hit with a few injuries and player unavailability.

Bangor team for Bruff: 1. Andrew Shaw, 2. Max Montgomery, 3. James Leary, 4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Martin Withers, 6. Jamie Clegg, 7. David Bradford, 8. Jack Cooke, 9 Lewis Brett, 10. Ross McCloskey, 11. Desi Fusco, 12. Mike Weir, 13. Mark Widdowson, 14. Dave Charles, 15. Phil Broderick, 16. Evan Wellard – McMillan, 17. Charlie Clegg. Remainder of bench replacements to be confirmed on Thursday night.

Bangor won the first game at Upritchard Park between these two teams 13 – 11 on the 4.11.17

Omagh v Seapoint

Head coach Phil Marshall will look to his second xv squad this week end for the must win game at home to Seapoint. Injury rules out Mervyn Edgar along with Neil Brown and Jamie Sproule with both Yonga Taleni and Eoin Murnaghan unavailable. Adam Beatty scrum half, Matty Eccles winger and openside Richard Harpur all step up from the seconds.

The coach is looking a reaction to the teams poor performance against Thomond last week. He himself missed the game due to illness. The goal for the team is to start getting home wins. As he describes it, it is very unlike Omagh. He felt the team were the better side in all their defeats and draws bar one. Seapoint are a good side on the up and his Omagh side are expecting a very difficult game on Sat after their win over league leaders Sligo.

Omagh recorded an impressive 20 – 10 win at Kilbogget Park in their first meeting on the 4.11.17

RIVER ROCK TOWNS CUP

Strabane v Carrickfergus

Limavady v Lurgan

Coleraine v Randalstown

Clogher Valley v Dromore

Ballynahinch seconds v City of Armagh seconds

Ballymena seconds v Ballyclare

Ards v Ballymoney

Portadown v Enniskillen

Strabane v Carrickfergus

Despite Carrickfergus having lost their last six league games it would be a surprise if they lost this game. Strabane are a club making great strides on the back of rugby culture developing in the town. Carrick coaches Davy Scott and Michael Rainey have an experienced squad who are more than capable of making the final of this tournament.

Limavady v Lurgan

Mark Nicholl has worked wonders to turn around the performances of a Limavady team who struggled in the opening months of the season. Five wins from their last seven outings has propelled the team away from the relegation zone in Div 2 after their latest 15 – 13 win over Larne on Saturday.. Two of their most consistent performers have been out half Peter Wilson and back row forward Sam Mackey. Lurgan are very much the dominant team in Div 3 as they chase the automatic promotion place to Div 2 next season. They recorded an impressive 24 – 21 win over Div 2 side Lisburn at Blaris in the first round on the 6.1.18. Difficult match to call the outcome.

Limavady team v Larne: 1. Rory Squires, 2. Luke Montgomery, 3. Clive Scott, 4. Michael Rice, 5. Colin Henry, 6. Sam mackey, 7. Perry semple, 8. Daniel Irvine, 9. Jamie Millar, 10. Peter Wilson, 11. Stewart Roddy, 12. Jack Elliott, 13. William McCleery, 14. Tom McClelland, 15. Graham McAleese, 16. John McCollum, 17. Adam Millar.

Points scorers; Colin Henry and Sam Mackey 1 x try each, Peter Wilson 1 x con and 1 x pen.

Coleraine v Randalstown

This is a tricky fixture for the home side after losing their last four league games. Last season Coleraine found Randalstown difficult opponents to play against when the two teams played in Div 2 before Coleraine secured promotion. When you look at the league positions of the two teams is it possible this match could be a precursor for a playoff match between these two sides to see who plays in Div 1 next season. Coleraine have to end this losing run by winning this match.

Clogher Valley v Dromore

Both these two teams have already met twice this season with Clogher Valley winning both games. In the first meeting at Barban Hill Clogher Valley surprised Dromore in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup to win 19 – 18 on the 9.9. 17. In the first league meeting of the two sides at the Cran on the 30.12.17 in Fivemiletown, Clogher Valley despite their 10th place in Div 1 defeated much fancied Dromore 21 – 8. Can Clogher Valley make it three wins in a row against the County Down side. Clogher Valley have lost their last three league games whilst Dromore have recorded wins over Carrickfergus and Enniskillen after three narrow league defeats. Dromore are looking a run in the Towns Cup. Will this be there season.

Dromore team v Enniskillen: 1. Clarkson McLeod, 2. Stuart Sloan, 3. Mark Hylands, 4. Rory pepper, 5. Ross Bingham, 6. Blair McDonald, 7. Adam Mcgregor, 8. Jonny Maguire, 9. Lee Steenson, 10. Ryan Cobb, 11. Ben Russell, 12. Graeme McCandless, 13. Aaron Stewart, 14. Brian Mcclearn, 15. Adam McDonald, 16. Andrew Black, 17. Matthew McMaster.

Points scorers: Ryan Cobb 2 x tries, Adam McGregor, Aaron Stewart and Lee Steenson 1 x try each with 1 x con Lee Steenson.

Ballynahinch seconds v City of Armagh seconds

This is the 4th meeting between these two teams this season with Ballynahinch defeating Armagh 23 – 8 in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup Final at the Kingspan stadium on the 21.12.17. In the Conference League on the 2.12.17 Ballynahinch again defeated Armagh at Ballymacarn Park 17 – 10. They have followed this up with a 18 – 16 win in the 2nd xv league at the same venue on the 20.1.18. Ballynahinch are the current holders of the Towns Cup and are firm favourites to retain the trophy this season.

Ballymena seconds v Ballyclare

Injuries and unavailability would have to make Ballyclare favourites to progress to the quarter finals of the Towns Cup as they chase the Div 1 title along with Instonians. The return from injury of Robert Smith and Niall Lawther in the backs last Saturday was significant as the Ballyclare team picked up their first bonus point win in five matches. Head coach Mike McKeever is keen to see this talented Ballyclare squad deliver some silverware to the Cloughan.

Ards v Ballymoney

Both these teams have met in the league at Kilraughts Road with Ballymoney winning 31 – 6 on the 14.10.17. Difficult game to call after Grosvenor ended Ards five match unbeaten run with a 27 – 7 win at Hamilton Park last Saturday. Ballymoney have already shown their Cup credentials this season making the semi finals of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. They have an experienced coaching team in Jonny Hanna, Martin Irwin and James Cleland who sense they are building a squad who will compete in Div 1. Ballymoney are very much in contention for that second place and the playoff place along with Randalstown in Div 2. Both these teams meet at Kilraughts Road on the 10th March.

Portadown v Enniskillen

These two teams have already met twice this season. Enniskillen won the first league game 20 – 19 at Chambers Park on the 26.8.17. In the reverse fixture at Mullaghmeen on the 6.1.18 Portadown won 24 – 0. Portadown have won 3/4 league games in 2018 whilst Enniskillen have only won 1/4 in the same period. The Portadown revival has witnessed the team scoring 14 tries during this time. The return of the experienced Stuart Lamb at number 8 has been significant as he has scored three tries. New additions to the team have included Mark Adamson, Jordan Taylor and Taylor Tweedie who have all made an impact.

Enniskillen have contested the last two Towns Cup Finals losing to Bangor 31 – 25 in 2016 and 17 – 13 to Ballynahinch seconds in 2017. The team have struggled to find any consistency in their performances this season. The talent is within the squad with the forwards led by Captain Ryan Cathcart. He is ably assisted by experienced forwards Davy Buchanan, Jamie Johnston, Ricky Lee and former Portadown back rower Gareth McCoy. In the backs players such as Matthew Balmer, James Ferguson, Conor Keys and Ashley Finley have the ability to unlock any defence. Injury will rule out scrum half Matthew Dane for the next 2/3 weeks.

On present form you would have to say Portadown will be firm favourites to win this match.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3

Cavan (6) v Virginia (5)

Donegal Town (12) v Monaghan (4)

Newry (7) v Donaghadee (2)

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONFERENCE DIV 2

Grosvenor v Banbridge seconds

Enjoy your rugby this weekend.

George

Further reading