The Ulster Bank All Ireland League did not disappoint for the Ulster sides last weekend with six teams winning, three drawing with Ballynahinch and City of Derry the only Ulster teams to lose. Both Belfast Harlequins and Bangor recorded their first wins in Galway and Navan. Queens Uni and City of Derry are the only two Ulster teams still seeking their first win in the AIL. Both Armagh and Rainey OB are top of Div 2B and 2C after the opening matches with Ballymena in top four of Div 1B, Banbridge and Malone in top four of Div 2A. Dungannon along with Armagh in top four of Div 2B. Can the Ulster sides maintain their strong start to the season with one more match next weekend to complete the first block of fixtures.

Once again this weekend we have two Ulster derbies with Queens playing Malone in the first Friday night floodlight game at the Dub Arena with Dungannon hosting neighbours Armagh at Stevenson Park on Sat.

After the opening weeks of Kukri Ulster Championship we have surprising leaders of Div 1 and 2 with Portadown and Limavady the early pacesetters.

This weekend we have the second round of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup with the four Ulster AIL Junior Cup representatives entering the draw. For these four Ulster sides Instonians, Clogher Valley, Ballyclare and Portadown there is the prospect of some of these teams playing every week through until the 17th December before they have a break on the weekend of the 24th December. Annually this is a dilemma for these teams as they contest the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship and Conference league fixtures along with the AIL Junior Cup and the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup.

We have several intriguing matches in the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup with derby matches involving Coleraine against Limavady and Dromore v Banbridge seconds. There are potential contests that could see upsets involving CIYMS v Armagh seconds, Larne v Omagh, Instonians v Randalstown with two Div 1 clashes involving Cooke v Portadown and Clogher Valley v Ballyclare. There is also a cracking contest involving Ballymena seconds against Ballynahinch seconds at Eaton Park.

I was amazed to learn that we have experienced different interpretations of replacements and rolling subs in Conference league games with two bench replacements allowed this season. Smart coaches are able to manage the use of replacements in managing 12 rolling subs during a match. I was told that one AIL side were allowed to use five bench replacements during a Conference league game.

What impact is the new directive from the IRFU for Referees to focus on foul play in Domestic Games. ( Published on the IRFU website on 14.9.16) having in Club games. As a result of this directive are we seeing increasing numbers of red and yellow cards being issued by match officials. I am concerned that coaches and players have not been made aware of the changes and their impact on games. Last week I watched a match where the referee awarded 26 penalties and issued two yellow cards. I got the impression the players were unaware of the laws that were being enforced by match officials this season and what communications are taking place between match officials, coaches and players prior to matches to reduce the issuing of cards and awarding of penalties.

On a positive note I was delighted to see Dromore High School 1st xv are now playing fixtures against Grammar School teams. Last Saturday the 1st xv played RBAI seconds and defeated them 8 - 7. This week they play Regent House 1st xv. Will we see other Schools following the route of Dromore High School. There are many Non playing rugby School communities in Ulster we would love to see competing and playing rugby alongside our traditional schools.

Excellent work is being undertaken by Community Rugby Development officers in Ulster to increase the rugby grassroots base in Ulster. There is also a need to create rugby hubs in communities to bring together Clubs and Schools. Vested interests should not be allowed to discourage partnerships to promote rugby. Where we have small numbers in schools and club youth sections we should be allowed to bring these players together to play on one team. Sharing of coaching and playing facilities should be encouraged to bring together all players at Schools and club under age groups where that need is identified.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE

Div 1A

Lansdowne v Old Belvedere. Played Friday 30.9.16. Kick off 7.30pm
St Mary's College v Dublin Uni. Played Friday 30.9.16. Kick off 7.30pm
Garryowen v Cork Constitution
Terenure College v UCD
Young Munster v Clontarf

Div 1B

Ballynahinch v Shannon

There was considerable disappointment with the performance of the Ballynahich 1st xv who were surprisingly beaten 38 - 22 by UL Bohemians in Limerick last week. Despite a strong Ulster presence in the team they were outscored by 6 tries to 3 by their Munster opponents. Shannon have lost their opening two games and will travel with the intention of reversing their early season losses. Ulster players Craig Trenier, John Donnan, Conor Joyce, Lorcan Dow, Angus Lloyd and Jonny McPhillips have been released by Ulster. Ballynahinch coaches Derek Suffern and Chris Parker with want to see an improved peformance this weekend to maintain the teams promotion ambitions.

Ballymena v UCC

The Braid side return to Munster this weekend, this time visiting the students UCC at the Mardyke in Cork. Andy Graham and his players have made it two from two whilst their opponents have lost both their opening games. The heavy loss suffered by Ballynahinch at UL Bohemians in Limerick will be a reminder for his players that nothing less than total commitment will be required to record their third win.

Several late selection decisions will be made at training on Thursday night with Ulster resting Kieran Treadwell, Andy Warwick and Clive Ross with John Andrews unavailable.

The coach was pleased with the teams performance against Naas. He felt his players were comfortable for long periods of the game with their attack and playing patterns much improved. Despite exerting a lot of pressure he felt his team were not clinical enough in finishing of their dominance. This was the same against Shannon. He is happy with what the team are doing. The difficulty is each week you are faced with changes that don't allow continuity with players unable to travel.

Injury rules out prop Michael Lagan with Adrian Kirkpatrick and Andrew Ferguson unavailable to travel.

Ballymena 1 - 20 for Sat. Bryan Young, Adam McBurney, Chris Cundell, David Whann, Connor Smyth,Stephen Mulholland, Tony McGuinness, Matthew Rea, David Shanahan, Glen Baillie, Jonny Rossborough, Marty Irwin, Mark Best, Jordan Foster, Rodger McBurney, Chris Allen, James Taggart, Mark Foster, John Creighton and Richie McMaster.

The coach is expecting a difficult game in Cork against a student side Ballymena lost a promotion game against. He regards them as tricky opposition.

Ballynahinch v Shannon
Dolphin v Galwegians
Naas v Buccaneers
UCC v Ballymena
UL Bohemians v Old Wesley

Div 2A

Queens Uni v Malone

The students completed the double over Malone last season to extend an unbeaten run from 2011 against their East Belfast opponents. The first of the Friday night floodlight games in Ulster will provide the opportunity for rugby supporters from the Greater Belfast area to come along to the Queens Dub Arena and experience AIL rugby.

Queens Head coach Bob Young retains the same squad that drew 19 -19 with Banbridge last week apart from Ulster Academy player Marcus Rea who is undertaking a planned rest week. In the forwards the coach has huge competition for places in the back five with both Ryan Clarke and Josh Jordan returning from injury and illness with Allister Burke (Ulster Under 19), Hugh Sloan and Marc Campbell pushing for inclusion in the match day squad.

Another Ulster Academy/Ulster under 19 player - scrum half Johnny Stewart has impressed in training and will push Josh Fullerton for a starting place again with Ali Wright, Francis Collins and Craig Devlin pushing for squad inclusion.

The coach acknowledges his team had two hard earned victories over Malone last season and is expecting another ferocious encounter on Friday night. That being said, the coach is confident that if his players get the balance right in their play and performance level in their game they will be a dangerous side.

He describes last weeks draw with Banbridge as a bit of a tussle. His team started well , played good rugby in poor conditions with a breeze and threatened the Bann defence with his team going 16 - 0 up into half time . Some of the teams discipline and good play by Banbridge got them back in the game to level it at 19 - 19. His team had a kick 5 mins from time to win with Banbridge also failing with a last play kick to win the match.

The coach is much happier with the performance and physicality from his players in their last two matches. They will need to back it up with another huge performance against Malone.

Malone team 1- 20. Dane Fitzpatrick, Dan Kerr, Philip Eadie, James McAllister, Cory Tipping, Ben McDonnell, Neil Alcorn (Captain), Philip Lucas, , Shane Kelly, Nathan Brown, Michael Cartmill, Josh Pentland, Adam Liddell,, Michael Barker, Andy Bryan's, Dave Cave, Lee Barlow, Josh Ferguson, Conor Spence and Callum Smith.
Injury rules out Michael Shiels and Mark McCrea.

Banbridge v Blackrock College

Head coach Daniel Soper was delighted with the response of his Banbridge players to turn around a 16 - 0 deficit at Queens last week to grab a 19 - 19 draw. He viewed it as two points collected considering where his team were at half time. Queens had played well in the first half and had applied a lot of pressure. He was disappointed with how his players had played in the conditions, but hopefully have learnt a few lessons . Blackrock have started well winning their opening two games and will provide a stern test for his side at Rifle Park.

For this week Kallan Martin replaces Mike Bentley in the second row who is unavailable for 3 weeks with Captain Adam Ervine tearing a hamstring. He is replaced by Simon Lloyd with Josh Agnew getting his first opportunity in the AIL.

Banbridge team 1 - 20. Michael Cromie, Peter Cromie, Stu Cromie, Chris Allen, Philip Jordan, Robin Sinton, Dale Carson, Steven Irvine, Ian Porter, Andrew McGrath, Simon Lloyd, Jonny Little (Captain)Andrew Morrison, John Porter,Adam Doherty, Tim Savage, James McCrum, Kallan Martin, Josh Cromie, Josh Agnew.

Belfast Harlequins v Sunday's Well

It is the turn of another Cork side to visit Belfast this weekend with Sunday's Well the visitors to Deramore Park. Quins picked up a first win at Galway Corinthians after losing their opening day match with Nenagh Ormond.

Assistant coach Keith Pyper was delighted to see his players get their first win. With a bit more composure they could have won by more points. Last week was all about the win. It is now important not to allow the players to get ahead of themselves. It is about taking it one match at a time. Former Currie centre Ian Downey made his debut scoring a try with former Ballyclare player Jordan McIIrath also making his first AIL appearance. Several players are unavailable/ injured this week including Andrew Pollock, Roger Kirkwood, Ben Sloan and Neil Montgomery.

Head coach Andrew Gillespie faces difficult selection decisions with players including Ben Alexander, Matthew McFall, Timothy Emerson, Mark Kettyle, Mark McGrath, Philip McVitty, Jonathan Siri and Ollie McCollum coming into consideration for inclusion in the match day 20. Ollie Loughead has been appointed Captain for this season.

Queens Uni v Malone. Played Friday 30 .9.16. Kick off 7.30pm
Banbridge v Blackrock College
Belfast Harlequins v Sunday's Well
Cashel RFC v Galway Corinthians
Highfield v Nenagh Ormond

Div 2B

City of Derry v Thomond

Both these teams have lost their opening fixtures in the AIL with Derry pushing Armagh close in their narrow 18 - 6 defeat last week at the Palace Grounds. Key forwards Stephen Corr and Chris Cooper returned to bolster the forwards. If Derry can keep this group of forwards fit they will be a match for any side in the AIL. The problem for City of Derry coaches Richard McCarter and Stephen Douglas is their lack of strength in depth in the backs. They were forced into a late reshuffle last week when scrum half Ben Barbour tore his hamstring in training. His replacement Stuart Simpson fractured his wrist in the game at Armagh and will be out for 8 weeks. Centre David Graham is following return to play protocols after picking up a head injury two weeks ago. Jack Beattie and Stephen Duffy who were unavailable last week with come back into contention for selection with young scrum half David Devine standing by.

Difficult times for our only AIL representative in the North West.

Dungannon v Armagh

This is the second of three meetings coming up between these two sides with Armagh already defeating the County Tyrone side at Stevenson Park three weeks ago in the SONI Ulster Premiership 35 - 20. They are due to meet at the Palace Grounds on the 15th October in the quarter finals of the First Trust Senior Cup.

After a poor pre season Dungannon have like their opponents Armagh won their opening two AIL matches.

Dungannon Head coach Andy Hughes agrees it has been a positive start for his players without the team getting into its stride. With each game he feels they are becoming that bit more cohesive. This weekend is going to be a big task but one he feels his players can go into under no pressure. On recent form between the two teams his side are the underdogs. He also feels his squad have enough ability to cause what many would believe to be an upset.

At present the coach has Matthew Montgomery, Peter Cashel, Darren Simpson, Marcus Mulgrew, Mark Riddell and JJ Kane unavailable for selection. He is expecting to put out the same squad that won at Skerries with Seamus Mallon , Jonny Toal and Captain James McMahon scoring three tries. New out half Tianua Poto converted three and kicked a penalty.

Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy has made a number of changes with injury ruling out full back Tim McNeice to be replaced by Ryan Purvis. Philip Fletcher returns at tight head replacing Daryl Morton.

Armagh team. 1- 20 Simon Carlisle, Andrew Smyth, Philip Fletcher, Ollie Millar, Josh McKinley, James Morton, Ali Birch (Captain), Neil Faloon, Harry Doyle, Harvey Young, Andrew Willis, Stuart lester, Chris Colvin, John Faloon, Ryan Purvis, David Swann, Daryl Morton, Stephen Morton, Jonny Pollock and Matthew Steenson.

The coach is looking forward to the Dungannon game . He was disappointed with the performance of the team last week. The players lacked discipline and accuracy with possession of the rugby ball.

Bective Rangers v Greystones
City of Derry v Thomond
Dungannon v Armagh
MU Barnhall v Skerries
Old Crescent v Wanderers

Div 2C

Bangor v Boyne

There was relief at Upritchard Park when word came through that the 1st xv had staged a dramatic fightback to win their first AIL game at Navan last Sat 23 - 19. This weekend they welcome Drogheda side Boyne to their North Down venue. The Leinster side will be looking to bounce back from their 38 - 3 defeat at Magherfelt last week against Rainey OB.

1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong did not hold back his feelings about the win. He didn't realise the conditions were so bad until he watched the video back of the match. It never stopped raining throughout their game.

He is hoping the win will kick start their season. The coaches and the players always knew it was going to be tough finding their feet at Senior level after being promoted last season. Everybody had faith in the coaching staff, the playing ability of the squad and the team spirit that carried the team through last season. It is this spirit that drove us on in the last 15 minutes to come from behind and win the game last Sat. The players simply did not want to let each other down.

Bangor rugby club is part of the community in North Down and the area deserves to have a premier club in it. Only hard work can allow the club and the team to get bigger and better. The team is a long way off where it wants to be. They are a ambitious young club and want to put Bangor on the rugby map once again. They look at Banbridge and Armagh as models they want to follow - welcoming, homely former junior clubs who have built steadily over the last 10 - 15 years to become forces in Ulster rugby.

There is competition amongst the 1st xv squad particularly at 9 with Gareth Wright making his AIL debut for Bangor at scrum half in very trying and difficult conditions to put in a superb performance. This week Gareth will take his place on the bench with Alastair Lockhart starting after following return to play protocols. Shaun Fair is another scrum half who played against Rainey in the teams opening AIL game.

Second row Dave Caughey picked up a head injury at Navan and will follow return to play protocols. His replacement Glenn Burton has also been ruled out with a shoulder injury. In their absence David Bradford will partner Craig Burton in the second row. Curtis Stewart remains on the injured list with his injury not as serious as first diagnosed. Hooker Conor Piper continues to displace Andrew Shaw at 2 after joining the seasiders from Ballynahinch. Ulster under 19 centre Lewis Sampson will make his first start for Bangor.

The team and replacements for Sat are 1 - 20. Phil Whyte (Captain),Conor Piper, James Leary, Craig Burton, David Bradford, Mike Weir, Mike Apsley , Jamie Clegg, Alastair Lockhart, Jason Morgan, Mark Widdowson, Desi Fusco, Lewis Sampson, Rob Gamble, Phil Broderick, Andrew Shaw, Connor McIImurray, Gareth Wright, Taylor Ferguson and Ross McCloskey.

Rainey OB v Midleton

It is the turn of Rainey OB to make the long journey to Cork this weekend with their neighbours Ballymena also playing UCC at the Mardyke. Both these teams have won their opening AIL matches with Midleton looking to halt the Magherfelt sides unbeaten start to the season. As with away matches work commitments will impact on Head coach John Andrew's selection. John McCusker will return after playing for the successful Ulster under 19 inter provincial champions to replace Timothy Barker in the second row. Backs Jonny Burgess, Gavin Martin and Michael Wilson are also unavailable to travel. The coach welcomes back the experienced Andrew Harbinson after getting married to take his place in the squad. Once again Rainey have a few selection dilemmas with competition for places in the back five.

The coach has had to make a few positional changes in the backs with Ricky Andrew's moving to full back with the two McMurray brothers Jody and Damian coming into the centre. Caolan Moran comes in to join Scott McLean on the wings with Andrew Donaghy and Chris Ladlier at 9 and 10.

Navan RFC v Tullamore. Played Friday 30.9.16. Kick off 7.30pm
Bangor v Boyne
Midleton v Rainey OB
Seapoint v Bruff
Sligo v Kanturk

MILLAR McCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP SECOND ROUND

Ballymena seconds v Ballynahinch seconds

Cracking cup tie this one at Eaton Park. Ballynahinch seconds are never far away each season in pursuit of silverware. They are the one side the Div 1 and 2 clubs fear being drawn against because of their great cup tradition. Ballymena received a bye in the first round whereas Ballynahinch hung on to win 18 - 17 at Carrickfergus. Interesting Ballymena seconds won 15 -12 at Carrickfergus last week in the Conference League.

Ballymena are coached by Gareth Fisher, James Carson and Jamie Smith with Alan Smith Captain this season.

Ballynahinch are coached by Ian Dornan, Kenny Morton and Davy Harris.

These two teams are not short of experience. Ballymena will be able to call upon Willy McKay, Paddy James, Jonny Rossborough, Ian Vance, Nicky Stirling, Joe Thompson, Cory Millar Paul Campbell, Chris Smyth and James Douglas with selection still to be finalised on the first xv options in the front row. Andrew Ferguson is expected to be available for the 2nd xv. James Beattie, Josh McIIroy and Matthew Norris face late fitness tests. Both Ryan Matheison and Dominic Gallagher are suspended and unavailable for selection. James Gallagher has returned to University in England.

Coleraine v Limavady

Ever since the draw was made for this match between these two sides. Excitement has been building up on the North Coast. Interesting after the opening fixtures in Div 2 of the Kukri Ulster Championship Limavady are top - one point ahead of Coleraine having played one game more. Coleraine may have been disappointed not to have been promoted to Div 1 last season. With back to back fixtures coming up against their neighbours in the league these two teams spectators will turn out in their hundreds for these games.

Coleraine Head coach Richard Boyd was pleased with his teams 28 -14 win at the Palace Grounds against a very strong Armagh second xv in the Conference league. He was particularly pleased with their second half performance against a big, physical and well drilled Armagh side. To get a bonus point in Armagh in wet and blustery conditions showed that his Coleraine team can adapt to the teams game plan when required. He was also pleased for a number of his 2nd xv squad who stepped up and took their opportunity on the day.

The squad are excited and looking forward to this local derby this weekend. Limavady have had a strong start to the season and sit top of the league so his team will have to step up their game again this weekend. Limavady are physical and well organised and pose a number of threats in the pack and in their lively backline.

A big crowd is expected at the game and it should be an exciting encounter between two sides who like to move the ball.

For this weekend Chris Nash, Steven Dickey and Daniel Ramage return to the pack. In the backline Cameron Fulton retains his place at scrum half after impressing last weekend at Armagh. The experienced Adam Parke will also come into contention for a starting place with Niall Irwin facing a late fitness test.

Limavady scored six tries in their 39 - 12 win at Donaghadee last week with Mark Woods, Stuart Houston, Peter Wilson, Sam Mackey and their Captain and full back Robert Lamberton scoring two tries. Head coach Mark Nicholl has added experience to his newly promoted team with City of Derry trio Rory Squires, Davy Houston and Brendan Ferguson joining the Roe Valley Club.

There is no doubt the Sandel Lodge Roundabout at Coleraine Rugby and Cricket Club will be the place to be on Saturday afternoon as the traffic and supporters travel to Rugby Avenue.

Cooke v Portadown

After a convincing 32 - 20 win against Cooke at the Shaws bridge venue last week you would have to say that the Mid Ulster side would be favourites to repeat the result at the same venue this weekend. They scored five tries to follow up the seven tries they scored against Carrick the previous week.

Cooke Head coach Colin Atkinson made only one change from the teams win at Clogher Valley with Sam Bridge replacing Callum Robinson in the back row for the first of the back to back games with Portadown. Too many first up tackles were missed in the game by the Cooke players with the coach acknowledging the Portadown side are much improved team from last season.

Once again the Gourlay brother were the points scorers for the team with Alan converting five penalties and Alex scoring a try.

This week the Cooke coach has at least 10 changes to make due to fresh injuries and a stag function involving several of the players. He will be looking to put out a young experimental side with selection being finalised on Thursday night.

Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley has been delighted with the form shown by his team this season. Last season Portadown were struggling to put out two teams. This season the club has had an influx of new players. Last Saturday the club fielded four teams that all won with 20 players unavailable. Changed times at Chambers Park with large numbers turning out to training. In his seven years coaching at Portadown Richard Hedley has not witnessed such a buzz throughout the playing side of the club. Definitely a good news story.

For this weekend injury rules out Mark Neilly with both Gareth McCoy and Matthew Wilson unavailable. James Wright moves from second row to the back row with Rodney Blair coming into the second row. Ryan Muldrew and Rab McClean will start in the front row alongside Mal Allister with Geoff Caldwell covering from the bench.
Such is the competition for places in the backs several of last seasons backs are unable to get a starting place on the 1st xv. The coach gives a starting place to Tom Sizer on the wing who replaces Luke Ashton.

One player who has impressed this season is the experienced Craig Woods. He along with two former Portadown College players James Wright and Mike Orr have also made a big impact on the 1st xv. Exciting times ahead at Chambers Park with two big league games coming up against Ballyclare and Omagh that will potentially define their league aspirations.

Dromore v Banbridge seconds

Another local derby that has attracted a lot of interest. Dromore had a comfortable 67 -12 win over Belfast Harlequins seconds at home in the first round whilst Banbridge seconds caused an upset by defeating a strong Academy side 36 - 33 in a pulsating game.

Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen is very excited about this Cup and derby match with there being a massive buzz around the club since the draw was made. He was disappointed his team did not take more points from the league game at home to Instonians when Dromore lost narrowly 16 - 9. His players can take a lot of positives from the match. He wants his team to build on their performances and get back to winning ways for the next group of matches starting with the Cup game on Sat.

For the game on Sat Lee Steenson is returned to his preferred scrum half role. Rory Pepper will make his first start at tight head having previously played number 8 all his playing life. Young out half Adam McDonald gets his first start of the season at out half with Sam Russell reverting to full back. Adam McGregor this seasons Captain will miss out with a shoulder injury with Johnny Maguire taking his place in the back row.

The team has been training hard with the coach Jonny Cullen having to make some difficult selections with players wanting to play against Banbridge.

Banbridge Head coach Daniel Soper is aware of the importance of the big derby game for the 2nd xv who unfortunately will be hit by some key injuries this week. Nevertheless the coach is expecting his young Bann squad to put everything into this match.

Supporters will turn out in large numbers at Barben Hill for this eagerly awaited contest.

Instonians v Randalstown

The second of two Junior Cup ties at Shaws bridge with Cooke playing Portadown at the same venue. On paper you would have to say Inst will be clear winners. Former Ireland/Ulster second row Gary Longwell will be looking to see if his Randalstown team can mastermind a shock win on Sat.

Instonians Director of Rugby William Leacock views the game as interesting involving the two teams. Randalstown are a good team and he will make sure his players do not underestimate the challenge they will bring. With an ever growing injury list the coach will have to await late fitness tests on Thursday night before finalising selection. Already ruled through injury are Alan Whitten, Conor Gallagher, Josh Cregan, Harry Gallagher, Ally Andress and Andrew Keane. Matthew Keane, Richard McCarthy and Robert Whitten are all unavailable. Inst welcome back Mike Blackwood into the second row with Cameron Black making his debut at scrum half for the 1st xv.

Randalstown Head coach Gary Longwell will confirm his selection on Thursday night. The squad have a few injuries so it will be an opportunity to blood some of the clubs younger players against one of the best junior sides in Ireland.

Larne v Omagh

Any rugby neutral looking a game to watch, this Cup tie at the Glynn on Sat is the one to watch. Both teams are full of young talented players who have slipped under the radar of representative recognition. Both teams also have excellent Head coaches in Laurence Kelly and Philip Marshall. There is talent in abundance within the Omagh squad and like wise with a Larne side that has continued to develop over the last three seasons.

Larne remain undefeated this season and like Omagh who suffered one narrow defeat at Ballyclare are very much the form teams in their leagues in Ulster. Clogher Valley travelled to Larne last season and came away with a narrow 13 -6 win.

Larne coach Laurence Kelly is viewing this as a tough game at the weekend. Omagh are a quality side and Larne will need to be at their best to compete. The last two games played by Larne have not been without a price to pay with two long term injuries.

He knows his players will empty the tank and leave nothing on the pitch against Omagh. It will certainly be a true test of where the team is with several young players coming through the clubs Youth system. Larne are still a young side, not unlike Omagh of a few seasons ago. His team are still developing and he can see a steady progression from week to week.

Larne team. 1- 17 Luke Burford, Joe Johnson, Chris Rea, Colin McKinty, Johnny Cole, Gareth Jamison, Ryan McCallister, Eddie Hunter (Captain), Ryan Garrett, Phil Andrews, Johnny Hall, Aaron McBride, Jordan Burns, Scott Montgomery, Stewart Andrews, James McCluggage and Johnny Wilson.

Omagh Head coach Philip Marshall is expecting a tough match against Larne on Sat. He is fielding his strongest team with several players unavailable due to a wedding.

He welcomes back from injury Alan Heaney, Adam Stephenson, Mervyn Edgar, David Thompson, Ali Beckett, Neil Brown and Ryan Mitchell with John Blair, Adam Pollock and Mark Smyth still out and unavailable.

With the injury crisis in the front row there has been the opportunity for young players to step up to the 1st xv with former Youth player - 19 year old hooker Mark Brown showing an appetite for the game at this level with his abrasive play by scoring three tries in recent games.

The coach is aware the Glynn is a difficult venue but he is confident he has the team to get a result. He is looking for the same attitude that got the team a 22 - 21 win at Instonians two weeks ago.

Clogher Valley v Ballyclare

Both teams met at the Cloughan last week with Clogher Valley proving difficult opponents as the County Antrim side dug deep to win 12 - 6. This week we see the two teams return to the spiritual home of Clogher Valley for an intriguing Cup tie. Was it the wet heavy conditions that allowed the Clogher pack to frustrate the attacking flair of this talented Ballyclare team.

Clogher welcome back Captain Kyle Cobane to the front row this week with Toby McAlpine coming in at outhalf and Mark Ellis dropping down to the bench The coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black are keeping faith with the younger players and are happy with the attitude and effort last week from the players. There is a feeling Ballyclare underestimated the opposition of the Clogher team and will come with a different attitude to the Cran this week, There is no doubt the weather last week suited the Clogher style of play.

For the Clogher coaches it is all about the performance and continued improvement at this stage of the season.

Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever was not surprised by the performance of the Clogher team last week at Ballyclare. He felt they would come with a point to prove having lost their first few league games this season. The conditions suited their hard fought, heavy, experienced scrummaging and mauling side. However his Ballyclare side stood up to the challenge. It was the teams improved discipline and attitude throughout the 80 mins that impressed the coach. He recognises his side is more youthful and energised in their play.

The coach has yet to field the same side in consecutive games and is pleased with the efforts of all the players when given an opportunity to play on the 1st xv. Over the next 3/4 weeks the coach is looking forward to the return from injury of Willy Logan, Robert Smith and Rory Henderson.

Mike was also keen to mention the work of referees and match officials that goes unnoticed. They deserve a well done and thank you for the job they do. Many of us may have views on match officials but it is a job we would not want to do. Well said Mike.

Ballymena seconds v Ballynahinch seconds
CIYMS v Armagh seconds
Coleraine v Limavady
Cooke v Portadown
Dromore v Banbridge seconds
Instonians v Randalstown
Larne v Omagh
Clogher Valley v Ballyclare

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3

Ballymoney v Letterkenny
Cavan v Lurgan
Holywood v Newry
Monaghan v PSNI
Ophir v Virginia
Strabane v BHSFP

George