CONGRATULATIONS
We send our best wishes to Ballynahinch 1st xv on winning Div 1B of the All Ireland League and returning to Div 1A after a three year absence. Coaches Brian Mclaughlin, Tom Rock, Mark McDowell and Glen Kyle along with Captain Aaron Cairns and the playing squad deserve great credit for their commitment to achieving their target of playing in Div 1A. We all know how competitive this league is and the standards set by teams such as Cork Constitution, Clontarf and Lansdowne. They are the benchmark for Ballynahinch to aspire to. Brian McLaughlin has achieved much with City of Armagh and Ballynahinch since he left Ulster Rugby in 2012. His experience and knowledge of the game have been instrumental in reinvigorating the club game at the top level in Ulster.

The playoffs will present Malone RFC with an opportunity to join Ballynahinch in Div 1A. Under the guidance of Head coach Paddy Armstrong they have consolidated their place in Div 1B this season after securing promotion from Div 2A last Season. How fitting it would be for departing coach Paddy Armstrong and his playing squad to achieve their goal of joining Ballynahinch in Div 1A before former Ulster star Chris Henry takes over the reins at Gibson Park next season. Malone face a difficult playoff semi final away to UCC at the Mardyke in Cork on the 27th April.

We also acknowledge the achievements of Queens University and Rainey OB in making the playoff semi finals this weekend. Both teams are away from home with Queens travelling to Athlone to play Buccaneers and Rainey making the journey to County Wicklow to play Greystones. We wish them well.

The achievements of Dungannon, Belfast Harlequins and Bangor in avoiding relegation and the playoffs in the final round of All Ireland league matches will be talked about for years to come in club conversations.

ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
DIV 1B
Ballynahinch maintained their undefeated run to claim the DIV 1B title with a convincing 41 - 15 win over St Mary's College at Ballymacarn Park and secure promotion to Div 1A. Malone guaranteed a place in the playoffs with a 32 - 0 home win over relegated Ballymena at Gibson Park. Banbridge made it back to back wins defeating Old Belvedere 34 - 14 at Rifle Park to finish in 5th place. All Ireland Bateman Cup Finalists City of Armagh had already secured their place in the league for next season when they travelled to second place Old Wesley at Donnybrook. Despite trailing 10 - 3 at halftime - four second half yellow cards proved their undoing as they lost 31 - 10 to finish in 8th place.

DIV 2A
A much changed Queens team travelled to Limerick to play 5th place Old Crescent. Despite having number 8 James Catterson red carded the students made it seven wins on the trot with a 41 - 31 win as they prepare for their playoff match at Dubarry Park against Buccaneers on Saturday 20th April.

DIV 2B
Like Queens University - Rainey OB coaches John Andrews and Terry McMaster made a number of changes for their clash with league winners MU Barnhall at Hatrick Park. Their squad players were exposed to the quality of the visitors who won comfortably by 50 - 10. The focus for Rainey this weekend is their playoff match away to Greystones at Dr Hickey Park as they look to make the playoff final for the second year in a row.

One could not have predicted the drama that was taking place in the bottom half of this league on Saturday as Dungannon and Belfast Harlequins fought to retain their place in this league and avoid the dreaded 9th place and the playoffs. Dungannon were trailing 22 - 0 away to Skerries with the home side needing the win to avoid 9th place. The team staged a comeback with centre Paul Armstrong scoring the all important try to seal a memorable 24 - 22 win with the last play of the match to secure their place in the league. At Deramore Park Belfast Harlequins appeared to have won their game with Galway Corinthians as they led 10 - 8 with the game on the blow. More drama was to decide this match as Quins conceded a penalty in front of their posts for Corinthians to convert and win 11 - 10. The late defeat of Skerries allowed Belfast Harlequins to avoid 9th place and the playoffs due to a better points difference over Skerries after both teams finished level on points. When one looks at the final league table you will see two points separate the teams in 5th - 9th. The remarkable outcomes in round 18 ultimately kept both Dungannon and Belfast Harlequins in Div 2B.

DIV 2C
Omagh needed to defeat league winners Ballina and hope Midleton won at Bruff for the County Tyrone side to make the playoffs. Phil Marshall's side won 19 - 7 only to discover Bruff proved too strong for Midleton winning 26 - 8 in the all Munster clash with Omagh finishing in 5th place.

Like the bottom half in Div 2B Bangor needed to defeat 4th place Malahide to give them any chance of avoiding 9th and 10th place. The North Down side were also hoping City of Derry could win at Tullamore. As it transpired a much changed Bangor team missing several front-line players upset a full strength Malahide side winning 25 - 19. Now all eyes were on the Seapoint v Thomond game with the lead changing several times. A win for Seapoint would have seen Bangor finish in 9th place. With a serious injury delaying the final whistle in this match it appeared Seapoint had won the game only for Thomond to snatch a late try to win 26 - 22. This result condemned Thomond to automatic relegation from the AIL with Seapoint finishing in 9th place and the playoffs.

It was an unbelievable conclusion to the games involving Dungannon, Belfast Harlequins and Bangor to keep these three teams in Div 2B and 2C. What drama. I have never encountered so much goodwill being expressed by fellow Ulster club supporters on the news that these three Ulster teams had avoided relegation.

ROUND ROBIN PLAYOFFS
It was not to be for Instonians Head coach John Andress and his players as they lost out 28 - 21 to Clonmel at Shawsbridge on Saturday to claim the runners up place behind winners Enniscorthy. The early dismissal of Instonians out half Richard McCarthy for a high tackle made the task of the Instonians players much harder as they led 10 - 6 at halftime. Despite playing with 14 players Instonians held a 16 - 14 lead until the final quarter. Their task was not helped when the referee yellow carded Instonians full back Bradley McNamara for a high tackle to prevent a certain score. The match official then awarded a penalty try to give Clonmel a 21 - 16 lead. Down to 13 players Clonmel took advantage to score a further converted try to lead 28 - 16. Instonians did rally to score an unconverted try to leave the final score 28 - 21 in favour of Clonmel.

After leading Instonians to back to back league titles Head coach John Andress has stood down from his post. He is keen to continue in coaching and I have no doubt with his professional playing background and experience gained at Instonians John Andress will be a coach in demand in the coming weeks.

MATCH OFFICIATING IN THE ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
This is one subject I have been reluctant to talk about in this column all season despite the number of complaints I receive each week. Now I feel it is an appropriate time to voice the concerns the clubs have been expressing to me. It is the inconsistency in officiating across the four provinces that continues to cause so much frustration to coaches and players. I would also qualify this by asking the question is there evidence from the matches to support or otherwise deny such concerns. The area that appears to be causing most concern is the role of touch judges who are in effect qualified referees who fulfil this role each week. When I am standing on the touch line at an AIL match I will repeatedly hear comments from spectators questioning why a touch judge has not flagged for offside or knock on that has been missed by the match referee. I keep reminding spectators that touch judges are only there to run the touch line and flag for kicks at goal along with drawing the referees attention to foul play. It is how this role is performed by touch judges in the four provinces that is angering club coaches and officials. There appears to be no continuity or consistency across the four provinces. I have witnessed this at first hand in my travels across the island of Ireland during the rugby season. We all acknowledge how important the role of touch judges are in the All Ireland League. It is the level of inconsistency in what their role is that raises many questions.

I have also noticed an increasing number of red and yellow cards being issued for high tackles. What steps are being taken to reverse this trend. Is there a breakdown in communication between referees, coaches and players to address this issue both before and during matches. Sometimes a quiet word in a players ear can calm a potential situation down.

SUMMARY OF PROVINCIAL AND REGIONAL LEAGUES.
Much of our attention will be focused on the teams in the All Ireland league and the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship. I have always believed that for clubs to have a sustainable future they must build from the bottom up. Rugby is about clubs providing playing opportunities for players of all abilities. Short term fixes don't work. It is making sure the structures are in place to develop and expand the player base in clubs to secure their future. We have been surprised to see a club like Malone failing to complete fixtures at 2nd and 3rd xv level this season. Is this a Belfast problem. Teams like Queens University and Grosvenor would say otherwise. I then look at Coleraine, Portadown and Lisburn and the population bases they have. Why are these clubs struggling to make an impact in club rugby in Ulster.

The summary of league and cup winners in the Provincial and Regional leagues provides us with some data on the progress clubs are making such as City of Derry, Enniskillen, Dromore , Academy and Ards this season. These clubs are examples of the progress that can be made to be competitive in league and cup competitions.

With five divisions of 10 teams planned in the provincial leagues for next season it has been interesting following the outstanding matches left to be played even at this late stage of the season. In Provincial 2 Carrickfergus seconds have won the league. With two teams promoted who will finish in second place. Dromore seconds are favourites if they defeat Malone thirds with a bonus point to claim second place. City of Armagh thirds and Ballymoney seconds are the other two teams contesting the runners up spot. In Provincial 4 Cooke seconds need maximum points from their two remaining games to overtake Ards seconds. Three points separate Lisburn seconds, Donegal Town 1st xv and Ballyclare thirds in the battle to avoid finishing in 8th place with one game remaining. This weekend Cooke seconds play Lisburn seconds and Limavady seconds play Donegal 1st xv. A win for Cooke seconds would see Ards having to play Ballyclare thirds and Cooke play Larne seconds. Plenty of drama in this league before final league positions are confirmed. In Provincial 6 Randalstown thirds need a win over Donaghadee seconds this week to win the league with Dungannon fourths finishing second.

In Regional West it is between City of Derry thirds and Inishowen 1st xv to decide the league winners. Both teams are level on points with Inishowen playing Donegal seconds this weekend. City of Derry thirds have to play Inishowen with Inishowen's final league game against Strabane seconds. Again it makes for an interesting conclusion to this North West league.

We can be very focused on the top club teams in Ulster and forget about the teams from Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan. Monaghan have made a statement this season winning the Gordon West Cup and finishing runners up to Donaghadee in Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship 3. They will play Lisburn at Blaris this weekend for a place in Div 2 next season. I think it is important we do not forget about teams like Cavan, Virginia, Donegal, Letterkenny and Inishowen who continue to make progress in building and developing their player base to sustain their future in the club game.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIV 1
There will have been relief at Belmont with the news that Bangor retained their place in the All Ireland League that will see CIYMS secure their place in Div 1 next season.

DIV 2
The knock on effect of Bangor retaining their place in the AIL will add spice to the thrilling playoff match at Blaris between Lisburn and Monaghan who finished second behind league winners Donaghadee in Div 3. A win for either team will guarantee their place in Div 2 next season. Lisburn Head coach Nathan Moore and his playing squad know how difficult their task will be on Saturday against a much improved Monaghan team. Lisburn have been struggling at the wrong end of this league for the last couple of seasons. Expect a big crowd at Blaris this weekend for this playoff match.

DIV 3
League winners Donaghadee will want to maintain their unbeaten league run when they travel to play Newry on Saturday in their final league match of the season.

PROVINCIAL LEAGUE WINNERS
Provincial 1: Queens University seconds winners, Ballynahinch fourths 2nd, Bangor seconds 9th, Portadown seconds 10th.
Provincial 2 : Carrickfergus seconds winners, City of Armagh thirds/Dromore seconds/Ballymoney seconds competing for 2nd place. Coleraine seconds 9th, Malone thirds 10th.
Provincial 3: City of Derry seconds winners, Enniskillen seconds 2nd, Belfast Harlequins thirds 8th, Portadown thirds 9th.
Provincial 4: Queens University thirds winners, Ards seconds 2nd, Larne seconds 9th. Lisburn seconds/Donegal Town 1st xv/ Ballyclare thirds battling to avoid finishing in 8th place.
Provincial 5: Ballyclare fourths winners, Academy seconds 2nd, UUC seconds 7th, Ballynahinch sixths 8th.
Provincial 6: Dungannon fourths and Randalstown thirds contesting top two places. Lurgan seconds 8th, CIYMS thirds 9th.

REGIONAL PREMIER: Enniskillen thirds winners, Ballymoney fourths 2nd, Lisburn thirds 5th.
REGIONAL WEST: City of Derry thirds and Inishowen 1st xv contesting league, Cookstown 5th.
REGIONAL EAST: Ards thirds winners, Ballymena fourths second. Belfast Harlequins fourths 6th.
REGIONAL SOUTH: Dromore thirds winners, City of Armagh fourths 2nd, Portadown fourths 6th.
REGIONAL NORTH: Rainey OB thirds winners, Carrickfergus fourths 2nd, Coleraine thirds 6th.

PROVINCIAL AND REGIONAL CUP WINNERS
Crawford Cup: Ballynahinch fourths defeated Banbridge thirds 18 - 10 in Final
Crawford Plate: Enniskillen seconds defeated Dromore seconds 25 - 16 in Final
Forster Cup: Ballyclare fourths defeated Academy seconds 18 - 3 in Final
Forster Plate: Instonians thirds defeated Ballyclare thirds 19 - 18 in Final
McCambley Cup: Ballymoney fourths defeated Dromore thirds 11 - 8 in Final
Butler Shield: City of Derry thirds defeated Ballymena fifths 41 - 0 in Final.

RESULTS/TEAM LISTS SATURDAY 13TH APRIL 2019
ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
DIV 1A
Dublin University 39 Garryowen 22
Lansdowne 8 Clontarf 36
Shannon 19 Cork Constitution 34
Terenure College 22 Young Munster 15
UCC 20 UCD 20

DIV 1B
Naas 33 Buccaneers 19
Ballynahinch 41 St Mary's College 15
Ballynahinch team: 1. Jonny Blair, 2. Zac McCall, 3. Tom O'Toole, 4. James Simpson, 5. Jack Regan, 6. Keith Dickson, 7. Bradley Luney, 8. Conall Boomer, 9. Rhys O'Donnell, 10. Johnny McPhillips, 11. Aaron Cairns, 12. Robin Harte, 13. David Busby, 14. Richard Reaney, 15. Ross Adair, 16. Clayton Milligan, 17. Tommy O'Hagan, 18. Connor Phillips, 19. Ryan Wilson, 20. George Pringle.

Points scorers: Ross Adair 2 x tries, Bradley Luney, Rhys O'Donnell, David Busby 1 x try each, Johnny McPhillips 1 x try, 4 x cons and 1 x pen (16 x points)

Banbridge 34 Old Belvedere 14
Banbridge team: 1. Michael Cromie (Capt), 2. Peter Cromie, 3. Corrie Barrett, 4. Chris Allen, 5. Stephen Irvine, 6. Caleb Montgomery, 7. Ethan Harbinson, 8. Greg Jones, 9. Jonny Stewart, 10. Ian Porter, 11. Ben Carson, 12. Jonny Little, 13. Andrew Morrison, 14. Conor Field, 15. Josh Cromie, 16. Jonny Weir, 17. Ross Haughey, 18. Robin Sinton, 19. Dale Carson, 20. Joe Finnegan.

Points scorers: Conor Field 2 x tries, Jonny Stewart, Ben Carson 1 x try each, 1 x penalty try + con, Ian Porter 2 x cons and 1 x pen.

Malone 32 Ballymena 0
Malone team: 1. Ben Halliday, 2. Dave Cave, 3. Ricky Greenwood, 4. James McAllister, 5. Stuart Doddington, 6. Joe Dunleavy, 7. Ross Todd (Capt), 8. Ryan Clarke, 9. Shane Kelly, 10. Callum Smith, 11. Andy Bryans, 12. Josh Pentland, 13. Stewart Moore, 14. Nathan Brown, 15. Jack Owens, 16. Scott Finlay, 17. Lee Barlow, 18. Josh Davidson, 19. Graham Curtis, 20. Rory Campbell.

Points scorers: Andy Bryans 3 x tries, Dave Cave, Jack Owens 1 x try each, Callum Smith 2 x cons and 1 x pen.

Ballymena team: 1. Nacho Clandero Crespo, 2. Jonny Spence, 3. Chris Cundell, 4. Ian Caldwell, 5. Connor Smyth, 6. Phil Campbell, 7. Marcus Rea (Capt), 8. Clive Ross, 9. Michael Stronge, 10. Bruce Houston, 11. Sam Millar, 12. Glenn Baillie, 13. Matthew Norris, 14. Eoin Ritson, 15. Tim Small, 16. Houston Bonnar, 17. Scott Agnew, 18. Josh Bill, 19. Matthew Dick, 20. Jonny Rossborough.

Old Wesley 31 City of Armagh 10
City of Armagh team: 1. Daryl Morton, 2. Jonny Morton, 3. Paul Mullen, 4. Peter Starrett, 5. Josh McKinley, 6. Nigel Simpson, 7. Robbie Whitten, 8. Neil Faloon, 9. Harry Doyle, 10. Harry Boyd, 11. Ryan Purvis, 12. Jonny Pollock, 13. Evin Crummie, 14. Andrew Willis, 15. Tim McNeice, 16. Oisin McKiernan, 17. Peter Lamb, 18. Stephen Morton, 19. Chris Cousens, 20. Gerard Treanor.

Points scorers: Robbie Whitten 1 x try, Ryan Purvis 1 x con and 1 x pen

Galwegians 0 Blackrock College 17
Highfield 41 UL Bohemians 0
Nenagh Ormond 21 Navan RFC 20

Old Crescent 31 Queens University 43
Queens University team: 1. Martin Millar, 2. David Swann, 3. Andrew Weir, 4. David Whitten (Capt), 5. James Longwell, 7.Andrew McGrath, 8. James Catterson, 9. Matthew Keane, 10. Robbie Johnston, 11. Mark Gordon, 12. Conor Shiels, 13. Conor McKee, 14. Jonny Hunter, 15. Michael Orr, 16. Alexander Clarke, 17. Brian Cunningham, 18. Andrew Walker, 19. Richie McMaster, 20. Conor McAuley.

Points scorers: Jonny Hunter 2 x tries, 1 x Penalty try + con, Michael Orr and James Longwell 1 x try each, Robbie Johnston 2 x tries, 3 x cons (16 x points)

DIV 2B
Greystones 29 Wanderers 22
Sligo 36 Sunday's Well 34

Belfast Harlequins 10 Galway Corinthians 11
Belfast Harlequins team: 1. Toby Mannus, 2. Rory Winters, 3. James Harrison, 4.Troy Webber, 5. Danny Annett (Capt), 6. Jaz Andress, 7. Jona Siri, 8. Ben Alexander, 9. Connor Young, 10. Timmy Emerson, 11. Peter Dunlop, 12. Paul Kerr, 13. Kyle Adams, 14. James McConnell, 15. Mark Glover, 16. Matthew Borne, 17. Mark McGrath, 18. Daryl Marshall, 19. Christian Bennison, 20. Jordan McIIwrath.

Points scorers: Daryl Marshall 1 x try, Paul Kerr 1 x pen and 1 x con.

Rainey OB 10 MU Barnhall 50
Rainey OB team: 1. Aidan McSwiggan, 2. Daniel O'Neill, 3.Kieran Donaghy, 4. John McCusker, 5. Timmy Woods, 6. Andy Harbinson, 7. Mattie Millar, 8. Calvin Smyth, 9. Lorcan Quinn, 10. Martin Connolly, 11. Andrew Donaghy, 12. Oisin Quinn, 13. Conor Fitzsimons, 14. Caolan Moran, 15. Scott McLean, 16. Jack McIntosh, 17. Fintan Quinn, 18. Neal Hastings, 19. Damien McMurray, 20. Andrew Browne.

Points scorers: Oisin Quinn 1 x try, Scott McLean 1 x con and 1 x pen.

Skerries 22 Dungannon 24
Dungannon team: 1. Glen Sinnamon, 2. Malcolm Allister, 3. Sean O'Hagan, 4. Guilhem Lopez, 5. Alex Gormley, 6. David Leyburn, 7. Mark Riddell (Capt), 8. James McMahon, 9. John Russell, 10. Lucca Avelli, 11. Caolan Mulgrew, 12. Paul Armstrong, 13. Mervyn Brown, 14. Matthew Montgomery, 15. Andrew McPhillips, 16. Daniel Maxwell, 17. James Gamble, 18. Peter Doran, 19. Stephen Todd, 20. John Buckley.

Points scorers: James McMahon, Lucca Avelli 1 x try each, Paul Armstrong 1 x try, 3 x cons and 1 x pen.

DIV 2C
Bruff 26 Midleton 8
Seapoint 22 Thomond 26

Bangor 25 Malahide 19
Bangor team: 1.
Points scorers: David Bradford, Adam Alexander, David Caughey 1 x try each, Oscar Yandell 2 x cons and 2 x pens.

Omagh 19 Ballina 7
Omagh team: 1. Peter Todd, 2. Phil Ewing, 3. Mark Smyth, 4. Jonny Sproule, 5. James Sproule, 6. Mervyn Edgar, 7. Adam Longwell, 8. Matthew Clyde, 9. Stewart McCain, 10. Scott Elliott, 11. Matthew Eccles, 12. Peter Scott, 13. Scott Barr, 14. Ryan Mitchell, 15. Neil Brown, 16. Richard Smyth, 17. Kyle Alexander, 18. Jake McCay, 19. Michael Gibson, 20. Eoin Murnaghan.

Points scorers: Scott Elliott 2 x tries and 1 x con, Eoin Murnaghan 1 x try, Peter Scott 1 x con

Tullamore 24 City of Derry 18
City of Derry team: 1. Jimmy Hamilton, 2. David Ferguson, 3. Sam Duffy, 4. Gareth Doherty, 5. Conor McMenamin, 6. Stephen Corr (Capt), 7. Chris Lamberton, 8. Craig Huey, 9. Rory MacGinty, 10. Alex McDonnell, 11. Thomas Cole, 12. Denis Posternik, 13. David Lapsley, 14. David Graham, 15. James Perry, 16. Ross Harkin, 17. Jack Townley, 18. David Brown, 19. Nathan Cole, 20. Andrew Miller.

Points scorers: David Graham, David Ferguson 1 x try each, Alex McDonnell 2 x pens and 1 x con.

ROUND ROBIN PLAYOFFS ROUND 3
Connemara 0 Enniscorthy 27

Instonians 21 Clonmel RFC 28
Instonians team: 1. Alan Whitten, 2. Conor Gallagher, 3. Alan Whitten, 4. Tom Matthews, 5. Sean Shuttleworth, 6. Massimo Kiri Kiri, 7.Paddy Bell, 8. Lewis McNamara, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Richard McCarthy, 11. David McGovern, 12. David Scott (Capt), 13. Matt Kilpatrick, 14. Donal Moloney, 15. Bradley McNamara, 16. Neil Saulters, 17. Josh Cregan, 18. Ross O'Donnell, 19. Wayne Kelly, 20. Colm Cregan.

Points scorers: Matthew Kilpatrick, Massimo Kiri Kiri 1 x try each, David Scott q x con and 1 x pen, Wayne Kelly 2 x pens.

ULSTER PREMIERSHIP 2ND XV LEAGUE
Malone seconds 10 Ballymena seconds 17
Ballynahinch seconds 66 Banbridge seconds 7

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIV 3
BHSFP v Cavan. Conceded by Cavan
Letterkenny 10 PSNI 17
Monaghan v Holywood. Conceded by Holywood
Newry 37 Civil Service 0
Strabane v Ophir. Conceded by Ophir
Virginia 14 Donaghadee 19

FIXTURES SATURDAY 20TH APRIL 2019

ALL IRELAND BATEMAN CUP FINAL

City of Armagh v Garryowen. KO 12.30PM. Screened live on RTE 2 with coverage commencing at 12.15PM.

Chris Parker City of Armagh: City of Armagh contest their first All Ireland Bateman Cup Final when they travel to the home of St Mary's College RFC to play Munster representatives Garryowen. This will be the teams 29th competitive fixture in a demanding and challenging season after securing promotion to Div 1B this season. The defeat at Old Wesley on Saturday does not reflect how well the team played. Despite trailing 10 - 3 at halftime they were subjected to four yellow cards in the second half with the team down to 13 players for 15/20 minutes. The coaches felt the players had corrected a number of areas they had worked hard on in training during the week after the home defeat to Ballynahinch. City of Armagh had a lot of the ball in the first half but could not break down the Old Wesley defence. The difference in the second half was Old Wesley had three opportunities and were clinical in finishing them off. He feels the team have taken a step forward and believes they are in a good positive mind going into the final against Garryowen where they will be massive underdogs. Daryl Morton who returned to the 1st xv on Saturday will miss the final after picking up an head injury that will rule him out as he follows return to play protocols. Captain Chris Colvin who has missed the last two AIL games came through training on Tuesday night and is expected to be fit to take his place in the team. Back row forwards James Hanna and James Morton will return to come into contention this week. The difficulty for the coaches is selecting the matchday 22 from 28 players who are in contention for selection this week.

Chris Parker: This is a Cup Final where anything can happen. The players felt they missed out against Cork Constitution last season in the semi Final. The coach is also of the impression that this Armagh squad have improved on last season. They will be the underdogs and are aware of the history Garryowen have in the Bateman Cup. The team feel confident and if they pitch up they can surprise Garryowen. The big difference will be the physicality with the Armagh forwards having to step up. It will take a massive effort from all the players. It really would be an upset if City of Armagh won on Saturday. We wish them well.

ALL IRELAND LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
DIV 1B/2A
Buccaneers v Queens University
Cashel RFC v Navan RFC

Ian McAvoy Queens President/1st xv Manager: Queens coaches Derek Suffern and DJ Creighton have a full squad to select from their playoff match against Buccaneers on Saturday at Dubarry Park in Athlone. Number 8 James Catterson had his red card rescinded he received in the match at Old Crescent last weekend. This weekend Queens welcome back Ali Burke, Rory Bell and Mark Keane who missed the 43 - 31 win in Limerick. Players who put in man of the match performances in this fixture were back row Curtis Pollock and winger Jonny Hunter who scored two tries. It is a busy period for the coaches and players at Queens with the seconds playing in the McCrea Cup Final against Grosvenor 1st xv on Easter Monday. They follow this up with a play off match against Malone seconds on Saturday the 27th April for a place in the Conference and 2nd xv league next season. If the 1st xv win at Buccaneers they will have a playoff final against either Cashel RFC or Navan RFC on Saturday 27th April.

Queens team and replacements for Buccaneers: 1. Brian Cunningham, 2. Alexander Clarke, 3. Andrew Weir, 4. Ali Burke, 5. David Whitten (Capt), 6. Andrew McGrath/Curtis Pollock, 7. David Swann, 8. James Catterson, 9. Matthew Keane, 10. Richie McMaster, 11. Jonny Hunter, 12. Conor McKee, 13. Rory Bell, 14. Mark Keane, 15. Michael Orr, 16. Matthew Millar, 17. Andrew McGrath/Curtis Pollock, 18. Martin Withers, 19. James Longwell, 20. Robbie Johnston, 21. Conor McAuley, 22. Mark Gordon, 23. Conor Shiels. The only doubts are Andrew McGrath and Martin Withers who will undergo fitness tests on Thursday night.

Ian McAvoy: It will be tough for this Queens team. The players are up for it. We are going for it on Saturday.

DIV 2A/2B
Blackrock College v Sligo
Greystones v Rainey OB

John Andrews Rainey OB Head coach: Has a full squad to pick from for Saturday. Players such as Captain Paul Pritchard, Michael O'Neill, Charlie Clarke, Andrew Magrath, Jason Bloomfield, Brad Roberts, Timmy Barker and Damien McMurray will all return to the starting line - up after missing the game at home to league winners MU Barnhall on Saturday. The 50 - 10 defeat against Barnhall does not reflect the efforts of this young team against a quality Barnhall team who scored four late tries to add to their score line.

Rainey team and replacements for Greystones: 1. Jack McIntosh, 2. Brad Roberts, 3. Kieran Donaghy, 4. Timmy Barker, 5. John McCusker, 6. Charlie Clarke, 7. Paul Pritchard (Capt), 8. Paddy Magowan, 9. Jason Bloomfield, 10. Andy Magrath, 11. Oisin Quinn, 12. Damien McMurray, 13. Conor Fitzsimons, 14. Andrew Donaghy, 15. Michael O'Neill, 16. Aidan McSwiggan, 17. Daniel O'Neill, 18. Fintan Quinn, 19. Mattie Millar, 20. Andy Harbinson, 21. Lorcan Quinn, 22. Scott McLean.

Caolan Moran will be one of the unlucky players to miss out on making the match day 22.

John Andrews: Rainey have already played Greystones twice this season. In the first meeting at Dr Hickey Park on the 13.10.18 Greystones won 42 - 28. Rainey were in the match with the teams level at 16 - 16 at halftime. Three early second half tries from the home side left Rainey unable to pick up any points from the match. In the return fixture at Hatrick Park on the 23.3.19 Rainey won 35 - 19. The coaches were able to bring on the bench replacements after 60 mins when the team led 35 - 12 to see out the match.

John Andrews feels the set piece will be the key and is looking to his big forwards Timmy Barker, Paddy Magowan and John McCusker to make an early impact. His team have no fear of Greystones and are confident they can get a result at the weekend. This is Rainey's fourth playoff year in a row. He finds his players love being involved in these playoff matches. Hopefully they can win at Greystones and possibly secure a home final if Sligo win at Blackrock College on Saturday week.

DIV 2B/2C
Skerries v Malahide
Midleton v Bruff

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
DIV2/3 PLAYOFF
Lisburn v Monaghan

DIV 3
Newry v Donaghadee

EASTER MONDAY 22ND APRIL 2019: KINGSPAN STADIUM
McCrea Cup Final

Grosvenor v Queens University seconds. KO 12.30PM
Robert Ford Grosvenor Head coach: In their first season back in Div 1 Grosvenor finished 4th to secure a place in the All Ireland Junior Cup next season. Making the final of the McCrea Cup is another sign of the progress the team has made this season. The coach also talks about the strength in depth they are creating at the club with the seconds finishing 4th in Provincial 1 after securing back to back promotions. Three players who will miss the final are second row Peter Dawson, back row Jeff Mealiff and full back Matthew Fitzsimons. As the coaches look to build their squad they have added a number of former Grosvenor Grammar players to their squad this season including Jonny Farquhar, Josh McConkey and Ben Davies who have all made a big impact on the 1st xv. Players who will miss out on selection include Mark Johnston and Jamie McMullan due to the competition for places. One player who has returned to the club is David Marshall who will add additional experience next season.

Robert Ford has selected a squad of 21 he must reduce to 20 for the Final. This will be confirmed at the training on Thursday night.
Grosvenor squad: Forwards: Pearce Jamison, Stuart Smyth, Willy Rea, Mark Rainey, Matthew Cahoon, Daniel Bowden, Matthew Allen, Conor McKee, Andrew Kelly (Capt), Sam Purdon, Ben Davies,
Backs: Allen McCluggage, Peter Davison, David Egner, Josh McConkey, Stuart McIIwaine, Jonny Farquhar, Adam Skelton, Neil Adams, Ben Coard, Cameron Knell.

Robert Ford; The team are looking forward to the Final after a long season. The coach knows how competitive Queens will be after spending 3 years coaching the students before taking up the Head coach post at Grosvenor. The current playing conditions will suit the students running game. The team talk about winning the trophy in 2014 and are keen to see it return to Gibson Park where it was previously held by Malone seconds. With two young sides contesting the final it promises to be a very entertaining match. Both teams will want to come and play. There will be no excuses from the Grosvenor camp. The players will have to perform. The coach has full confidence in his players to do themselves justice at the Kingspan stadium. The rolling subs will be important to keep the players fresh on the pitch. Monday is Cup Rugby. Who plays better will win on the day.

Colin Hamilton Queens 2nd xv coach: Queens seconds won the Provincial league 1 title on Saturday after defeating Grosvenor seconds 24 - 17. They will now play Malone seconds at Gibson Park on Saturday 27th April for a place in the 2nd xv league ad Conference league next season. For the McCrea Cup Final against Grosvenor on Easter Monday Head coach Colin Hamilton sticks with the players who have got the team to this final.

Queens University seconds team: 1. Jonny Black, 2. Jack Sleator, 3. Toby Jozwiak, 4. Callum Cardwell (Capt), 5. Martin Withers, 6. Andrew Walker, 7. Daniel Edgar, 8. Chris Fowler, 9. James Creighton, 10. Daniel Keane, 11. Chris Jennings, 12. Curtis Dundas, 13. Rory Nicholl, 14. Fal El Vave, 15. Mark Gordon, 16. Alex Elmore, 17. Reece Goddard, 18. Matthew Pentland, 19. Matthew McSorley, 20. Josh Rawlinson.

Colin Hamilton: The coach wants his team to play their game and really go at Grosvenor from the start. The big challenge for the players is to up their work rate to win this match.

River Rock Towns Cup Final
Ballyclare v Enniskillen. KO 2.30PM

Mike McKeever Ballyclare Head coach: There will few changes to the Ballyclare 1st xv that have represented the club this season. Injury rules out Niall Lawther who suffered a serious facial injury in the league match against Dromore at the Cloughan whilst scoring a try. There are a few considerations to be made before finalising the second and back rows involving Ryan Tweed, Robert Boyd and Aaron Playfair with selection to be finalised on Thursday night. Grant Bartley will captain the side from the second row.

Ballyclare team: 1. Dean Jones, 2. Matthew Coulter, 3. Al Boyd, 4. Robert Boyd/Ryan Tweed, 5. Grant Bartley (Captain) 7. Gary Weatherup, 8. David Clarke, 9. Andy Eastop, 10. Robbie Reid, 11. Matthew Kirk, 12. Willie Stewart, 13. Joel McBride, 14. Owen Kirk, 15. Gary Clotworthy, 16. Jack Black, 17. Jordan Birnie, 18. Robert Boyd/Ryan Tweed/Aaron Playfair, 19. Ryan McIIwaine, 20. Ross Patterson.

Mike McKeever: Players are really excited about contesting another final. The break has left the squad fresh. They know they are the current holders and have won the Cup Final before. It is all about the players enjoying themselves. They have a great opportunity to retain the trophy if they perform on Monday.

Ryan Cathcart Enniskillen 1st xv Captain: The playing squad will be informed of the team selection for the Cup Final against Ballyclare on Thursday night. Players including Gavin Parke, Adam Lendrum and Jack Rutledge are expected to come into contention for selection after recovering from injury.

For the game with Ballyclare it is all about the team putting pressure on their opponents. Ballyclare are a dangerous side to play against. It is all about this Enniskillen team bringing a physicality and aggression to their play. The pack have been dominant this season and are looking to use their set piece advantage. Line speed will be all important in defence to keep the Ballyclare backs at bay. It is all about the Enniskillen players keeping their heads and their shape throughout the match. With this being the teams third final appearance in four years there is a belief that this is the year they can win the Towns Cup.

Enniskillen team and replacements to play Ballyclare: 1. Gavin Warrington, 2. Ryan Cathcart (Capt), 3. Gareth Beatty, 4. David Buchanan, 5. Jamie Kelly, 6. Gavin Parke, 7. James Carleton, 8. Ricky Lee, 9. Nick Finlay, 10. Adam Lendrum, 11. Conor Hoy, 12. Mark O'Shea, 13. James Ferguson, 14. Tyler Millar, 15. Ashley Finlay, 16. Steven Fox, 17. Alan Ferguson, 18. John Arnold, 19. Jack Rutledge, 20. Matthew Dane.

Next week will be my last preview for this season. Any news you want printed in my final preview for this season please forward to me ASAP. There is a lot of competitive domestic rugby being played this Easter Weekend. Please make the effort to get along and support the teams. Easter Monday will showcase two of our Premier Cup Finals at the Kingspan stadium. Please show your support for grassroots rugby in Ulster by coming along to support all four teams who will welcome your presence at the Kingspan stadium. Tickets can be purchased online through Ulster rugby or at the ticket office in Onslow Parade on Easter Monday.

Enjoy your rugby
George