We have one of the busiest weekends coming up in club rugby in Ulster with full programmes in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League and the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship. In my preview this week I have been able to catch up with Nathan Moore, Head of Rugby at Belfast Metropolitan College and learn about the career opportunities for students to play rugby and study at the College. There is also the thoughts of Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham on preparing players to play in the Ulster Bank league. We also have Ulster rugby running a course at the Kingspan stadium this weekend for new referees.

Last weekend was not the start we wanted for our Section Two clubs in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League. Only three out of nine clubs won. Annually this seems to happen with Ulster UBL clubs in the second half of the season. Malone, City of Derry and Rainey OB were the only winners with Ballynahinch and Ballymena joining in the action this weekend.

Both Ballynahinch and Ballymena need league points to finish in the top four of Div 1B. Malone are the surprise team in section 2A as they maintained their four match unbeaten run to move level on points with league leaders Nenagh Ormond after defeating Belfast rivals Belfast Harlequins 22 – 12. Both Banbridge and Queens lost to slip down to 4th and 5th place.

Armagh lost their unbeaten run going down to Wanderers on the artificial pitch at the Aviva stadium. Dungannon came away from Limerick with no points in their 38 – 20 defeat at Old Crescent. City of Derry made it two back to back wins in the UBl when they came back to defeat Barnhall at Judges Road.

Rainey remain level on points with Navan at the top of Div 2C after defeating Bruff 20 -17. A late score by visitors Sligo denied Bangor a win at home to Sligo.

What was disappointing last weekend was the unavailability of referees to run the touch in the UBL game at Deramore Park between Belfast Harlequins and Malone. It is the first occasion I have witnessed this in the league. My impression is that the standing of the UBL is devalued when the top level of the Domestic game in Ireland is treated in this way. Was it the fact that Ulster were playing Bordeaux at the Kingspan stadium. I was also aware that on another Saturday Ulster were playing at home the Ulster Branch were struggling to place officials for UBL matches. Have other Ulster UBL clubs had similar experiences this season. Please let me know.

In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Instonians, Omagh and Ballyclare remain separated by three points with six games remaining at the top of Div 1. Portadown are favourites for that all important 4th place. Eleven points separate Enniskillen, Cooke, Clogher Valley, Carrickfergus and Dromore in the battle to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs.

In Div 2 Coleraine are now clear favourites after opening up a six point advantage over 2nd place CIYMS with a game in hand. Four points separate CIYMS, Limavady, Grosvenor and Academy in the contest to finish in 2nd place. There is a real battle between Lisburn and UUC to avoid finishing in 9th place.

In Div 3 Ballymoney remain undefeated with nearest rivals PSNI two points behind in 2nd place. Ballymoney have two games in hand as we enter round 17 this week with five games remaining.

What do we know about College rugby in Ulster. This week I had the opportunity to speak to Nathan Moore, Head of Rugby at Belfast Metropolitan College. First of all I learned Belfast Met is a merger of their campuses at Millfield, Titanic and Castlereagh with rugby being part of the College for 8 years with a more concise and core based programme being introduced four years ago. Nathan himself is a former Methodist College rugby player who was employed by Ulster Rugby as a Development Officer. He has coaching experience from his days at UUC and Rainey with the clubs Youth Section.

Belfast Metropolitan College play in Div 3 of the Student Sport Ireland league alongside fellow Ulster sides Coleraine, Stranmillis, Jordanstown and Queens with their facilities continuing to be developed at Castlereagh College. The team play mostly on a Wednesday and have played teams all over Ireland. College Rugby has a much higher profile in the Republic of Ireland with teams like Carlow IT putting out four teams. In a match against Carlow under 20s the Belfast side came up against four Leinster Academy players in their team.

I also had the opportunity last week to talk to Ballynhinch 2nd xv loose head prop Ben Cullen. He is in his fourth year of this programme at Belfast Met. He echoed what I am learning from the work being done at the College. How aware are the wider rugby community in Ulster of the excellent work being done to develop future club players. These young players are being given the chance to train five days a week and learn about strength and conditioning along with many other fundamental aspects of the game.

If you want to learn more about the opportunities at Belfast Metropolitan College to play rugby and further your studies you can contact Nathan Moore through his Mobile 07736318065, Work Number 02890265080 or his e mail address nathanmoore@belfastmet.ac.uk.

Belfast Metropolitan College are releasing their Prospectus for 2017/18 on the 27th January 2017. Currently they have over 50 players on their rugby courses. Further information is also available from the Belfast Met Rugby Facebook page.

This leads me to ask the question what is happening at other Colleges in Northern Ireland. Is Rugby being promoted at this level. Who is taking responsibility for promoting the game within our Colleges. The focus in Ulster is about promoting the Schools game. Where does Youth Rugby and Colleges Rugby fit into the bigger scheme. Do we have a committee at the Ulster Branch that includes Schools, Youth and College representatives. We keep asking why are so many young people dropping out of playing adult rugby. Stephen Ferris did not come through the Schools system. How many other potentially professional and club players are being missed due to the narrow focus on a small number of Schools to produce our future Ulster players. Can clubs be more proactive in developing closer relationships with Schools and Colleges.

I have said on several occasions we need rugby hubs in communities that draw together Schools, Youth and Colleges to share facilities and their coaching expertise to sustain the domestic game.

One Ulster UBL coach explained to me why Ulster clubs struggle to produce enough quality players to play in the Ulster Bank All Ireland league. His view is that unlike down South; in Ulster we lose a lot of our players to England and Scotland to further their studies and they never return home, whereas the students down south just move to another city within Ireland to continue their studies. For Ulster clubs to compete with Dublin it is a numbers game, more players there to choose from , more bigger stronger athletic skilful young men in schools and then players move their for jobs after studying.

We are now seeing it on a smaller scale up in Ulster. You just have to look at the players City of Derry lost in pursuit of employment outside of Northern Ireland. Clubs in Ulster are starting to do a fair bit now to actively keep players playing after they leave school. Maybe the role of Under 20 teams in Leinster and Munster helps their players retainment between School/Club and Senior Rugby with Connacht sides Buccaneers and Galwegians now entering the Leinster league. Would it help to increase our player base in Ulster. The coach didn’t know; it would be an added strain on already stretched playing resources for a lot of clubs and where would it fit into the season plan.

You would need more volunteers and potential added costs . Would these teams just play on a Wednesday night in Ulster. But then you would want them to train on a Tuesday and Thursday with the Senior squads and play on a Saturday for a team, a big ask for a 19/20 year old. Like many of us he is not sure of a solution.

Ulster Rugby Referees Department are running a referee recruitment course at the Kingspan stadium, Lounge H 3 on Sunday 29.1.17 between 9.30AM and 4.30PM. If you are interested please contact david.wilkinson@irfu.ie

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
DIV 1A. Round 10/18
Dublin Uni (7) v Clontarf (5)
St Mary’s College (9) v Old Belvedere (6)
Terenure College (10) v Garryowen (4)
UCD (8) v Cork Constitution (2)
Young Munster (3) v Lansdowne (1)

Div 1B. Round 10/18

Ballynahinch v Dolphin
What can be described as an indifferent season for the faithful at Ballymacarn Park there is an opportunity for Hinch Head coach Derek Suffern and his Players to target a top four finish in the UBL. They are two points behind 4th place Ballymena and 14 points behind league leaders Buccaneers having won 3/5 games. What we have learned about this Ballynahinch squad is that their club team remains the number one club side in Ulster after securing the First Trust Senior Cup and are favourites to win the Stevenson Shield. The gulf between having your Ulster players available was once again brought home in the teams 44 – 14 defeat away to Old Belvedere in the semi finals of the All Ireland Bateman Cup last weekend. With the release of their Ulster players Ballynahinch can compete with the top UBL clubs in Section 1.

Ballynahinch will welcome the release of Ulster players John Donnan, Lorcan Dow, Conor Joyce, Peter Nelson, and David Busby with Jonny Murphy, Craig Trenier, Aaron Cairns and Aaron Hall ruled out through injury. Munster have released scrum half Angus Lloyd.

Both Ballynahinch and Dolphin have met at the home of the Cork club with Ballynahinch winning an enthralling game 35 – 19 on the 3.12.16.

Ballymena v Buccaneers
There are the memories from the first meeting between these two teams at Eaton Park on the 3.12.16. Not only was centre Mark Best the victim of a dangerous tackle that left many unanswered questions but the Athlone side sneaked the points in a 18 – 13 win. There is a lot at stake for both sides at Dubarry Park this week. Buccaneers have added the Connacht Senior Cup to the league title during the Xmas break. Unfortunately for the Connacht side they came up against Bateman Cup holders Cork Constitution last week in the semi final losing out 63 – 0 in a one sided contest.

Ballymena head coach Andy Graham has had his playing options strengthened this week with the release of Ulster players Ricky Lutton, Alan O’Connor, Stephen Mulholland, Matty Rea and Mark Best along with Chris Cundell, Conor Smyth, John Creighton and Callum Patterson who were involved with Ulster A in their vital British and Irish Cup game away to Jersey. Kieran Treadwell, John Andrews and Dave Shanahan are not involved with only two contracted players allowed to play in forwards and backs. Injuries continue to rule out Conal Boomer, Adam McBurney, Michael Lagan and Ross Kane with Aidy Kirkpatrick unavailable to travel.
In what can be described as the strongest team Ballymena have put out this season can this Ballymena side travel to Dubarry Park and defeat the league leaders Buccaneers.

Ballymena squad 1 – 20. Bryan Young, James Taggart, Ricky Lutton, Alan O’Connor, David Whann, Conor Smyth, Stephen Mulholland, Matty Rea, Glenn Baillie, Richie McMaster, Mark Best, Marty Irwin, Callum Patterson, Jonny Rossborough, Rodger McBurney. Replacements Chris Cundell, Andrew Cundell, Tony McGuinness, John Creighton, James Beattie.

Ballymena are expecting a physical game with Buccaneers. In their first meeting at Eaton Park, one overthrow in a lineout cost them a try in their 18 – 13 defeat. The coach is aware his team have to look after the ball and be tidy in their approach to how they play. By making it simple the forwards can be more physical and the backs more direct in their play.

Ballymena seconds who play Malone seconds on Saturday will include Dan Forsythe, Ryan Matheison, Aidy Kirkpatrick, Russell Blair, Mark Foster, Matthew Dick, Willy McKay, Joe Thompson, Chris Smyth, Paul Campbell, Nicky Stirling, Mathew Norris, Paddy James, Josh McIIroy, Jordan Foster, Alan Smyth and Davy Smyth.

Always interesting talking to Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham and how he prepares his players for their All Ireland League games. He talks about the key elements. How to focus on the Players physicality, Players Skill set, their conditioning to be stronger and more robust on the pitch.

Teams and players can’t be complacent in their attitude . You just don’t turn up to play you have to play to the best of your ability. Players can be blinkered in their approach. As a coach It is crucial to watch and observe the progression of players and their attitude and commitment.

Psychology plays a big part in getting a players head right. How to engage with them, Dealing with mistakes and teaching them how to play.
90% of playing rugby is in the head. It is all about players having the right attitude and getting into the zone. The player knows what he is doing and is totally focused. As Head coach at Ballymena Andy Graham has alongside him, Nicky Wells and Bryan Young who work so hard to improve the players. As a coach he is able to stand back and watch the players. Learn to understand them and their behaviour. Be a good judge in identifying their weaknesses and strengths.

Another element is being honest with the players and them being honest with you. It is like a jigsaw when you have to put all the pieces together. Coaches are not about doing all the talking . It is watching the players. What are you getting from them. It is understanding the players on the pitch. When to make changes. There are so many characteristics involved with individual players. Some times coaches have that pastoral role to play in being able to put their arm around a player when he doesn’t agree with a coaches decision. They can huff and it is important there is feedback to improve that player.

Naas (5) v Old Wesley (3). Played Friday 27.1.17. Kick off 8PM
Ballynahinch (6) v Dolphin (9)
Shannon (10) v Galwegians (7)
UCC (8) v UL Bohemians (2)
Buccaneers (1) v Ballymena (4)

Div 2A. Round 11/18
Banbridge v Galway Corinthians
Back to back defeats against Highfield have seen Daniel Soper’s team drop down to 4th place in this league. On paper you would expect Banbridge to win this weekend against the 9th place side. The difficulty for the Bann side is what Corinthians team will they face. Will it be a club team or a side strengthened by the presence of Connacht players. When these two sides met at Rifle Park on 26.11.16, Banbridge ran out 33 – 10 winners.

Head coach Daniel Soper was disappointed with the loss at home to Highfield, but in many ways it was one of the teams better performances of late. He recognises the league has become very tight with no room for below par performances. His approach is to focus on the short term which is the next two games on the road away to Galway Corinthians and Cashel, which will be a big challenge for his players.
The only change to the squad this week is the return of Ulster A player Andrew McGrath at out half.

Malone v Blackrock College
The Gibson Park side may have made hard work of their 22 – 12 b/p win at Belfast Harlequins last week. The fact is they are now level with league leaders Nenagh Ormond who lost at Blackrock last Saturday. When Malone won 24 -18 at Blackrock on the 26. 11.16 it witnessed the start of their current six match unbeaten run in the UBL and SONI Ulster league. Malone have a three week break after this weekend with both players and coaches looking to maintain that unbeaten run.

Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong faces a number of late fitness tests on Mark McCrea and Dan Kerr before finalising selection. He will give the players every opportunity to be selected for Saturday.

He is hoping to have Jack Qwens available after his successful outings with the Ulster A team in the British and Irish Cup. The coach has been pleased with his attitude throughout the season and his impact on the Malone playing squad.

He was full of praise for Belfast Harlequins and the efforts of their forwards in frustrating the Malone team at the breakdown and the problems they caused his team throughout the game. In the end he was pleased his team got through the match with a win which was the most important thing.

Blackrock will be a tough challenge this week as they were very dangerous last time especially with ball in hand with his players expecting another tough encounter this week.

Queens Uni v Belfast Harlequins
Two defeats against Cashel have seen Queens slip down to 5th in the league table. The unavailability of their regular goal kicker and out half Jack Milligan was a contributory factor in their 13 – 10 defeat at Cashel last weekend with kickable opportunities being missed to put points on the scoreboard. Captain Alex Thompson remains an influential player and leader of this team as the students seek to secure maximum points against their Belfast neighbours at the Dub Arena this week.
Belfast Harlequins showed in their defeat at home to Malone they are a team that will fight for every league point to stay in Div 2A next season. When these two sides met at Deramore Park on the 26.11.16 Queens ran out 32 – 15 winners.

Queens Head coach Bob Young is having to deal with several players being involved with the Ireland Under 20 squad for the Six Nations programme over the next eight weeks.

He is expecting to have the same squad available from last week with Ulster A players Nick Timoney, Zac McCall and Captain Alex Thompson all released. Late fitness tests will be carried out on a number of players carrying knocks from last week and players returning from longer term injuries. Squad for Sat will be finalised on Thursday night.

Galway Corinthians (9) v Banbridge (4)
Highfield (3) v Cashel (8)
Malone (2) v Blackrock College (6)
Nenagh Ormond (1) v Sunday’s Well (7)
Queens Uni (5) v Belfast Harlequins (10)

DIV 2B. Round 11/18

Armagh v Greystones
The artificial playing surface on the back pitch at the Aviva stadium claimed another Ulster side last week with the home side Wanderers ending the undefeated record of Armagh in a 23 – 14 loss. Fortunately for Armagh they still have a four point advantage over 2nd place Greystones with both these teams meeting at the Palace Grounds on Saturday. When these two teams met at Dr Hickey park on the 26 .11. 16 Armagh won 28 – 18. No doubt the result this weekend will go along way to deciding the automatic promotion place with eight games remaining.

Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy was disappointed with the performance of his team in their defeat against Wanderers. Credit to Wanderers they deserved the result on the day. He is expecting minimal changes this week with both Tim McNeice and Chris Colvin undergoing late fitness tests.

Dungannon v City of Derry
How the fortunes of both these teams have changed since the Xmas break on the 3.12.16. City of Derry without a win defeated Dungannon at Judges Road on the 31.12.16 to win their first UBL game this season. Last weekend they followed this up with a 23 – 11 win over top four side NUM Barnhall. Two of their key players in this turnaround have number 8 and Captain Stephen Corr and fellow back rower Joe Dunleavy who is in his debut season for the 1st xv.

Dungannon have been on a losing six match run with only one win from six in their last six UBL games. Not the form we expect from a team that has been pursuing a top four finish in the playoffs. On present form you would have to make City of Derry favourites as the North West side look to close the seven point gap on 8th place Skerries.

Head coach Andy Hughes felt it was a case of his team not taking their opportunities at crucial times during their defeat at Old Crescent with the team ultimately running out of steam. There is a frustration with the recent run of results as the coach feels his team are playing well but not getting that bit of luck you need. It is basic errors which are the undoing of the all their good work. The players know they need to improve their concentration levels .

Derry will be coming down this weekend full of confidence after their recent wins so we won’t be underestimating them. It is a crucial game for both sides as they will want to continue their momentum and we really need to kick start our season again if we want to challenge for a top four placing.

Both Paul Armstrong and Josh Kennedy are ruled out through injury with Seamus Mallon, Steven Sinnamon, James Bates, Mark Riddell and David Leyburn returning to the squad.

City of Derry player coach Richard McCarter was delighted with his teams efforts against Barnhall, particularly the performance in the second half to come back from a half time deficit. It was a tough game but the team got the result the players deserved. The coach is expecting to select the same squad for the trip to Stevenson Park on Sat.

Skerries (8) v Wanderers (3). Played Friday 27.1.17. kick off 7.30PM
Armagh (1) v Greystones (2)
Dungannon (6) v City of Derry (9)
MU Barnhall (5) v Bective Rangers (7)
Thomond (10) v Old Crescent (4)

DIV 2C. Round 11/18

Bangor v Bruff
Like Dungannon - Bangor have lost their last six games in the UBL and SONI Ulster league. They lost out to a late Sligo score to lose 22 – 16 at Upritchard Park last Sat. Bruff have already travelled to North Down and won 13 – 6 on the 26.11.16. Bangor have ambitions to finish in the top four and have slipped seven points adrift of 4th place Tullamore.

Chairman Jonny Watson has spoken about the lengthening injury list and player unavailabilities that the club has to contend with every week in selecting a team. There was disappointment when influential centre Mike Weir was ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his wrist. He joins Jamie Clegg and David Caughey who will not be available until next season. David Bradford, Alastair Lockhart and Lewis Sampson remain on the injured list.

The squad for the trip to Bruff is 1 – 20. Philip Whyte (captain), Andrew Shaw, Andrew Jackson, Evan Wellard McMillan, James Leary, Craig Burton, James Stewart, James Henley, Mike Apsley, Ryan Latimer, Gareth Wright, Jason Morgan, Keith Rosson, Phil Broderick, Rob gamble, Mark Widdowson, Neil Cuthbertson, Davy Charles, Lewis Loane, Ross McCloskey.

Despite the heart-breaking last minute score conceded to Sligo the mood is positive in the playing squad. The turnaround from the 51 – 17 defeat against Sligo on the 3.12.16 to losing 22 – 16 last Sat was massive with the losing b/p moving the team up to 5th place.

The match at Bruff will be a massive test of character for the team. The players are expecting it to be tough physical encounter and believe the breakdown will be crucial. Bruff are an abrasive side and Bangor will need to match them in that regard from the start. The return for Bangor of James Henly is timely in the forwards. He last played for the 1st xv in their All Ireland Junior Cup win over Clogher Valley two years ago. Lewis Loane who joined Bangor from Belfast Harlequins is getting his first real action with the squad after a niggling injury that has persisted for most of the season.

Rainey OB v Kanturk
Both Bangor and Rainey make the long journey to Munster this weekend with the Magherfelt team sitting level on points with leaders Navan with eight games remaining. John Andrew’s side had to dig deep to win 20 – 17 at home to Bruff last week. Once again the reliable boot of full back Scott McLean contributed ten of his teams points with South African hooker George Fritz picking up a brace of tries.

Head coach John Andrew’s is hoping to travel with an almost full strength squad to Kanturk this week. Both Michael McCusker and Matthew McClelland are available for selection after turning out for the seconds last Saturday. Captain Jonny Lees picked up a knock against Bruff and will face a late fitness test. Fintan Quinn continues to impress at tight head in the absence of Ulster A prop Tommy O’Hagan.

Bruff (7) v Bangor (5)
Kanturk (8) v Rainey OB (5)
Navan RFC (1) v Midleton (6)
Sligo (3) v Seapoint (9)
Tullamore (4) v Boyne (10)

ULSTER RUGBY 2ND XV LEAGUE
Ballymena seconds v Malone seconds
Ballynahinch seconds v Armagh seconds

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1. Round 13/18
Ballyclare v Ards
Instonians and Omagh will be most people’s favourites for the Div 1 league title with six games remaining. Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever has again negotiated his team through a four game winning run to keep them in the title hunt. They emphasised their title credentials with a crushing, six try – 41 – 18 win at Dromore last weekend.

When these two sides met at Hamilton Park on the 22.10.16 Ballyclare were convincing 43 – 8 winners. Ards are much improved team under coaches John West and Scott Young. They have just played three home matches against Omagh, Clogher Valley and Portadown. Despite losing all three games the general consensus is that they are a much improved team.

Ballyclare coach Mike McKeever was flattered by the score line at Dromore with the game much tighter than the score line suggests. Dromore started the much stronger side and dominated the early part of the game territorial wise but it was a good reflection on the Ballyclare defence to hold them out. Losing their player/coach Jonny Cullen to injury would not have helped their sides organisation.

The focus for Ballyclare hasn’t been league position based but more to drive on improving performances each week, which provides a score/league outcome.

Players are starting to hit form including Ryan Tweed, Bobby Smith at out half/full back, Prop Neal Kirk and the hard running lines of Stu Cusick, Michael Kirk and Dave Clarke. Ballyclare are fortunate to have experienced players in Captain Gary Weatherup, Alan and Robert Boyd, Willie Logan, Collie Morrow and Michael Rainey which will prove crucial this time of the year when playing in the league and Towns Cup with new recruits Craig Smith, Grant Bartley and Robbie Reid all adding a spark of life to the side. The players seem to be enjoying their rugby and that’s ultimately the main thing. Selection for this week will be confirmed on Thursday night with minimal changes expected.

There is plenty of time (5 matches) for movement in league positions yet. In saying that it is very close between the top two teams. Instonians are in the driving seat with Omagh having a game in hand. He feels Instonians have that edge to remain top.

Ards Head coach John West is pleased with the progress his team and players are making with numbers at training remaining strong. The team picked up a few knocks against a well organised Omagh team. What is particularly pleasing is the work being put in by the young Ards front row of Matthew Kane, Paddy Bond and Tom Arthur Donnan against experienced opposition each week. The focus in training is on cutting out the individual errors as the players work towards that all important first win.

Ards have a few injury doubts with selection being finalised on Thursday. With increased numbers at training competition for starting places has increased with players wanting to play in every match.

Carrickfergus v Enniskillen
Coaches Davy Scott and Mickey Rainey have the task of ending Carrick’s losing four match run. Like their opponents this weekend, Enniskillen are looking to end their run of four league defeats. Carrick came up against an inform Instonians side at Shaws bridge last Saturday losing 48 – 15. Enniskillen after losing 9 – 8 at home to Omagh had to ensure another single point defeat losing 11 – 10 at home to Cooke last Sat. It tells you a lot about how competitive this league is with Carrick having stories of narrow defeats this season. At the other end of the league Instonians and Omagh have been fortuitous in winning league games. As they say no game is over until the final whistle is blown.
When these two teams met at Mullaghmeen on the 22 .10.16 Enniskillen won 18 – 6.

It has been a tough few weeks for Enniskillen coach Willy Gibson and his players on the back of narrow defeats. The players realise that it is down to them making the difference not luck. There is also what Willy refers to as the Fermanagh thing of doing just enough to get a result. It is something he is trying to remove from the mind set of the players. It is all about playing rugby for 80 minutes.

Carrick will be a very big task as they are a very big physical side , but that said we love a bit of hard rugby so the players will enjoy the battle. They have a very good back row and his Enniskillen team need to counteract that.

Injuries have been ever present in recent weeks with three players facing late fitness tests on Thursday night. The coach also welcomes back James Ferguson, David Monteith and James Carleton this week.

Clogher Valley v Instonians
For the Fivemiletown team their impressive five match undefeated run came to an end when they lost a tight game with Portadown 21 – 15. It looked at one stage as if Clogher were going to pick up another b/p win only for Portadown to spoil the party and pick up a much needed win. Clogher have scored three tries in each of their last two matches. Not having an recognised kicker in their team has proved costly. Not only is it important to have a strong front five in the Ulster Championship, every team needs recognised and consistent goal kickers in their teams.

Instonians on the other hand are on a six match unbeaten run that has them two points ahead of 2nd place Omagh who have a match in hand. Once again the head to head between these two teams on the 18th February could decide the league title. Will Clogher be able to compete with the pace of this Instonians side that scored seven tries in their 48 – 15 win over Carrick last Sat.

In the earlier meeting between these two teams at Shaws bridge on the 22.10.16 Instonians had to work hard for a 16 – 7 win.

Clogher Valley were disappointed to lose their home match with Portadown last week. With four late cry offs it was a patched up side that took on Portadown and lost.

Instonians will be difficult side to play against with several Clogher players unavailable this week. David Sharkey comes into the second row with either Matty Robinson or Jonny Trimble to partner him. Both Tom Mills and Ian Mulligan keep their place in the back row from last week. Neil Trotter returns at scrum half after missing the game against Portadown. 3rd xv Captain Tim Moore retains his place on the wing after scoring a fine try against Portadown.

Eamon Whyte and Andy Breen are ruled out through injury with Coulter unavailable.
Instonians Head coach William Leacock was pleased with their win against Carrick on Saturday. The final score line flattered Instonians as Carrick played some good rugby.

The Div 1 league race is going down to the wire with three good teams fighting it out. His side are away to Clogher this week which will be another tough game. Injuries continue to take their toll with his team having to play most of the second half against Carrick with 14 players after David Scott, Alan Whitten and Harry Gallagher all picked up injuries.

Rory McCurry is back in training this week and will hopefully be added to the squad. The other good news is that Jamesy Campbell, Ross O’Donnell and TJ Morris have all trained this week after being out with injuries.

Cooke v Dromore
The Shaws bridge side have surprised everybody with their eye catching brand of rugby that should have produced two wins against Instonians. Under Head coach Colin Atkinson the players have shown in their wins over Enniskillen and Carrickfergus they are a team who like last season put in a strong second half finish to their season.

Dromore on the other hand have only won 1/5 which will be a concern for Head coach Jonny Cullen. The 41 – 18 home defeat to Ballyclare shows the Dromore players have a lot of work to do to keep their place in Div 1 this season.

Cooke Head coach Colin Atkinson was delighted with the performance of his team at Enniskillen on Saturday. He had laid the challenge down to the players to take their recent good form on the road which the team had failed to do in any other away game this season.

The squad played really well with Willie Dodd giving the team a solid platform since his return at Xmas.

The team points scorers against Enniskillen in their 11 – 10 win were Jonny McClune 1 x try, Alex Gourley 2 x pens.

Dromore will be another difficult challenge for his players this week. The coach has a few niggling injuries with selection to be finalised on Thursday night.

Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen is delighted to welcome back Captain Adam McGregor to his backrow along with experienced half backs Lee Steenson and Ryan Cobb for this crucial game against Cooke.

Dromore won the first meeting between these two teams 20 – 3 at Barban Hill on the 22.10.16

Portadown v Omagh
On paper you would say Omagh are favourites to win this match. League leaders Instonians required a late penalty to defeat Portadown 13 – 10 at Chambers Park two weeks ago. Portadown showed the potential in their team to turn around a deficit at Clogher Valley to win 21 – 15 last Saturday.

Omagh maintained their title challenge with five tries in their 27 – 7 win at Ards last weekend. Their Head coach Phil Marshall will be under no illusions about the task facing his players as Portadown look to secure 4th place and qualification for the All Ireland Junior Cup.

When these two sides met earlier in the season at the Thomas Mellon playing fields Omagh had to work hard for their 17 – 12 win.

Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley was pleased with the response of his players to turn around a losing deficit at Clogher Valley to win 21 – 15 to keep their season alive. It was a very physical game. The Omagh game this week will be another tough game for his players. Omagh play a lovely style in attack with good line speed in defence. His team will need to be at their best to match them. He is looking forward to an entertaining game. The coach welcomes back Michael Orr and the experienced Craig Woods to his backline with prop Matthew Wilson an injury doubt up front.

Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall is expecting a tough game against Portadown on Saturday at Chambers Park. There will be an entertaining battle of the back rows with the experienced Portadown combination of Gareth McCoy, Dairmuid O’Kane and Gary Hall up against the younger Omagh back row that includes the impressive James Catterson at number 8. Omagh scrum half Stewart McCain is another threat having scored two hat tricks of tries in recent games.

There is the welcome return of Ally Beckett at full back for Omagh after an absence through injury with Lee Murphy dropping down to the bench.

Ballyclare (3) v Ards (10)
Carrickfergus (8) v Enniskillen (5)
Clogher Valley (7) v Instonians (1)
Cooke (6) v Dromore (9)
Portadown (4) v Omagh (2)

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2. Round 12/18
Academy v Lisburn
Head coach Gareth Lynn was delighted to see his team end their three match losing run with another high scoring 33 – 23 win over Larne. Both the coaches and the players will say it is about taking it one game at a time. But like Limavady and Grosvenor they find themselves only four points behind second place CIYMS with seven games remaining.

Lisburn let slip a 24 – 13 lead at UUC to concede two converted tries to lose 27 -24 last Sat. They are aware that they are in a battle with the students to avoid finishing in 9th place. Like the students they will need to pick up league points from their remaining league games starting at Academy on Sat.

When these two sides met at the Blaris on the 19.11.16 Academy won 32 – 21.

Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn was pleased to see his team get that much needed win over Larne with Jordan Buchanan scoring 2x tries, Simon Beattie 1 x try with out half Chris Cooper kicking 4 x pens and 3 x conversions.
Team selection for this week with not be finalised until Thursday night.

CIYMS v Donaghadee
You would have to say this is a five point banker for CI this week. Head coach Gareth Fry will be aware his side are only four points ahead of Limavady, Grosvenor and Academy. Their 17 – 8 defeat at Coleraine has handed the advantage to the North coast side who have a six point advantage with a game in hand.

Donaghadee had to endure another heavy defeat as they lost 64 – 5 at home to inform Grosvenor at Donaldson Park last weekend.

When these two sides met on the 19.11.16 CIYMS ran out comfortable 51 – 0 winners.

Delighted to hear from Paul Blewitt the Head coach at Donaghadee who along with Chris Good and Paddy McGratton have been doing sterling work to ensure Donaghadee are able to field a competitive side during this difficult season of rebuilding.

This week the coach welcomes back Noel Agnus in the front row with Connor McKee and Matthew Johnston taking their place in the back row. Both Peter Wilson and Jonny McComb return to take their place in the centre.

One positive note is the work the club have already started work to recruit players for next season in order to avoid this sort of season happening again. If you live in the North Down area and are interested in playing club rugby please contact Paul Blewitt and Chris Good.

CIYMS Head coach Gareth Fry felt there was little between the two sides on Saturday as there was in their first meeting that ended in a 7 – 7 draw. Coleraine are an excellent side and should win this league reasonably comfortably. His players are aware that there are a number of teams right behind them and they need to be on top of their game. He was really pleased with his teams performance and thought they should have got something from the match. One line break by Coleraine deciding the game. Both teams defences were excellent and really cancelled each other out for most of the game. His team fell foul of a couple of referee decisions that ultimately cost his team two yellow cards.
The team will be along similar lines for the match with Donaghadee on Saturday.

Grosvenor v UUC
The Gibson Park side have won 5/6 league games to enter the chase finish in 2nd place. Under new Head coach Robert Ford the team have got stronger as the season progresses. Their is depth in strength in their squad.

The students showed real character and belief to come back and win 27 – 24 at home to Lisburn last Saturday in a thrilling eight try contest. If the team are going to finish in 8th place they will need to fight for every remaining league point.

Both these sides like to play attacking rugby with the newly refurbished playing surface at Gibson Park suiting both teams.

Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford recognises that the much improved student side will be difficult opponents this weekend. With the back of the season broke it is all about the business end with seven matches remaining. He was able to make 10 changes for the 64 – 5 win at Donaghadee with several players pushing for a place on the 1st xv. Despite the score line the coach was full of praise for a Donaghadee side that put up a good fight in the first half before Grosvenor ran out comfortable winners in the second half.

He is aware the student side have a very strong set piece built on a good set of forwards and a maul that has proved an effective attacking option for them.

This week Grosvenor welcome back the experienced tight head prop Pearce Jamison along with James Bowman and Jeff Mealiff. Despite Grosvenor having moved themselves into the promotion race for 2nd place the coach is quick to remind the players that you have to take it one game at a time and see where you go from there.

UUC Director of Rugby Brett Campbell was delighted with the response of his team to score two late tries against Lisburn to pick up a valuable 27 – 24 win last week. This win gives the student side a goal of finishing above Lisburn in 8th place to avoid the playoffs. The players showed real character and belief to keep playing. He felt that Lisburn were struggling to keep up with the pace of the students in the final quarter as they kept going to get that reward.

It was a good week for the club with Alan McCully’s 2nd xv winning a junior league match against Randalstown thirds.

For the match at Grosvenor there was positive news at selection with influential flanker Mitchell Lucas returning to the squad along with Lewis McCrabbe in the second row and James Stevenson. Veteran winger Sam Hall has come out of retirement to make himself available for selection. Injury will rule our centre Hayden Maxwell and Calvin Galbraith.

Larne v Limavady
Another potentially high scoring game for spectators in Div 2. Larne had won their previous three matches prior to their 33 – 23 defeat at Academy. Limavady have surprised many people this season after securing promotion from Div 3. Under new Head coach Mark Nicholl they are well positioned to finish 2nd and secure a play off for promotion to Div 1. Can they achieve it.

Larne have Bangor seconds to play in the second round of the Towns Cup on Saturday week. If Larne Head coach Laurence Kelly can assemble his strongest playing squad, Larne can match any team in Div 2.

Limavady required a late penalty to defeat visitors Randalstown 20 -18. After leading 17 – 5 at half time the young roesiders showed their fighting qualities to come back and secure a much needed win.

Larne Head coach Laurence Kelly believes his players got the result they deserved with only six players turning up to training on the Thursday night before their defeat against Academy. His team went 3 – 0 up after five minutes, then with ten minutes gone the out half cruised through a gap into the Academy twenty two. Five metres from the line with a two to one advantage he didn’t pass and got turned over when his team would have went 10 – 0 in front. Despite kicking a further penalty to go 6 – 0 up the team imploded. He felt the Academy side were not as good as the student team they had played in their two back to back games. The moral of the story being you take your opportunities. This week he is looking an improvement from his players who have to front up against a Limavady side that defeated Larne 57 – 10 on the 3.12.16.
He is full of praise for the work Limavady Head coach Mark Nicholl has done to create that positive team spirit that will hold Limavady in good stead. Larne out half Philip Andrews injured himself on a ski trip last week that will rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Randalstown v Coleraine
The original game between these two teams had to be postponed on the 3.12.16. Randalstown had been on a unbeaten four match run until their defeat at Limavady 20 – 18 last week. Out half Martin Connolly seeing a last minute penalty coming up just short for his side to win this match.

Coleraine by virtue of their 17 – 8 win at home to 2nd place CIYMS have extended their advantage to six points with a game in hand. Head coach Richard Boyd will be aware Randalstown will be difficult opponents at their home venue of Nelisbrook.

Randalstown have three difficult fixtures coming up with games against Coleraine, Ards in Towns Cup and CIYMS.
Head coach Gary Longwell recognises that Coleraine have one of the best squads in Junior rugby and after going so close to promotion last year it looks likely they are going to win the league with games to spare this season. His team are missing a few players this week so it is an opportunity for some of the younger squad players to test themselves against a top side.

Academy (5) v Lisburn (8)
CIYMS (2) v Donaghadee (10)
Grosvenor (4) v UUC (9)
Larne (7) v Limavady (3)
Randalstown (6) v Coleraine (1)

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3. Round 17/22
Cavan (10) v Holywood (7)
Letterkenny (9) v Ophir (12)
Lurgan (3) v Monaghan (11)
Newry (5) v Ballymoney (1)
PSNI (2) v Strabane (4)
Virginia (8) v BHSFP (6)

Sorry I am late this week. A lot of rugby to catch up with.
Cheers
George