What a start to the season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Superb rugby at all levels making for undoubtedly the greatest season in the history of Ulster Rugby Clubs in Ulster Bank All Ireland League below is the absolutely fantastic encounters to for this weekendssssssssssssssssssssssssss GAMESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t WAIT!
Divison 2A
Ballymena RFC I XV v Old Wesley
Banbridge RFC I XV v UCC
City of Derry RFC I XV v Bective
Queens RFC I XV v Galwegians
Rainey RFC I XV v Bruff
Division 2B
Instonians RFC I XV v Greystones
Armagh RFC I XV v Richmond
Ards RFC I XV v Sundays W
Divison 2A
Ballymena RFC I XV v Bruff
The Eaton Park side have quickly put last seasons relegation worries behind them to sit proudly at the top of the league with North West neighbours City of Derry. Saturday’s 15 – 12 win at Queens has demonstrated the resolve coach Andy Graham and his team have instilled in the playing squad. Timothy Small’s kicking has proved invaluable as the team completed a double against the students in the Ulster Senior league and the AIL. With the clubs second XV doing well there are many players putting their hands up for selection. Old Wesley sit equal third in the league and will provide a stiff test for the Braid team after their impressive win over Barnhall 23 – 11. Ballymena to win
City of Derry v Bective
The North West side will travel to Donnybrook with confidence after scoring four tries against undefeated Naas on Sat. Such is the strength in depth of Mark Nicholl’s squad he has been able to rotate his players. Bective recorded their first win: a narrow 10 – 9 result at Bruff on Saturday. Derry Captain David Funston and out half Richard McCarter continue to direct the team on the park. Expect another win for the Judges Road team.
Rainey v Bruff.
Magherfelt’s Hatrick Park will see a large crowd for the visit of Limerick side Bruff. The Munster side sit bottom off the league with no points. Having scored four tries in their 38 – 20 win at Old Crescent on Saturday, Rainey coach Richard Boyd will be pleased that his forwards scored the tries such is the power within the Rainey forwards. The five points have moved Rainey into joint second place in the league with Queens on 10 points. Such is the strength within the Rainey squad there will be no complancency amongst the players as they push for the top two positions in the league.
Rainey to win
Armagh v Richmond
After their emphatic 32 – 9: four try performance against Tullamore on Saturday: Armagh coach Andy Hughes must be delighted with three wins from their opening fixtures. Captain and out half Richard Reaney continues to convert the points through his reliable boot. Newly promoted Richmond have found the return to Senior rugby difficult with no wins so far and two points to show for their efforts. They will not relish the visit of Armagh to their home ground at Richmond Park in Limerick. From 1 – 15 the Armagh side have developed a strong work ethic in the squad that has seen them perform so strongly this season. Armagh to win.
Ards v Sundays Well
Paul Cox was once again the ‘hero’ for the Hamilton Park side in their 20 – 14 win over DLSP: contributing 15 points. Ards know that there is an opportunity for them to secure four more league points in their second visit to Cork this season. Sundays Well have no points from three games and narrowly avoided a relegation play off last season. Despite losing Captain Rob McCausland to a ligament injury Ards have shown they have the strength in depth and character to win without their influential Captain. When did Ards last win an away game in the All Ireland league ? Coach Stewart Porter has made his presence felt in turning round the fortunes of the County Down club. Ards to win
Division 1A
Ballynahinch RFC I XV v Lansdowne
Divison 1B
Belfast Harlequins RFC I XV v Blackrock
Dungannon RFC I XV v Corinthians
Malone RFC I XV v Trenure College
