Domestic Preview for Sat 27 Oct 2018 By George Millar

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Domestic Preview for Sat 27 Oct 2018 By George Millar

Had the pleasure of being invited to the pre match lunch at City of Armagh for their game with Malone to speak on Domestic Club Rugby last Saturday by their Secretary Richard Black. It was also an opportunity to catch up with John Lennon and John Callaghan on the progress of City of Armagh to playing in the second tier of the All Ireland League. The subsequent performance of the home side in defeating Malone was an acknowledgement of how the quality of player is present in the club game to compete with the teams who are strengthened by the presence of Ulster players in their playing squads.

Afterwards it got me thinking about the progress of City of Armagh and that of their neighbours Banbridge and the other Ulster club sides Instonians and Ards who played alongside them in the AIL, when both Armagh and Banbridge were taking their first tentative steps to move up the leagues. In 2011/12 Banbridge played with Rainey OB and Ards in Div 3 of AIL. In 2012/13 City of Armagh joined Rainey OB, Instonians and Ards in Div 3. Ards defeated City of Armagh 11 – 7 at Hamilton Park on the 30.3.13. How times have changed. Records tell us that Instonians were relegated from the AIL in 2013/14. They did attempt to return to the AIL after winning their league 2014/15 but lost out in the Round Robin Playoffs. Instonians then lost out to Bangor in 2015/16 and Omagh 2016/17 who returned to the AIL with Instonians again losing out in the Round Robin in 2017/18. Ards were then relegated from the AIL in 2014/15 and are now playing their rugby in Div 2 of the Ulster Kukri Rugby Championship. I have noticed how City of Derry and Rainey OB have narrowly lost out on promotion to Div 2A of the AIL in the last three seasons. Is it a case that clubs without the strength in depth can’t compete in the AIL or expect to play in Section 1. City of Armagh and Banbridge are two clubs who have worked hard to build and put in place playing structures to secure their future in Section 1. Ballymena are another club who have flirted between Div 1B and 2A. Their efforts in building depth in strength has been rewarded with the club now fielding five Adults sides. Ballynahinch are renowned for the depth of their rugby playing base with the club able to field seven teams. Malone have flirted with Div 1B and 2A rugby in recent seasons. Their challenge is to build the strength in depth to keep the club in Div 1B.

ALL IRELAND LEAGUE

All attention was focused on Div 1B last weekend with the five Ulster clubs playing. First up was the Ulster derby at the Palace grounds with previously unbeaten Malone well beaten 32 – 3 in a bonus point win for the home side City of Armagh. Ballymena set aside their indifferent form to record their first win picking up the bonus point in their 40 -22 win over St Mary’s College at Eaton Park. Their star performer was out half Timmy Small who contributed 25 of his teams points. Brian McLaughlin will have been delighted with the response from his players after trailing 7 – 0 at Old Belvedere to again pick up a bonus point in their 32 -7 win. Banbridge made it two wins from three in defeating league leaders Naas 20 -16 at Forenaughts to move into second place.

We all knew that with five Ulster teams in this league it was going to be very tight. The league table shows after three rounds that six points separate the ten teams with four points the difference between the teams in 2nd to 10th place. With the Old Wesley v Naas game being rearranged from this weekend to Friday the 9th November there is a real opportunity for an Ulster team to top the league after Round 4. We have another Ulster derby with second place Banbridge hosting Ballymena at Rifle Park. Malone play Old Belvedere at Gibson Park with Ballynahinch welcoming Buccaneers to Ballymacarn Park after the visitors emphatic 41 – 14 win over Old Wesley. St Mary’s College will want to return to winning ways after consecutive defeats away to Ballymena and Malone when they entertain City of Armagh.

It was interesting to see the impact of Ulster players playing for their teams. Ballynahinch had Bradley Luney, Zack McCall and Campbell Classons available with both Bradley Luney and Campbell Classon’s scoring a try each. Ballymena had Michael Stronge, Marcus Rea and John Andrew’s released with John Andrew’s amongst the try scorers. Banbridge had James Hume, Greg Jones, David McCann, Caleb Montgomery, Alex Thompson, Schalk Van Der Merve and Corrie Barratt all released with Caleb Montgomery scoring a try. Hooker Peter Cromie who played for the Ulster A side in the Celtic Cup made it five tries in three AIL appearances with another two at Naas on Saturday. Former Captain Adam Ervine made it 100 AIL appearances at the weekend. Malone had Joe Dunleavy, Matthew Agnew, Peter Cooper and Graham Curtis in their match day squad. The Malone back row of Captain Ross Todd, Joe Dunleavy and Matthew Agnew found themselves playing second fiddle to a dominant and impressive Armagh back row of Nigel Simpson, Ryan O’Neill and the outstanding Robert Whitten at number 8. Ryan O’Neill was involved with the Ulster under 19 squad and caught the eye with his dynamic display at open side.

The section 2 sides return to league action this week after having the weekend off. In Div 2A Queens University make another journey south to Munster to play Nenagh Ormond. Coach Derek Suffern’s side have scored 14 tries in their last two wins over Galwegians and Highfield. In Div 2B Dungannon under Andy Hughes find themselves in 3rd place with two wins from three as they target a top four finish this season. They are also on the road to Munster this week travelling to Cork to play 4th place Sunday’s Well. Belfast Harlequins face league leaders MU Barnhall at Deramore Park who have a maximum 15 points from their first three games. Early season ambitions for a Rainey side who narrowly missed out on promotion to Div 2A last season have suffered a setback with three straight defeats albeit against the undefeated top two MU Barnhall and Greystones away from home along with a defeat at home to 5th place Wanderers. The unavailability of several experienced players including Timmy Barker, Ronan McCusker and Nicholas Stirling not to forget Josh McIIroy who is playing rugby for Ricky Andrew’s in Spain has meant the coaches relying on young and inexperienced players as they look to get their season up and running. Games coming up against Galway Corinthians, Skerries and Sligo are matches the coaches and the players will be targeting. In Div 2C both Bangor and Omagh are in 3rd and 4th place five points behind leaders Midleton who also have a maximum 15 points from their opening three games. City of Derry are a further point behind in 6th place with two wins from three. This week Bangor will look to bounce back after a heavy defeat away to Midleton two weeks ago when they host City of Derry in an Ulster derby at Upritchard Park. Can Omagh make it three wins from four when they play Midleton at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields. We will learn a lot about the capabilities of the Omagh squad to contest the league title after missing out on promotion through the playoffs last season.

Just for information: The Section 1 teams will have a break after playing on the 3rd November before playing again on the 24th Nov due to the Irish Autumn Internationals. They will have a further break from the 15th December until the 19th January with teams playing in their Provincial leagues.

In Section 2 the teams will break from the 10th November before playing again on the 1st December. Their Xmas break will again be from the 15th December until the 19th January with teams playing in their provincial leagues.

Interesting to see how Ulster AIL club second xv teams are performing this season and the strength in depth they are developing in their clubs.

We have Ballynahinch seconds sitting in 6th place in Conference league 1 as well as progressing through to the semi finals of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. City of Armagh seconds are 2nd in Conference league 1. Ballymena seconds are 6th in Conference league 1 with Banbridge seconds in 7th place, Malone seconds are 10th as well as progressing to the semi finals of the Junior Cup with Omagh seconds in 11th place.

How are the six other AIL clubs performing in the Provincial leagues: Dungannon seconds are joint level with Ballynahinch 3rds in Provincial 1. Rainey OB are 3rd with Queens University in 4th place. Bangor are in 8th place with Belfast Harlequins in 9th place. City of Derry seconds are top of Provincial 3.

Have to thank the Coaches and Managers of the following second xv teams for their assistance this season:

Mark McDowell and Davy Harris at Ballynahinch.

Davy Heron and Sam McBurney at Malone.

Gareth Fisher and John Nicholl at Ballymena

Colin Bickerstaff at Banbridge

James Kane and Glenn Warnock at Omagh.

Dave Eakin and Gary Morton at City of Armagh

MILLAR McCALL WYLIE CUP QUARTER FINALS

Holders Ballynahinch seconds had to outscore Limavady six tries to four to progress to the last four after winning a tight game at the John Hunter Playing Fields 39 – 32. Winger Aaron Ferris picked up all the plaudits finishing off four tries. Undefeated Dromore scored eight tries to sweep aside Portadown 55 – 22 at Barban Hill to make it 21 tries in their last three matches. There were no repeats of the Larne win over Carrickfergus as they were well beaten by a strong Grosvenor team who ran in eight tries in their 54 – 5 win at the Glynn. The centre pairing of Stuart McIIwaine and Jos McConkey contributed four of the tries with both getting a brace each. Last years semi finalists Malone seconds did not get it all their own way at Gibson Park in their 19 – 14 win over Lisburn with the visitors pressing hard for a late winning score.

The semi final draw was made on Monday:

Grosvenor v Ballynahinch seconds

Dromore v Malone seconds

Both ties to be played on or before the 24th November 2018.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Apart from the rearranged Div 1 game involving Coleraine and Dromore at Rugby Avenue the focus for the teams in this league with be the All Ireland Junior Cup 1st Rd ties with Instonians, Ballyclare, CIYMS and Carrickfergus representing Ulster in this tournament. Enniskillen, Grosvenor, Cooke and Portadown will have the weekend off . No date has been set to rearrange the game postponed between Grosvenor and Cooke on the 22.9.18.

We all welcome the resolution to the stalemate involving the Ulster Branch, Coleraine RFC and the Referees Society that will see Coleraine RFC playing their first home game of the season. The substantial penalty imposed on an amateur club should remind all clubs that they have a responsibility to ensure that rugby is played in a safe and neutral environment with players and supporters ensuring they play their part in promoting a positive image of the sport we derive so much pleasure from being involved in.

It is not only the 1st xv who play at home this week Coleraine seconds host Banbridge thirds with Coleraine thirds welcoming Ballyclare 5ths to the North coast.

In Div 2 we have we have two teams in Ballymoney and Limavady meeting at Kilraughts Road with both teams having ambitions to be playing in Div 1 next season. Ballymoney are in 5th place six points behind Limavady with a game in hand. Previously undefeated Limavady have lost their last two games against Ballynahinch seconds in the Junior Cup and Academy at home in the league. Limavady are in 3rd place three points behind league leaders Clogher Valley and one point behind 2nd place Randalstown who have played one game more. Academy after their win at Limavady welcome UUC to Mallusk as they look to close the gap at the top on Clogher Valley and Randalstown who have Conference League fixtures this week. A win along with a bonus point could see Academy alongside Clogher Valley at the top if Limavady lose at Ballymoney. It is already developing into a fascinating contest between the top five teams in this league. There is the meeting of Ards and Larne at Hamilton Park with the two teams needing the league points. Both teams have one league win with one point separating the two teams in 7th and 8th place. There is a derby match involving Lurgan and near neighbours Lisburn at Pollock Park. Lurgan lost their last home match to Ards 6 – 3 after an impressive win over Ballymoney. Coaches Bruce Cornelius and Jason Wallace will be hoping their team can pick up more valuable league points. Lisburn are still seeking their first league win after their Junior Cup exploits ended in a narrow 19 -14 defeat at Malone last Saturday. Again the focus for coaches Andy Postlethwaite and Nathan Moore will be ensuring their talented playing squad start picking up much needed league points. No doubt a fixture that will attract a large crowd to Pollack Park.

In Div 3 Donaghadee remain the pacesetters in this league with a four point advantage over second place Monaghan who they defeated 62 – 24 away on the 22.9.18. Both these two teams are due to meet at Donaldson Park on Saturday the 29th December in the return fixture. Donaghadee emphasised their favourites tag for the Gordon West Cup with an impressive 45 – 12 win away to Virginia last Saturday. This weekend they return to County Cavan to play Cavan in the league with Monaghan playing 3rd place BHSFP’s. Aside from the top two teams we have four points separating the teams in 3rd – 9th place in this league. It is good to see clubs like BHSFP’s and Holywood occupying 3rd and 4th place in the league after several lean years.

ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP

This is the 14th season of the AIL Junior Cup that has been predominately dominated by the Leinster club sides with the last seven winners coming from that province. Ashbourne (Leinster) are the current holders. The last Ulster winners were City of Derry in 2010 with Rainey OB the only other Ulster winners in 2006. In recent seasons we have had teams contesting the finals with Instonians losing in 2016, Bangor in 2015 and Clogher Valley in 2014. Instonians made the Quarter Finals in 2017/18 only to lose out to Connacht side Ballina.

What are our chances this season. It will be difficult with the Connacht and Munster sides much improved in the last two seasons. Ballyclare top Div 1 of the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship with maximum points from their opening five league games. This is their third season competing in the competition and yet again they are on the road to Clifden to play the Connemara All Blacks in their opening match. The faithful at the Cloughan wait patiently for the team to secure a home draw in this competition. Last season they lost to holders/Champions Ashbourne away in the 1st Rd. Instonians under William Leacock contested the 2015/16 final losing out to Enniscorthy. This is their fourth season competing in this competition after losing out narrowly to Ballina 6 – 3 in the quarter finals last season. CIYMS return to the competition this season. They have memories of that epic semi final with Dundalk in 2014 that went to a replay with the Leinster side winning to go on and defeat Bangor in the Final. The fourth team representing Ulster are Carrickfergus who in their first season back in Div 1 secured a top four finish to make their first appearance in this Cup. They face a lengthy trip to Munster to play former All Ireland league club Waterpark.

Looking at the form of the Ulster teams in Div 1. Ballyclare are 1st, Instonians 4th, Carrickfergus 6th and CIYMS 9th.

Leinster teams: Enniscorthy are 1st, Wicklow 3rd, Dundalk 5th and Ashbourne 7th.

Munster teams: Clonmel 1st, Richmond 2nd, Kilfeacle and District 11th and Waterpark 12th.

Connacht teams: Monivea 1st, Connemara 2nd, Westport 3rd and Creggs 4th.

NEW ULSTER RUGBY WEBSITE

Supporters of the club game keep querying the difficulty they have accessing information on the club game in Ulster on the Ulster Rugby website. On the Home page if you scroll down to the bottom you will see the link for Domestic fixtures. This will provide information on fixtures, results, league tables and Cup results and draws. If you want to learn more about Club Rugby go to the Menu icon at the top right of the homepage. Once you click on this link it opens up options. If you click on Rugby in Ulster it will open the link to Rugby Development. Under Rugby Development you can access information on Fixtures/results, Clubs, Schools, Coaching, Female Rugby, Referees, Resources, Projects and Volunteering.

HOW ARE OUR CLUBS DOING

At the weekend I took the opportunity to scroll through the league tables to see how a number of clubs were doing:

CITY OF DERRY

For a club that were struggling 12 months ago the turnaround in their fortunes has been quite dramatic. Under Director of Rugby Paul O’Kane a new coaching structure was put in place with Richard McCarter being joined by Ian Orr on the 1st xv. Both Andy King and Everitt Sherrard who worked with Paul O’Kane at Limavady took over the coaching of the second xv. Looking at their performances the 1st xv find themselves in 6th place in Div 2C of the AIL. The second xv are top of Provincial league 3 after five games with the third xv top of Rugby Regional West.

Another club that has turned the corner is Dungannon RFC who field four Adult teams. With the club playing its part in putting in place structures to develop players we are witnessing an encouraging start to the season for the 1st xv in Div 2B of the AIL. Their second xv are level with Ballynahinch thirds at the top of Provincial 1. The third xv are 3rd in Provincial league 3 with the fourth xv competing in Provincial league 6.

Clogher Valley are another club despite relegation last season find themselves top of Div 2 in the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship with the club fielding two competitive second and third xv teams in Provincial league 2 and Provincial league 6.

City of Armagh field four Adult teams with their thirds remaining undefeated in Provincial league 2 this season. Can they challenge the grip the Ballynahinch teams have on the Crawford Cup this season.

Grosvenor RFC are another club making considerable progress with the 1st xv challenging Ballyclare in the league and progressing to the last four of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup. Their seconds play in Provincial league 1 and are making progress in the Crawford Cup with the 3rd xv second in Ulster Rugby Regional East.

Have been surprised to see Malone RFC struggling with their lower teams this season. Their 3rds, 4ths and 5ths all sit on minus points in Provincial league 2 and 5 and Rugby Regional East. Last weekend the club were unable to field a 4th and 5th xv with the 3rd xv suffering a heavy league defeat away to Carrickfergus second xv. Not what we expect from a club who use to field 13/15 Adult teams . Despite the success of the clubs 1st and 2nd xv there appears to be much work needed to build and strengthen the playing base at the club.

RESULTS/TEAMS WEEKEND 20.10.18

DIV 1A

UCD 6 Lansdowne 20

Clontarf 28 Garryowen 10

Cork Constitution 24 Dublin University 13

Terenure College 14 Shannon 41

Young Munster 23 UCC 17

DIV 1B

Buccaneers 41 Old Wesley 14

Ballymena 40 St Marys College 22

Ballymena team: 1. Nacho Clandero Crespo, 2. John Andrews, 3. Chris Cundell, 4. JJ McKee, 5. David Whann, 6. Connor Smyth, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Stephen Mulholland, 9. Michael Stronge, 10. Tim Small, 11.Dean Reynolds, 12. Glenn Baillie, 13. Darrell Montgomery, 14. Jordan Foster, 15. Matthew Norris, 16. Josh Bill, 17. Jonny Spence, 18. Willie McKay, 19. James Wheeler, 20. Jonny McMullan.

Points scorers: John Andrews, Chris Cundell and Glenn Baillie 1 x try each, Timmy Small 1 x try, 4 x pens and 4 x cons (Total 25points)

City of Armagh 32 Malone 3

City of Armagh team: 1. Daryl Morton, 2. Andrew Smyth, 3. Philip Fletcher, 4. Josh McKinley, 5. Peter Starrett, 6. Nigel Simpson, 7. Ryan O’Neill, 8. Robert Whitten, 9. Harry Doyle, 10. Cormac Fox, 11. Tim McNiece, 12. Evin Crummie, 13. Chris Colvin (capt), 14. Andrew Willis, 15. Chris Cousens, 16. Peter Lamb, 17. Michael Hoey, 18. James Hanna, 19. Johnny Pollock, 20. Ryan Purvis.

Points scorers: Andrew Smyth, Josh McKinley, Nigel Simpson and Peter Lamb 1 x try each, Cormac Fox 3 x cons and 2 x pens.

Malone team: 1.Peter Cooper, 2. Dan Kerr, 3. Ricky Greenwood, 4. Jonatahan Davis, 5. Michael Shiels, 6. Joe Dunleavy, 7. Matthew Agnew, 8. Ross Todd (Capt), 9. Connor Spence, 10. Callum Smith, 11. David McMaster, 12. Natahan Brown, 13. Josh Pentland, 14. Gareth Millar, 15. Jack Milligan, 16. Scott Finlay, 17. Ben Halliday, 18. Matthew Hadden, 19. Graham Curtis, 20. Chris Jordan.

Points scorers: Jack Milligan 1 x pen.

Naas 16 Banbridge 20

Banbridge team: 1. Schalk Van Der Merve, 2. Peter Cromie (Capt), 3. Stuart Cromie. 4. Alex Thompson, 5. Stephen Irvine, 6.Caleb Montgomery, 7. David McCann, 8. Greg Jones, 9. Niall Armstrong, 10. Johnny Little, 11. Adam Ervine, 12. James Hume, 13. Andrew Morrison, 14. Conor Field, 15. Adam Doherty, 16. Corrie Barrett, 17. Ross Haughey, 18. Chris Allen, 19. Aaron Kennedy, 20. Benjamin Carson.

Points scorers: Peter Cromie 2 x tries, Caleb Montgomery 1 x try, Adam Doherty 1 x con and 1 x pen.

Old Belvedere 7 Ballynahinch 32

Ballynahinch team: 1. Campbell Classon, 2. Zach McCall, 3. Conor Piper. 4. James Simpson, 5. Bradley Luney, 6. Keith Dickson, 7. Ollie Loughead, 8. Conall Boomer, 9. Rhys O’Donnell, 10. Hilton Gibbons, 11. Aaron Cairns (capt), 12. Rory Butler, 13. Callum McLaughlin, 14. Richard Reaney, 15. Conor Kelly, 16. Clayton Milligan 17. Jonny Blair, 18. Tom Martin, 19. Robin Harte, 20. Ryan Wilson.

Points scorers: Rory Butler, Campbell Classon, James Simpson and Bradley Luney 1 x try each, Hilton Gibbons 3 x cons and 2 x pens.

MILLAR McCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS

Larne 5 Grosvenor 54

Larne team: 1. Andrew Hyndman, 2. Robbie Simpson, 3. Joseph Johnston, 4. Matt Crampsey, 5. Lee McKee, 6. Ryan McAllister, 7. Gareth Jamison, 8. Eddie Hunter, 9. Ryan Garrett, 10. Barry J McFaul, 11. Jacob Swan, 12. Aaron McBride, 13. Jordan Burns, 14. Jonny Hall, 15. Philip Andrews, 16. Micah Stevenson, 17. Stuart Johnston.

Points scorer: Jonny Hall 1 x try.

Grosvenor team: 1. Mark Rainey 2. Stuart Smyth, 3. Willie Rea, 4. Peter Dawson, 5. Andrew Kelly, 6. Sam Purdon (Capt), 7. Jeff Mealiff, 8. Conor McKee, 9. Allen McCluggage, 10. Adam Skelton, 11. Peter Davison, 12. Jos McConkey, 13. Stuart McIIwaine, 14. Shane Johnston, 15. Mark Johnston, 16. David Marshall, 17. Mark Cartmill.

Points scorers: Peter Davison, Stuart McIIwaine and Jos McConkey 2 x tries each, Shane Johnston and Adam Skelton 1 x try each, Allen McCluggage 7 x cons

Dromore 50 Portadown 22

Dromore team: 1. Tom Lyttle, 2. Stuart Sloan, 3. Jonny Simpson, 4. Matthew McMaster, 5. Ross Bingham, 6. Jonny Maguire (Capt), 7. Peter Elliott. 8. Ben Heath, 9. Lee Steenson, 10. David Lyttle, 11. Andrew Gilmore, 12. Graeme McCandless, 13. Andrew Rutledge, 14. Brian McClearn, 15. Adam McDonald, 16. Andrew Black, Adam McGregor.

Points scorers: Ross Bingham and Brian McClearn 2 x tries each, Adam McDonald, Tom Lyttle, Ben Heath and Andrew Gilmore 1 x try each, Lee Steenson 6 x cons and 1 x pen.

Portadown team: 1. Mark Henderson, 2. RJ Greenlee, 3. Matthew Davison, 4. Karim Ahizoun, 5. Matthew Stevens, 6. James Wright, 7. Lloyd Gravatt, 8. Jordan Taylor, 9. Brian Forrestal, 10. Brett Fleck, 11. Tom Caesar, 12. Mark Adamson, 13. Josh Matchett, 14. Nick Holt, 15. Jack Orr, 16. Jonatahan Reid, 17. Aaron Abraham.

Points scorers: Matt Stevens, Josh Matchett and Brian Forrestal 1 x try each, Mark Adamson 2 x cons and 1 x pen.

Malone seconds 19 Lisburn 14

Malone team: 1. Gary Crawford, 2. Dave Cave, 3. Seif El Deen, 4. Lee Barlow, 5. Josh Davidson, 6. Tom Dullage, 7. Matthew Fisher, 8. Max Porter (Capt), 9. Shane Kelly, 10. Bruce Duff, 11. Tiarnan Dillon, 12. Ricky McCullough, 13. Stuart Doddington, 14. Jack Knox, 15. Andy McConnell, 16. Austen Blackburn, 17. Charlie Shannon.

Points scorers: Andy McConnell, Gary Crawford and Shane Kelly 1 x try each, Bruce Duff 2 x cons.

Lisburn team: 1. Jamie Dickson (Capt), 2. Matt Nelson, 3. Phil Jefferson, 4. Kitione Dominiqbau, 5. Dave Curry, 6. Adam Jameson, 7. Jake Bebbington, 8. Wili Lil Tee, 9. Dinis Manso, 10. Richard McGregor, 11. Conor Gascoigne, 12. Peter Dillon, 13. Craig Hossack, 14. Chris Nimmons, 15. Jonny Dunlop, 16. Peter Graham, 17. Stephen Knowles.

Points scorers: Wili Lil Tee 1 x try, Richard McGregor 3 x pens

Limavady 32 Ballynahinch seconds 39

Limavady team: 1. Michael Rice, 2. Luke Montgomery, 3. Clive Scott, 4. John Purcell, 5. Adam Currie, 6. Stuart Simpson, 7. Ben Riley, 8. Daniel Irvine, 9. David Craig, 10. Peter Wilson, 11. Rohan Mulligan, 12. Jody McMurray, 13. Robert Lamberton, 14. Matthew Haslett, 15. Jim McCartney, 16. John McCollum, 17. Jason Kerr.

Points scorers: Matthew Haslett, Robert Lamberton, Jim McCartney and Rohan Mulligan 1 x try each, Peter Wilson 3 x cons and 2 x pens.

Ballynahinch seconds: 1. Ben Cullen, 2. Graeme McKitterick, 3. Kelvin Hamilton, 4. Andy Simpson, 5. Brian Howard, 6. Kieran McCauley, 7. Stuart Elwood, 8. Gareth Gill, 9. Lewis Finlay, 10. Matthew Norton (Capt), 11. Ronan Patterson, 12. Paddy Wright, 13. Johnny McCoubrey, 14. Aaron Ferris, 15. James McBriar, 16.Harry McCormick, 17. David Harris.

Points scorers: Aaron Ferris 4 x tries, Gareth Gill and Paddy Wright 1 x try each, Matthew Norton 3 x cons and 1 x pen.

GORDON WEST CUP 1st RD

Virginia 12 Donaghadee 45

PSNI 8 Monaghan 62

Strabane 21 Civil Service 10

Letterkenny v Ophir. Conceded by Ophir.

Newry, Holywood, Cavan and BHSFP all received a bye.

ALL IRELAND LEAGUE

DIV 1A

Dublin Univ (8) v Young Munster (4)

Garryowen (5) v UCD (6)

Lansdowne (70 v Cork Constitution (1)

Shannon (30 v Clontarf (2)

UCC (90 v Terenure College (10)

DIV 1B

Ballynahinch (5) v Buccaneers (9)

Banbridge (2) v Ballymena (10)

Malone (4) v Old Belvedere (6)

St Mary’s College (8) v City of Armagh (3)

Banbridge v Ballymena

Banbridge are expected to have Ulster players Caleb Montgomery, Alexander Thompson, and James Hume released this week. David McCann is involved with Irish under 20 training camp this week. Both Schalk Van Der Merve and Jonny Stewart maybe available if not involved against the Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday night.

Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham is looking his players to improve their playing record against fellow Ulster teams in these AIL derby matches. The coach was pleased that Ulster hooker John Andrew’s was released to play against St Mary’s last Saturday. His leadership and decision making had a big impact on how Ballymena played. Another plus for the coach was the performance of out half Timothy Small who scored 25 points. For the game at Banbridge the coach will have Marcus Rea and Michael Stronge released with Clive Ross’s release not being confirmed until Thursday night. Azur Allinson remains on the injured list with Bruce Houston away at an Ireland under 20 training camp this week. Robert Balacoune has not been released.

Jordan Foster is unavailable due to work commitments with Mark Thompson expected to come into the back three. In the forwards the only change expected is Jonny Spence starting at Hooker with James Taggart covering from the bench. Another player pressing for a place in the team is prop Houston Bonnar who has been impressing for the seconds in recent matches. He is not available for selection this week.

Ballymena team: 1. Nacho Clandero Crespo, 2. Jonny Spence, 3. Chris Cundell, 4. JJ McKee, 5. David Whann, 6. Connor Smyth, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Stephen Mulholland, 9. Michael Stronge, 10. Timothy Small. 11. Dean Reynolds, 12. Glenn Baillie, 13. Darrell Montgomery, 14. Jonny McMullan, 15. Matthew Norris, 16. Josh Bill, 17. James Taggart, 18. Willie Mckay, 19. James Wheeler 20 TBC.

The coach believes his side is growing as a team with the coaches seeing improvements each week. For the game against Banbridge it is all about bringing an energy to their defence and attack. He is looking the players to turn up and do themselves justice on Saturday. The games against Naas and Malone were winnable with the coaches disappointed the players did not pick up two wins. The challenge for the coaches is keeping their key players fit for this season.

City of Armagh v St Mary’s College

Assistant coach Chris Parker was delighted with the manner of his teams performance in their win over Malone. Injury had ruled out Neil Faloon with Robert Whitten moving to number 8. He was joined by former Queens Captain Nigel Simpson and Ulster under 19 prospect Ryan O’Neill with the three players put in an outstanding performance. As the coach put it Robert Whitten is a much under rated player with his consistent performances week in week out. Second row Josh McKinley has developed over the last two seasons into a fantastic rugby player with his ball carrying another feature he has added to his athletic performances. Prop Paul Mullan failed a late fitness test with Philip Fletcher and Daryl Morton starting alongside hooker Andrew Smyth. The cameo performances by prop Michael Hoey and Hooker Peter Lamb were another plus with Lamb securing the bonus point try from the last play of the game. James Hanna is another player who can cover second row and back row and made a statement during his time on the pitch for a starting place.

The playing squad picked up no injuries last week. For the coaches and players the game in Dublin at St Mary’s is all about backing up their performance against Malone. St Mary’s will be looking a win after losing back to back matches against Ballymena and Malone. The coaches are not expecting an easy game. St Mary’s defeated Ballynahinch in their first AIL game. The players are under no illusion about the test they face this week. There is added spice with former Armagh player Jamie Cornett forwards coach at St Mary’s along with Armagh second row Peter Starrett having played for several seasons at St Mary’s. The Armagh squad is expected to be on similar lines to last weekend.

DIV 2A

Highfield (3) v Dolphin (9). Played Friday 26.10.18. KO 8PM

Blackrock College (5) v UL Bohemians (6)

Galwegians (10) v Cashel RFC (4)

Nenagh Ormond (8) v Queens University (2)

Old Crescent (7) v Navan RFC (1)

DIV 2B

Skerries (8) v Greystones (2) Played Friday 26.10.18 KO 8PM

Belfast Harlequins (7) v MU Barnhall (1)

Rainey OB (10) v Galway Corinthians (9)

Sligo (6) v Wanderers (5)

Sunday’s Well (4) v Dungannon (3)

Dungannon v Sunday’s Well

Head coach Andy Hughes was delighted to see his side come back from a 6 – 0 halftime deficit against Belfast Harlequins two weeks ago to win 16 – 9 at Stevenson Park. Quins were impressive in the first half with their full back Mark Glover and scrum half Conor Young the standout Quins players. With a smaller playing squad this season the coach had only 17 players available for the match at lunchtime on the Friday. Injuries and unavailability had ruled out Jordan McIIwaine, Conor McGeough, Lewis McCrabbe, Andrew McPhillips, James McMahon, Adam Milligan, Ross McCaughey, Conor Milnes, Mark Riddell and Jonah Mau’u . Keelan Mulgrew brother of former winger Marcus was called up to take his place on the bench.

For the trip to Cork this week the coach has his strongest squad available with Andrew McPhillips returning to the wing after being out for several weeks through injury. Jonah Mau’u returns to the back row after following return to play protocols after picking up an head injury in the Sligo match. Alex Gormley retains his place in the back row after impressing against Quins. Guilhem Lopez returns to the second row to partner Stephen Todd. With scrum half Jack Ravey not available former Royal School Dungannon scrum half Adam Evans will take his place on the bench. Full back Andrew McGregor put in a strong performance against Quins and is available to travel to Cork. Conor McGeough returns to the bench after injury.

Ross Stewart, Conor Milnes, Adam Milligan, Jordan McIIwaine(Passes fitness test), Lewis McCrabbe will play for the seconds against Queens University.

Dungannon team: 1. Glenn Sinnamon, 2. Daniel Maxwell, 3. Sean O’Hagan, 4. Stephen Todd, 5. Guilhem Lopez, 6. Alex Gormley, 7. David Leyburn, 8. Jonah Mau’u, 9. John Russell, 10. John Buckley, 11. Andrew McPhillips, 12. Lucca Avelli, 13. Mervyn Brown, 14. Matthew Montgomery, 15. Andrew McGregor, 16. James Gamble,17. Jamie McNeill, 18. Mark Riddell, 19. Adam Evans, 20. Jonny Toal/Conor McGeough.

DIV 2C

Bangor (3) v City of Derry (6)

Bruff (5) v Ballina (2)

Malahide (10) v Thomond (7)

Omagh (4) v Midleton (1)

Seapoint (8) v Tullamore (9)

ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP 1st RD

Wicklow (Leinster) v Kilfeacle (Munster)

Connemara (Connacht) v Ballyclare (Ulster)

Richmond (Munster) v Enniscorthy (Leinster)

CIYMS (Ulster) v Monivea (Connacht)

Instonians (Ulster) v Dundalk (Leinster)

Waterpark (Munster) v Carrickfergus (Ulster)

Ashbourne (Leinster) v Westport (Connacht)

Creggs (Connacht) v Clonmel (Munster)

Ballyclare v Connemara

Injuries deprive Head coach Mike McKeever of the experience provided by number 8 Davy Clarke and out half Bobby Smith with Robbie Reid performing superbly in the absence of Bobby Smith. With Niall Lawther back in full training the coach has good cover in the backline. Mike McKeever has played against Connemara himself and is expecting a strong physical match from an organised pack and team who can score points. Despite a few familiar faces missing the coach has a big squad at his disposal. For this weekend Dean Jones, Robert Boyd, Paul Robinson and Stuart Cusick are unavailable. He is still satisfied he has the right group of players to get a win. The coaches and the players are excited about the AIL Junior Cup and the potential of getting a home quarter final tie. He will be looking to his Captain Grant Bartley and Vice Captain Joel McBride to secure that all important win. For the players it is all about enjoying the away trip, focusing on their performance and what they can control.

CIYMS v Monivea

Head coach Gareth Fry still has a lot of injuries to contend with. He is looking forward to their big day at Belmont on Sat against Monivea. Both Nathan Burns and Michael Wilson returned from injury to impress for the seconds last Saturday with both coming into contention for selection this week. He is still missing 2/3 front rows through injuries and unavailability. He feels the team are playing decent rugby for 80 % of their games but mentally switching off to concede too easily. This was the case at Dromore in their heavy defeat.

The players have worked hard at training especially on their defence with the players feeling in good shape for the match. It would be great to have a good Cup run but more important at the moment is to gain some momentum

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1

Coleraine (8) v Dromore (2)

Dromore Head coach Jonny Cullen retains the squad that played against Portadown with prop Mark Hylands ruled out for a further 4/5 weeks with an ankle injury.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2

Academy (4) v UUC (9)

Ards (7) v Larne (8)

Ballymoney (5) v Limavady (3)

Lurgan (6) v Lisburn (10)

Ballymoney v Limavady

As Head coach Jonny Hanna put it every game at this stage is important and you can see already that any team in the league can get results against each other. The challenge for his Ballymoney squad is to focus on their game and try and put in a good performance and hopefully that will be enough to get a result against Limavady. The squad have a number of injuries with Adam Smith, Thomas Hunter, Peter Irvine and Chris Watson ruled out through injury. With the seconds and thirds having no games this week selection will not be finalised until Thursday night.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV/CONF DIV 2

Ballymena seconds (6) v Clogher Valley (2)

Malone seconds (10) v Banbridge seconds (7)

Randalstown (4) v Omagh seconds (11)

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3

Cavan (11) v Donaghadee (1)

Civil Service (9) v Ophir (12)

Holywood (4) v Strabane (6)

Monaghan (2) v BHSFP (3)

Newry (7) v Letterkenny (10)

PSNI (5) v Virginia (8)

Unfortunately I have not been able to get around all the clubs this week. Good luck to all the teams especially those teams representing Ulster in the AIL Junior Cup.

Cheers

George