Domestic Rugby Preview for Sat 22nd Sept 2018 by George Millar

Domestic Club Rugby in Ulster has made considerable progress in recent seasons with clubs putting in place playing structures to increase their playing base and improve their club infrastructure. Sadly the headlines this week have not made good reading with the unresolved stalemate involving Coleraine RFC and the Ulster Society of rugby referees very much in the news. This involved the alleged verbal abuse of a match official in the game between Coleraine and Dromore on the 10th March at Sandel Lodge Park. Following a Disciplinary Hearing that included a representative from the referees Society sitting on the disciplinary committee, Coleraine RFC were fined £2,000 suspended for 12 months. Coleraine RFC accepted the penalty and sanction imposed on the club. In the weeks after the hearing the Referees Society announced they were unable to accept the findings of the Disciplinary hearing. Coleraine RFC had not offered an apology to the official and no one from the club had been suspended or action taken against the alleged offender. As a result the Referees Society informed the Ulster Branch and Coleraine RFC they would advise their officials not to referee any matches at the home of Coleraine RFC for six months. Amongst the questions being asked by the Rugby Community is why the Ulster Branch did not take any action to resolve this ongoing stalemate between Coleraine RFC and the Referees Society in the period between April and August. Why was the issue left unresolved until the new season was ready to kick off.

We can see the impact of the Referees Society failing to appoint referees for Coleraine’s home matches with games postponed involving Dromore and Cooke RFC.

I read this week in the Irish Independent that anonymous sources have indicated that the penalty imposed on Coleraine was nothing more than a slap on the wrist. This penalty imposed on Coleraine RFC put the club on probation for 12 months in the knowledge that any repeat of the alleged behaviour the club would have to forfeit £2,000. We all know that the clubs who play in the Domestic leagues are Amateur and run by volunteers. Such penalty would impact considerably on their small budgets.

Both the clubs and the Referees Society I am sure want to see this stalemate with Coleraine RFC resolved as soon as possible. We in the Rugby Community are aware that the mechanisms put in place by Club representatives on Ulster Branch committees ensure all disciplinary matters are dealt with rigorously by the Disciplinary Committee. The unilateral action by the Referees Society on this occasion has caused alarm within clubs. I can understand the depth of feeling felt by the referees in this case. But if we decide we don’t accept the findings of the Disciplinary committee in disciplinary hearings who do we look to, to arbitrate in such issues. If the Ulster Branch can’t untangle this stalemate is it time the Governing body of the Sport in Ireland the IRFU stepped in to find a solution. The longer this impasse goes on the more harm will be done to all the good work done by hundreds of volunteers to sustain the game of rugby union on a weekly basis in their clubs in Ulster.

The IRFU and the Four Provinces have a stringent code of Ethics on behaviour for all coaches, players and supporters to avoid any incidents that may bring the game into disrepute.

Demands for a copy of the Weekly preview have exceeded my expectations this season. Many followers have been in contact looking me to add them to my mailing list as they have not been receiving a copy from their clubs. I had enlisted the help of Club Secretaries this season to assist with circulation to their members. Increasingly we have readers who are not members of clubs asking to receive a copy of the preview. Ulster Rugby receive a copy of my weekly preview which they edit and publish on their website. My problem is that a lot of readers of the preview want to read the unedited version. Last week a number of my mailing list did not receive the preview. If there are such issues please contact me on my mobile 07849071514 or email me at ga_millar@hotmail.com

This weekend clubs in the SONI Ulster Premiership leagues will complete their preparations for the start of the All Ireland League. The seven clubs playing in Section 2 will play their round one fixtures on the 29th September with the five Section 1 clubs playing their round one fixtures on the 6th October. Currently Ballynahinch top Div 1 of the Premiership league with Rainey OB top of Div 2. We congratulate Ballymena, Ballynahinch, Rainey OB and current holders City of Armagh on reaching the last four of the First Trust Senior Cup.

The situation at Coleraine has meant the postponement of the previously arranged league games involving Coleraine v Enniskillen and Grosvenor v Cooke this weekend to facilitate the playing of the outstanding Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup 1st Rd game involving Coleraine v Cooke at Shawsbridge on Friday night. We have a Belfast derby in Div 1 involving Instonians v CIYMS at Shawsbridge on Sat. Ballyclare are early pacesetters with newly promoted Grosvenor. They return to league action this weekend with a home game against Portadown.

In Div 2 Ballymoney are the only undefeated team out of the early pacesetters in the league playing this weekend as they travel to play Lurgan at Pollack Park

RESULTS/TEAMS SATURDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2018

FIRST TRUST SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS

Ballymena 33 Malone 27

Ballymena team: 1. Nacho Clandero Crespo, 2. Jonny Spence, 3. Chris Cundell, 4. David Whann, 5. Connor White, 6. Matthew Dick, 7. Willie McKay, 8. Connor Smyth, 9. Glenn Baillie, 10. Timothy Small, 11. Jonny Rossborough, 12. Darrell Montgomery, 13. Sam Millar, 14. Jonny McMullan, 15. Matthew Norris, 16. Houston Bonnar, 17. Griffin Phillipson, 18. Ryan Mattison, 19. Jack Fleming, 20 Evin Ritson.

Points scorers: Jonny McMullan 2 x tries, Darrell Montgomery, Glen Baillie, Connor Smyth 1 x try each. Timothy Small 4 x cons.

Malone team: 1. Ben Halliday, 2. Dan Kerr, 3. Philip Eadie, 4. Michael Shiels, 5. James McAllister, 6. Max Porter, 7. Ross Todd (Capt), 8. Ryan Clarke, 9. Conor Spence, 10. Callum Smith, 11. David Irvine, 12. Nathan Brown, 13. Josh Pentland, 14. Chris Jordan, 15. Gareth Millar. 16. Scott Finlay, 17. Ricky Greenwood, 18. Jonny Davis, 19. Matty Hadden, 20. Shane Kelly.

Points scorers : Shane Kelly 2 x tries, Chris Jordan, Gareth Millar 1 x try each, Callum Smith 1 x pen and 2 x cons.

City of Derry 19 Ballynahinch 25

City of Derry team: 1. Ross Harkin, 2. David Ferguson, 3. Sam Duffy, 4. Adam Bratton, 5. Gerard Doherty, 6. Craig Huey, 7. Callum Robinson, 8. Stephen Corr (Capt), 9. Phil Duffy, 10. Alex McDonnell, 11. Colm Campbell, 12. Denis Posternik, 13. David Graham, 14. Paddy Blennerhassett, 15. Thomas Cole, 16. Cathal Cregan, 17. James Hamilton, 18. Ben Pollin, 19. Tiernan Thorton, 20. Jack Beattie.

Points scorers: Colm Campbell, Thomas Cole, Phil Duffy 1 x try, Alex McDonnell 2 x cons.

Ballynahinch team: 1. Ben Cullen, 2. Conor Piper, 3. Kelvin Hamilton, 4. Campbell Classon, 5. Tom Martin, 6. Brian Howard, 7. Ollie Loughead, 8. Gareth Gill, 9. Conor Phillips, 10. Hilton Gibbons, 11. Richard Reaney, 12. Eamon McNulty, 13. Jordan Gratton, 14. Aaron Ferris, 15. Paddy Wright, 16. Jonny Blair, 17. Graeme McKitterick, 18. Matthew Connolly, 19. Rhys O’Donnell, 20. Ronan Patterson.

Points scorers: Paddy Wright, Conor Phillips, Aaron Ferris 1 x try each, Richard Reaney 2 x pens and 2 x cons.

Rainey OB 40 Queens University 31

Rainey OB team: 1. Stephen Rutledge, 2. Michael Nevin, 3. Kieran Donaghy, 4. John McCusker, 5. Ronan McCusker, 6. Andrew Harbinson, 7. Matthew Millar, 8. Michael McCusker, 9. Jason Bloomfield, 10. Scott McLean, 11.Mark Mulholland, 12. Damien McMurray (Capt), 13. Oisin Quinn, 14. Andrew Donaghy, 15. Michael O’Neill, 16. Fintan Quinn, 17. Daniel O’Neill, 18. Calvin Smyth, 19. Jack Lloyd Evans, 20. Ryan Kearns.

Points scorers: P/T, Damien McMurray 2 x tries, Oisin Quinn, Andrew Harbinson, John McCusker 1 x try each, Scott McLean 4 x cons

Queens University team: 1. Andrew Weir, 2. Andrew McGrath, 3. Brian Cunningham, 4. David Whitten (Capt), 5. Stewart Evans, 6. James Longwell, 7. Curtis Pollock, 8. Tyler Arnold, 9. Conor McAuley, 10. Ritchie McMaster, 11. Johnny Milliken, 12. Conor McKee, 13. Rory Bell, 14. Josh Fullerton, 15. Michael Orr, 16. Jonny Black, 17. Jack Sleator, 18. Matty Kernohan, 19. Conor Shiels, 20. Matthew McSorley.

Points scorers: Josh Fullerton, Johnny Milliken 2 x tries each, Ritchie McMaster 1 x pen and 4 x cons.

City of Armagh 40 Omagh 3

City of Armagh team: 1. Daryl Morton, 2. Michael Hoey, 3. John Clarke, 4. Peter Starrett, 5. Oliver Millar, 6. Robert Whitten, 7. Gareth McNeice, 8. Neil Faloon, 9. Gerard Treanor, 10. Chris Cousins, 11. Michael Reaney, 12. Evin Crummie, 13. Chris Colvin, 14. Andrew Willis, 15. Shea O’Brien, 16. Andrew Smyth, 17. Philip Fletcher, 18. Joshua Kennedy, 19. David Spratt, 20. Ryan Purvis.

Points scorers: Andrew Willis 2 x tries, Ollie Millar, Gareth McNeice, Michael Reaney, Ryan Purvis 1 x try each, Chris Cousins 5 x cons.

Omagh team: 1. Kyle Alexander, 2. Richard Hemphill, 3. Richard Smyth, 4. Jonny Sproule, 5. James Sproule, 6. Stuart Allen, 7. Adam Longwell, 8. Martin Clyde, 9. Stewart McCain, 10. Scott Elliott, 11. Ryan Mitchell, 12. Luke Hanson, 13. Dean Keane, 14. Stephen MacLaine, 16. Peter Todd, 17. Philip Ewing, 18 Mervyn Edgar, 19. B Scott, 20. Stuart Ballantine.

Points scorers : Scott Elliott 1 x pen

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1

Carrickfergus 15 CIYMS 15

Carrickfergus team: 1.Stuart Cheshire, 2. Alan Whitley, 3. James Graham, 4. Chris Rodgers, 5. Stuart Currie, 6. Ryan Gibson, 7. Ross Crymble, 8. Ryan McGonigle (Capt), 9. Conor Cambridge, 10. David Carse, 11. Fionn McCormick, 12. Brian Alexander, 13. Adam White, 14. David Moore, 15. Michael Black, 16. Gareth McKeown, 17. Nathan Greenwood.

Points scorers: Ryan McGonigle, Conor Cambridge 1 x try each. Adam White 1 x pen and 1 x con.

CIYMS team : 1. Josh Jordan, 2. Scott McNarry, 3. Timmy Acheson, 4. Cory Tipping, 5. Paddy Aiken, 6. Scott Dowle, 7. Jason Gilliland, 8. Shane Moffett, 9. Cameron Stewart, 10. Paddy Beverland, 11. Conor Smith, 12. Matthew Kilgore, 13. Philip McVitty, 14. Johnny Haldane, 15. Peter Raine, 16. Gavin Woods, 17. Paddy Butler.

Points scorers: Johnny Haldane, Jason Gilliland 1 x try each, Matthew Kilgore 1 x pen and 1 x con.

Cooke 8 Dromore 17

Cooke team: 1. Jonathan McClune, 2. Curtis Montgomery, 3. Ian Moxen, 4. Fraser Orr, 5. Jason Lyons, 6. Matthew Elliott, 7. Callum Robinson, 8. Luke Tarry, 9. Andrew Hanna, 10. Alan Gourley, 11. Andrew Nelson, 12. Kyle Mitchell, 13. Michael Cartmill, 14. Jonathan Backus, 15. Philip Cartmill, 16. Ross Dunning, 17. Andrew Pollock.

Points scorers: Andy Nelson 1 x try, Alan Gourley 1 x pen.

Dromore team: 1. Jonny Simpson, 2. Tom Lyttle, 3. Mark Hylands, 4. Ross Bingham, 5. Matthew McMaster, 6. Ben Heath, 7. Adam McGregor, 8. Jonny Maguire (capt), 9. Lee Steenson, 10. David Lyttle, 11. Brian McClearn, 12. Graeme McCandless, 13. Andrew Rutledge, 14. Marcus Heath, 15. Adam McDonald, 16. Andrew Black, 17. Peter Elliott.

Points scorers: Marcus Heath, Tom Lyttle, Ross Bingham 1 x try each, Lee Steenson 1 x con.

Enniskillen 19 Instonians 22

Enniskillen team: 1. Gavin Warrington, 2. Ryan Cathcart (Capt), 3. Alan Ferguson, 4. Gary Thorton, 5. James Carleton, 6. Jamie Kelly, 7. Gavin Parke, 8. Jack Rutledge, 9. Paddy McCleery, 10. Nicky Finlay, 11. Jonny Magwood, 12. Mark O’Shea, 13. James Ferguson, 14. Jarleth Maguire, 15. Donagh O’Callaghan, 16. Richard Beatty, 17 David Taylor.

Points scorers : Gavin Warrington, Gary Thorton 1 x try each, P/T, Nicky Finlay 1 xcon

Instonians team: 1. Conor Gallagher, 2. Johnny Mooney, 3. Matthew Nelson, 4. John Andress, 5. Sean Shuttleworth, 6. Cameron Barr, 7. James Martin, 8. Massimo Kiri Kiri, 9. Paul Marshall, 10. Tim Murphy, 11. Matthew Kilpatrick, 12. David Scott (capt), 13. Paddy Bell, 14. Ross O’Donnell, 15. Colm Cregan, 16. Tom Matthews, 17. Joe Fryers.

Points scorers: Ross O’Donnell, Massimo Kiri Kiri, Paddy Bell, Paul Marshall 1 x try each. Tim Murphy 1 x con.

Portadown 7 Grosvenor 22

Portadown team: 1. Mark Henderson, 2. Robert Reid, 3.Conor Webster, 4. Karim Ah, 5. Willie Graham, 6. Gary Hall (capt), 7. Lloyd Gravatt, 8. Jordan Taylor, 9. Brian Forrestal, 10. Brett Flack, 11. Jack Orr, 12. Jonny Holden, 13. Tom Caesar, 14. Matthew Neill, 15. Mark Adamson, 16. Matthew Davison, 17. Aaron Abraham.

Points scorers: Tom Caesar 1 x try, Mark Adamson 1 x con

Grosvenor team: 1. Mark Rainey, 2. Stuart Smyth, 3. Pearce Jamison, 4. Willie Rea, 5. Connor McKee, 6. Jeff Mealiff, 7. Sam Purdon, 8. David Marshall, 9. Allen McCluggage, 10. Adam Skelton, 11. David Egner, 12. Stuart McIIwaine, 13. Josh McConkey, 14. Matthew Fitzimmons, 15. Shane Johnston, 16. Matthew Cahoon, 17. Ben Coard.

Points scorers: Allen McCluggage 2 x tries, David Egner, Stuart McIIwaine 1 x try each, Adam Skelton 1 x con.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2

Academy 30 Lurgan 13

Academy team: 1. Chris Nash, 2. Lee Moody, 3. Troy Wilson, 4. Kyle Cregg, 5. Keith Dobbin, 6. Jamie Watts, 7. Stewart Martin, 8. Richard Henderson (Capt), 9. David Kenny, 10. Jordan Buchanan, 11. Jamie Wilson, 12. Andy Eggleton, 13. Callum Lyle, 14. John Gilkinson, 15. Simon Beattie, 16. Matt Corkery, 17. Peter Jackson.

Points scorers: Simon Beattie, Callum Lyle, Stewart Martin 1 x try each. David Kenny 3 x pens and 3 x cons.

Lurgan team: 1. Marty Follis, 2. Lewis Lawson, 3. Josh Lyness, 4. Richard Shilliday, 5. Daniel Lyness, 6. Lee Allen, 7. Ryan Osbourne, 8. Dean Wilson (Capt), 9. Chris Jenks, 10. Dylan Gill, 11. Richard Hull, 12. Chris Walmsley, 13. Ben McIIwaine, 14. Ryan Mooney, 15. Stephen Nolan, 16. Ryan Emerson, 17. Jack Wilson.

Points scorers: Ben McIIwaine 1 x try, Stephen Nolan 2 x pens and 1 xcon.

Clogher Valley 34 UUC 0

Clogher Valley team: 1. Neil Henderson, 2. Timmy Smyton, 3. Rodney Bennett, 4. Mark McKenna, 5. Michael Treanor (capt), 6. Eugene McKenna, 7. Aaron Dunwoody, 8. David Sharkey, 9. Neil Trotter, 10. Dylan Eakin, 11. Mark Boles, 12. Reece Smyton, 13. Fleming Agnew, 14. Dylan Crawford, 15. Evan haire, 16. Josh Fegan, 17. Matthew Keys.

Points scorers: Evan Haire 2 x tries, Dylan Eakin, Rodney Bennett, Josh Fegan, Reece Smyton 1 x try each Reece Smyton 2 x cons.

UUC: 1 Callum Boardman, 2.Michael Smyth, 3. Gary Burke, 4. Melvyn McMenamin, 5. Jake Stevenson, 6. Neil Stewart, 7. Sam Hetherington, 8. Dan Morgan (Capt), 9. Ryan Jackson, 10. Adam Johnston, 11.Chris Allen, 12. David Gilkinson, 13. Chris Allen, 14. Andy Watson, 15. Hayden Maxwell, 16. Andrew Jaynes, 17. Lindsay McLaughlin.

Larne 6 Limavady 55

Larne team: 1. Jack Hill, 2. Craig Gibson, 3. Luke Burford, 4. Matthew Crampsey, 5. Jonny McKinty, 6. Ryan McAllister, 7. Gareth Jamison, 8. Eddie Hunter, 9. Ryan Garrett, 10. Philip Andrews, 11. Aaron McBride, 12. Jonny Hall, 13. Liam Slaughter, 14. Antonio White, 15. Barry Jon McFaul, 16. Derek Lough, 17 Marshall.

Limavady team: 1. Clive Scott, 2. Luke Montgomery, 3. John McCollum, 4. John Purcell, 5. Ben Riley, 6. Stuart Simpson, 7. Perry Semple, 8. Daniel Irvine, 9. Peter Wilson, 10. Luke Faulkner, 11. Mark Woods, 12. Jody McMurray, 13. Robert Lamberton, 14. Stuart Roddy, 15. Gavin Martin, 16. Adam Currie, 17. Jonny Lees.

Points scorers: Jody McMurray and John Purcell 2 x tries each. Clive Scott, Mark Woods, Robert Lamberton, Stuart Roddy, Adam Currie 1 x try each, Luke Faulkner 5 x cons, Peter Wilson 2 x cons.

Randalstown 8 Lisburn 0

Randalstown team: 1. Matty McBrien, 2. Scott Stevenson, 3. David Millar(Capt), 4. Dean McCroary, 5. Scott McClenaghan, 6. Peter Knowles, 7. Ian Hume, 8. David Smith, 9. Tommy Holland, 10. Ben McKnight, 11. Coby Mason, 12. Ryan O’Dea, 13. Chris Donnelly, 14. Niall McGlade, 15. Jordan Foster, 16. Tony O’Hagan, 17. Marty O’Neill .

Lisburn team: 1. Jamie Dickson (Capt), Mattthew Nelson, 3. Uate Caquea, 4. James Welling, 5. Josh Hartley, 6. Kitione Doniniqbau, 7. Adam Jameson, 8. Joe Tagibacku, 9. Josh Cardosi, 10. Jonny Dunlop, 11. Conor Gascoigne, 12. Jonah Manu, 13. Dylan Postlethwaite, 14. Craig walsh, 15. Richard McGregor, 16. Peter Graham, 17. Wili Lil Tee.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONF DIV 1

Ballynahinch seconds 19 Ballyclare 33

Ballynahinch team: No details available.

Points scorers: Robert Gilmore, Doug Watson, Stuart Elwood 1 x try each, Robin Wilson 2 xons.

Ballyclare team: 1. Dean Jones, 2. Matthew Coulter, 3. Al Boyd, 4. Robert Boyd, 5. Ryan Tweed, 6. Aaron Playfair, 7. Gary Weatherup, 8. Ross Johnston, 9. Andy Eastop, 10. Robert Smith, 11. Michael Kirk, 12. Gary Clotworthy, 13. Lewis Cahill, 14. Callum Wilson, 15. Matthew Johnston, 16. Jordan Birnie, 17. Ryan McIIwaine.

Points scorers: Michael Kirk 2 x tries, Robert Smith 1 x try and 3 x cons, Callum Wilson and Ryan Tweed 1 x try each. Gary Clotworthy 1 x con.

City of Armagh seconds 52 Coleraine 14

City of Armagh seconds team: 1. Eoin O’Hagan, 2. Jonny Morton, 3. Paul Mullan, 4. Willy Martin, 5. Stephen Morton, 6. Ryan Morton, 7. Joshua Kennedy, 8. James Morton, 9. David Spratt, 10. Cormac Fox, 11. Shane McKeever, 12. John Faloon, 13. Stuart Lester, 14. Luke Crozier, 15. Glen Faloon, 16. Neil Lutton, 17. Michael Ross.

Points scorers: Glen Faloon and James Morton 2 x tries each, 1 x PT, Shane McKeever, Stephen Morton and Eoin O’Hagan 1 x try each. Cormac Fox 5 x cons.

Coleraine team: 1. Cillian Butler, 2. Andy McKee, 3. Chris Breadon, 4. David McAllister, 5. Keith McKnight, 6. David Greatorex, 7. Bernard Mullan, 8. Brian Hughes, 9. Cameron Fulton, 10. Gavin Piennar, 11. Bruce Kirkpatrick, 12. Jonny Crowe, 13. Niall Irwin, 14. Stevie Callaghan, 15. Robin Sidla. 16. Marek Juzl, 17. Matthew Leighton.

Points scorers : Matthew Leighton and Stevie Callaghan 1 x try each, Cameron Fulton 2 x cons.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONF DIV 2

Ards 39 Omagh seconds 7

Ards team : 1. Tom Arthur Donnan, 2. Paddy Bond, 3. Matty Kane, 4. Andrew Foster (Capt), 5. Ross Torney, 6. Josh McFarland, 7. Onisi Burekama, 8. Graeme Taylor, 9. Alex Hendrickse, 10. Mark Banford, 11. Mark McLean, 12. Trevor Devlin, 13. David Armstrong, 14. Paul Cox, 15. Aaron May, 16. Lewis English, 17. Paul Hamilton.

Points scorers: Josh McFarland, Alex hendrickse, Aaron may, Trevor Devlin Mark McLean 1 x try each, Paul Cox 2 x pens and 4 x cons.

Ballymoney 61 Malone seconds 7

Ballymoney team: 1. William Allen, 2. Joel Heggarty, 3. Kenny McAneaney, 4. Russell Blair, 5. Danny Platt, 6. Garvin Bellingham, 7. Lewis Wray, 8. David McKeeman (capt), 9. Matthew Dunlop, 10. Andrew Young, 11. Matthew Bell, 12. Chris Watson, 13. Ross Fallow, 14. Michael Armstrong, 15. Thomas Hunter, 16. Matthew Blair, 17. Jordan Munnis.

Points scorers: Ross Fallow and Thomas Hunter 2 x tries each, David McKeeman, Chris Watson, Michael Armstrong, Jordan Munnis 1 x try each, Andrew Young 5 x cons. Michael Armstrong 3 x cons.

Banbridge seconds 29 Ballymena seconds 27

No details available of teams and points scorers

SONI ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP DIV 1

Ballynahinch v Queens Uni

Banbridge v City of Armagh

Malone v Ballymena

Ballynahinch v Queens Uni

Promising start to the season for Brian McLaughlin and his playing squad. Two league wins and a Senior Cup quarter final win at City of Derry have Ballynahinch topping Division 1 of the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership and securing a place in the last Four of the Senior Cup. With the Ulster A team involved in Celtic Cup matches up to and including the weekend of the 12/14th of October it could be round 3 or 4 before players are available to be released to their clubs. Two of the clubs 1stxv forwards Campbell Classon and Bradley Luney have been training and playing with the Ulster A squad. The club have also added Kiwi out half/centre Hilton Gibbons to their playing squad this season. The Strength and conditioning work put in pre season under Glen Kyle has helped to minimise injuries. Callum McLaughlin is expected to be available this week after following return to play protocols after being injured in the opening match against City of Armagh. Rory Butler will be out for another couple of weeks after picking up an hamstring injury. NZ out half Hilton Gibbons had to leave the field with an injury 15 minutes into the match at City of Derry last week.

Queens University Head coach Derek Suffern was disappointed with his teams performance in their Senior Cup defeat at Rainey. Queens were in the game up until the first 15/20 minutes when Rainey took control with their physical approach denying the students the opportunity to play their style of rugby. He felt the team let themselves down and acknowledged Rainey were well worth their result. The team have picked up a number of injuries none of which are too serious. The coach was pleased to add Ulster under 19 players Ben Power and Robbie Johnston to his training squad last night. He also welcomes back Mark Keane and James Catterson this week. There will be several difficult selection decisions to be made this week. Josh Fullerton has scored 6 tries in his three appearances on the wing this season. He did get some game time at scrum half last Saturday with the coach hoping to start him in the 9 jersey at Ballynahinch. Prop Andrew Clingan will undergo a late fitness test on Thursday night. Injuries rule out Stuart Evans, Alexander Clarke, Jack Sleator and David Swann. Number 8 Gary Dillion is another two weeks away from being fit.

Derek Suffern is looking a reaction from his players after the defeat at Rainey. The physicality of the Rainey team was a factor in their defeat. He is expecting the players to step up against Ballynahinch. Playing these two teams will be ideal preparation for Queens before they play Div 2B champions Old Crescent at the Dub on Saturday week in their opening AIL match. It is all about the players matching the physicality of their opponents and being mentally strong for the challenge at Ballynahinch. His team did not play the Queens way last Saturday.

Banbridge v City of Armagh

Simon McKinstry has found himself placed in the position of taking over the position of Head coach at Banbridge this season after Daniel Soper joined the Ulster Rugby coaching team in the close season. Simon had been assisting Dan Soper as forwards coach for the last two seasons after coaching the second xv for two seasons. He is a Banbridge man through and through. The 37 year old joined Banbridge RFC as a 7 year old playing for the clubs Mini section. Simon first encountered Dan Soper as a coach at Banbridge Academy whilst in 6th form at the School. He is assisted with the coaching by Ian Porter (Backs) and Robert Logan (Forwards), Mike Bentley (Strength and Conditioning). Banbridge have had a mixed start to the season with the coach disappointed to see his team lose their Senior Cup match at Queens University. The club value the Senior Cup with the team not turning up on the day. Like other clubs injuries have ruled out several players including Ian Porter (Targeting return after Xmas), Robin Sinton (Ruled out after undergoing shoulder surgery), Timothy Savage, Joe Finnegan ( Cruciate Surgery), Aaron Kennedy (Jarred knee in training). Centre Jonny Little was unavailable due to a hamstring injury. He trained last week and will come into contention for selection.

The club received the disappointing news that 1st xv Captain Michael Cromie fractured his hand playing for the Ulster A side against Scarlets A last Friday night in the Celtic Cup. The club have also been pleased that the performances of Hooker Peter Cromie have been recognised by his inclusion in the Ulster A team.

Building strength in depth is one of the main goals of the coaching staff. The club has been able to reintroduce their under 18s into the Youth league this season. Ulster under 19 prop Robert Mathers had to play his rugby with City of Armagh under 18s last season as there was not enough players to field an under 18 team. He is a player who will come into contention for a place in the 1st xv squad this season. Another player who has impressed is Banbridge Academy number 8 Adam Hanna who was converted by Ulster Rugby into a prop and played for the Ulster under 19s this season. Banbridge Academy have lost out with their best players such as Ethan Harbinson (Played for RBAI) and Alex Thompson (Played for Methody). Simon is hoping that Adam Hanna’s achievements will act as an inspiration to other players at Banbridge Academy. RBAI players David McCann and Joe Finnegan have also joined Banbridge. David again was another member of the Ulster under 19 team this season with Joe falling victim to a cruciate injury that will rule him out for the season.

The injury to Michael Cromie will provide opportunities for young props Ross Haughey and Lee Geddis. Stuart Cromie is another prop who could miss several weeks due to work commitments in England. In the second row Chris Allen has been the cornerstone of the pack. He has been partnered by Matthew Laird who was concussed at Queens Uni. Robin Hewitt has returned from summer with Alexandria RFC in NZ where he was voted their player of the season. Alex Megaw who played for the seconds last season has grasped his opportunity on the 1st xv in early season matches. The ever present Stephen Irvine had been able to slot into the second row in the latter part of last season. In the half backs you have Niall Armstrong (RBAI), Jason Gribben ( Returned from PGCE in England), Josh Cromie, Neil Kilpatrick (Uni in England), Aaron Kennedy along with Ian Porter. Andrew Morrison has been one of the standout centres in AIL rugby with his centre partner Jonny little returning from a hamstring injury. In his absence Ben Carson has been doing a good job. The back three has been contested by Adam Doherty, Adam Ervine (Last seasons Captain), John Porter, Conor Field and Ross Cartmill.

The coach is aware the club will not have the Ulster players for their opening games in the AIL. Last season they had to play four games in the AIL without any of these players. The coach is hoping to put out his strongest team against City of Armagh at Rifle Park on Saturday. With no game on the 29th September this match will be their final preparation game before they play Old Belvedere away on Saturday the 6th October in their opening AIL match.

The coach is excited to get the teams AIL campaign up and running. The game against Armagh is all about getting a performance and building momentum towards their opening AIL game. If the team can get anywhere near their performances of last season the coaches will be pleased. Banbridge rugby is all about ball into space and playing good rugby. Daniel Soper has had a considerable influence in the progress of Banbridge RFC over the last 3/4 seasons. Simon McKinstry now has the task of continuing to take the 1st xv team forward.

City of Armagh Assistant coach Chris Parker has welcomed the return of several Armagh players from their summer travels. The clubs 1st and 2nd xv sides suffered several losses in the opening weeks of the season with a dip in their depth in the opening weeks. With the return of players the 1st xv defeated Omagh 40 – 3 in the First Trust Senior Cup last Friday night to reach the last four. The second xv after their surprise Junior Cup defeat at Lisburn returned to winning ways defeating Coleraine 52 – 14 in the Conference league at the Palace Grounds last Saturday. With 40 + players at training on Tuesday night the coaches have several difficult selection decisions to make this week for the game at Banbridge. Timmy McNeice returned to training this week and along with injured players Jonny Pollock, Harry Boyd and Harry Doyle will not be considered for selection this week. Out half Cormac Fox was on the bench for the Ulster A against Scarlets A last Friday night. If he is not required by Ulster this week he will be considered for selection after playing for the second xv last Saturday. Second row Josh McKinley will return to training this week. Prop Paul Mullan got 80 mins with the seconds last week. Other players who will come into contention for starting at Banbridge are Nigel Simpson and James Hanna. With the number of players available this week players who played on the seconds will find themselves dropping down to the third xv. With player depth at the club City of Armagh are fielding four adult teams. Matthew Reaney who has performed well for the 1st xv heads off to Uni in England next week. He will play for the second xv this week. Stuart Lester is another player who has returned and will play for the 2nd xv. Such is the competition for places in the centre alongside Chris Colvin the coaches have the option of selecting from John Faloon, Evan Crummie and Jonny Pollack. Back row Barry Finn returned to training this week and will be available for selection in two weeks. Scrum half David Spratt has trained well in pre season and got 20 mins for the 1st xv against Omagh. Prop Phil Matthews is dropping down this season due to final year studies. Eoin O’Hagan has impressed early season and will play for the 2nd xv this week. Kyle Faloon was another to return to training last week and will play for the seconds this weekend.

The goal for the coaches and players this season is to kick on from last season. It is all about building layers and combinations. At every training session the coaches are seeing the weekly improvements. The game against Banbridge is all about producing a performance. It is getting structures in place along with combinations before the Old Wesley game. The Hit out at Banbridge will leave the team in a good place for the Old Wesley match.

Malone v Ballymena

Both these teams met last Saturday in an highly entertaining Senior Cup match with Ballymena out scoring Malone by 5 tries to 4 to win 33 – 27. Both teams will have a free weekend on the 29th September before they meet at Eaton Park in the opening AIL match on the 6th October.

Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong has several players carrying injuries. He will continue his policy of rotating players this week.

Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham and his players enjoyed the win over Malone in the Senior Cup. There was not much in the game. The coach was delighted with the improvement in the lineouts. What caused him concern was the pressure Malone exerted at the breakdown that resulted in four of his players being yellow carded. This was costly with his players needing to adjust this week in the return match at Gibson Park. He also felt the scrum needs to improve and is looking an improvement this week. As he put it there is always room for improvement.

Selection to be finalised on Thursday night: Six players are up for a front row start from Nacho Clandero Crespo, Jonny Spence, Chris Cundell, Griffin Phillipson, Josh Bill and James Taggart with James Taggart having played for the seconds in their narrow defeat at Banbridge last week. The coach is resting second row David Whann with Mark Foster coming in to partner Connor Smyth. Connor White drops down to the seconds for their match at Limavady. Matty Dick has played every game at 6 with the coach considering giving Jacque Bolger 80 mins. Stephen Mulholland returns to number 8 with Willie McKay at 7. Jack Fleming is expected to start at scrum half. The coach is planning to rest Timothy Small with Glenn Baillie taking over at out half. Former Ballymena Academy centre who fractured his leg last season is expected to partner Sam Millar in the centre. Winger Jordan Foster has returned from Australia and will play if cleared in time. Jonny McMullan, Scott Willoughby, Jonny Rossborough and Dean Reynolds will be in contention for the three quarters. Another player the coach is keen to get involved on Sat is former Coleraine Uni centre James Wheeler. Two young players who have impressed the coach are former Youth player Jordan Patterson and former Coleraine Uni player Jack Lewis. Houston Bonnar, Ryan Mattison james Boville and Eoin Ritson will all play for the seconds on Saturday. Eoin Ritson is another talented out half who has come through the clubs Youth Section. He is a talented player and was on the bench against Malone last Saturday.

Centre Darrell Montgomery is unavailable this week with injury ruling out Dominic Gallagher, JJ McKee, David Whann, Aidy Hamilton, Rodger McBurney, James Beattie and Alan Smyth. James Gallagher is in his final year at Uni in England. He will be available if required during the season. James Beattie unfortunately suffered a cruciate injury that will rule him out for the season.

SONI ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP DIV 2

Belfast Harlequins v Omagh

City of Derry v Dungannon

Rainey OB v Bangor

Belfast Harlequins v Omagh

From 1st xv Manager Neale Wilson selection will be finalised at training tonight.

Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall has lost three influential players from their 40 – 3 defeat at City of Armagh last Friday night. They include openside Adam Longwell (Hip), out half Scott Elliott (Ankle) and winger Stephen MaLaine (Dislocated finger). They join backs Ali Beckett and Neil Brown on the injured list. Hooker Richard Hemphill is unavailable. It is frustrating for the coach as he looks to get a settled team with their opening AIL game away to Ballina on Sat week.

City of Derry v Dungannon

Director of Rugby Paul O’Kane has been delighted with the performances of his Strabane players Colin Campbell, James Hamilton, Chrissy Robinson and James Perry during the teams opening weeks of the season. Unfortunately James Perry is ruled out with a knee injury at present with back row forward Chrissy Robinson concussion protocols after picked up a knock against Ballynahinch at the weekend. Phil Duffy who played at Strabane is a Derry lad and joined City of Derry where his brothers Sam and Steven play. Philip impressed against Ballynahinch at scrum half scoring a try. Paul O’Kane is expecting to make a few changes in the backs this week after a few players picked up knocks at Tuesday night training. Ian Bratton makes a return to the 1st xv after playing twice for the second xv. The front row will rotate again this week with the bench players starting. Tiernan Thorton who has been moved from the backs into the back row will retain his place after replacing the injured Chrissy Robinson last Saturday. The game against Ballynahinch was one Paul O’Kane felt his team should have won after leading 12 – 6 at halftime. The teams performance was much improved from the Rainey defeat. Ballynahinch were down a few players but still had 14 players who played in their win at Ballymena with the City of Derry coaches and players taking lots of positives from the game.

Dungannon Head coach Andy Hughes was disappointed Ben McCaughey has decided not to play for Dungannon this season and instead has made the decision to join Belfast side Malone. For the game at City of Derry on Saturday the coach has scrum half John Russell available again with Connor McGeough still ruled out due to an ankle injury. Other players on the injured list include Lucca Avelli (ankle), Ross Stewart (ankle), Mervyn Brown (tonsillitis), Malcolm Allister (hamstring), Conor Milnes (hamstring). Both Jack Ravey and Lewis McCrabbe are unavailable this weekend.

James Gamble will come into the squad for his first involvement of the season with Peter Doran available again. Former Armagh Royal School scrum half Adam Evans will make his debut for the 1st xv. Winger Bradley Mulholland returns to the squad.

Rainey OB v Bangor

Rainey Head coach John Andrews found the win over Queens Uni last Sat very pleasing. The squad have started off the season the way they finished off last season in AIL winning their opening Ulster Premiership League and the First Trust Senior Cup matches. These early season games have been about developing strength in depth with three of the clubs Under 18 players Ryan Kearns, Kieran McGlone getting game time with the 1st xv and Charlie Cloke who has returned to training this week after being involved with the Ulster under 19 squad. Other players to make an impact have been Jack Lloyd Evans, Mark Mulholland and Daniel O’Neill. A lot of players coming through from the Youth Section with on average 3/4 players making the 1st xv squad. Other Youth players making an impact are Mattie Millar, Aidan McSwiggan and Andrew Browne. The potential within the squad is highlighted by the potential front five that could include props Jack McIntosh and Callum Smyth along with the three McCusker brothers John, Ronan and Michael with Philip yet to make himself available this season. Other positives have been Andy Harbinson and Stephen Rutledge getting a good pre season behind them. Stephen Rutledge stepping up to replace Tommy O’Hagan this season in the front row. Other players who will come into contention for a starting place against Bangor will include Timmy Barker, Andrew Magrath and Paul Pritchard. One disappointing piece of news has been a cruciate injury picked up by winger Nicholas Stirling that will rule him out for the season. Nicky had trained hard pre season and looking sharp in the teams early fixtures. Upwards of 30 + players are training each week with 25/26 players key to another successful season for Rainey. Hooker Brad Roberts will hopefully return from injury after Xmas. Overseas Player George Fritz will be available to make his debut next week. NZ centre Connor Fitzimmons is expected to make his debut this weekend.

For John Andrews it has been the case of this squad developing over the last 2/3 years that has seen them contest AIL play off semi finals and finals. Rainey are an ambitious club. For the coach it is all about winning as the team get better. He is happy where they are. As he put it, it is a results driven business. Team expected to be on similar lines to last weekend against Queens Uni.

Rainey President Arnie McLean was delighted with his team scoring 6 tries in their win over Queens Uni. What pleased him most is the fact 14 of the playing squad last week have come through the clubs Youth structure. He described it as exciting times at Rainey OB with the AIL a different ball game. Never the less Rainey will be competitive this season in Div 2B.

Talking to Ricky Armstrong from Bangor the game at Rainey will give the Bangor coaches an idea of their AIL team in preparation for their first AIL game away to Malahide on Saturday week. James Leary makes his first start of the season at tight head. Orran McIImurray who has impressed at tight head moves over to loose head and will be joined by former Rainey hooker Andrew Shaw in the front row. Charlie Clegg drops down to the seconds with Evan Wellard – McMillan coming up to provide front row cover along with Andrew Jackson. Lewis Stevenson and Michael Ferguson continue in the second row. Both have added real quality into the Bangor pack in recent years with their leadership qualities in recent weeks shining through. Mikey Weir continues to perform at number 8 with ball in hand and is joined by former Sullivan Upper back row forward Stephen Moore. For an 18year old he has been one of Bangor’s standout players in training and games. The back row is completed by James Henley who returned last Saturday for the seconds after being out injured for six months. James Stewart drops down to the bench along with the ever reliable Craig Burton who can cover the back row and second row.

The Bangor forward options are strengthening again with former Club captain Philip Whyte ready to make an imminent return after injury. Curtis Stewart makes his first appearance for the second xv after being ruled out with a hamstring injury. Club Captain for 2018/19 David Bradford is only weeks away from making a return from injury after suffering a double leg break away to Bruff in the AIL last season. Scrum half Ali Lockhart is a month away from making a return after undergoing surgery on a groin injury. These players along with Martin Withers, Matt Nesbitt and Ben Worthington will add depth to the 1st xv squad.

In the backs Mark Widdowson returns from holidays to start at scrum half with Declan Maguire starting at out half. Zack Kerr joins Adam Alexander in the centre with Desi Fusco coming back into the team on the wing to Captain the side after being out with a dead leg. David Charles returns to the wing with Phil Broderick making the switch to full back. Shaun fair who has impressed for the seconds will provide backs cover from the bench. Both Lewis Bret and Oscar Yandell have taken up University places in England.

Bangor Chairman Jonny Watson is delighted the club have entered an under 14 team in the Youth league this season as the club look to add under 16 and under 18 teams in the coming seasons. Davy Coey has played a pivotal role in establishing this team along with his work at Bangor Academy. Former Bangor scrum half Stephen Montgomery has taken up a CPD role with funding from Ards and North Down Council. His focus will be working in Primary Schools in the Bangor area. Much interest is being shown in who will replace Jason Morgan as Head of Rugby at Bangor Grammar School after his appointment as Head of Rugby at RBAI.

MILLAR McCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP 2ND ROUND

Cooke v Coleraine. Played Friday 21st September 2018. KO 7.45PM

Cooke Head coach Colin Atkinson is looking forward to getting this game played on Friday night. The coach has a number of players unavailable so he will use the opportunity to rotate his squad. Players unavailable and injured include Jason Lyons, Curtis Montgomery, Jonny Walsh, Matthew Crothers, Fraser Orr, Ian Anderson, Kyle Mitchell, Andy Pollock, Andy Hanna. Both Alex Gourley and Philip Cartmill face late fitness tests. Selection will be finalised tonight with Rob Mitchell, Jonny Kingham and Matty Robinson likely to make their first appearance of the season for the 1st xv.

Talking to newly appointed Coleraine Head coach Benjy Van Der Byl all he wants is his players to be given the opportunity to play rugby. Coleraine have played only one league game away to Cooke on the 25.8.18 losing 19 – 6. Home games against Dromore (League) and Cooke (Junior Cup) at Sandel Lodge Park had to be postponed as no referees were appointed by the Referees Society. The team played their second game of the season at the Palace Grounds in the Conference League last Saturday losing to a strong City of Armagh seconds team 52 – 14. They will now play their postponed 1st Rd Junior Cup game against Cooke at Shawsbridge on Friday night the 21st September with a 7.45PM kick off. This game has been brought forward due to the funeral of Coleraine 1st xv Captain Josh Christie’s father on Saturday in Coleraine.

As Benjy pointed out it is not the players fault, they just want to play rugby. There are bigger ramifications for the club with no money coming into the club to support the Youth and Hockey Sections. The Ulster Branch should have stepped in as they are the Governing Body who look after the players. As Benjy put it, the last three weeks have been a nightmare for the club. It is difficult to motivate players to come to training when they hear matches are being postponed with players making alternative arrangements at the weekend. The fact the team had not played for 3 weeks was evident at City of Armagh with four players picking up injuries that will rule them out of the game on Friday. Players can train but they need match conditions to acclimatise. If you don’t have players in the right frame of mind or properly conditioned is there a player welfare issue with players being placed in this situation. What he finds frustrating is that nothing has been done by the Ulster Branch between April and August to end the stalemate between Coleraine Rugby Club and the referees. He fully appreciates that referees need to be protected and understands why the referees are backing their official in this matter. Coleraine RFC are backing their members with the Ulster Branch in the middle holding a red flag between the two sides. There has to be a way to fix the present stalemate.

Getting back to the rugby Benjy has added to the Coleraine squad this season with out half Gavin Piennar coming in from Pretoria and three Czech Republic players including Robin Sidla, Marek Juzl and Martin ? . Two former Coleraine Grammar players winger Bruce Kirkpatrick and second row Keith McKnight are further additions along with Queens centre Jonny Crowe. Injury will rule out Keith McKnight, Bernard Mullan and Niall Irwin this week with out half Gavin Piennar only rated 50/50 to play. Second row DD McAllister picked up a stinger injury at Armagh and should be okay. Hooker Aidy Nevin picked up a neck injury in the earlier Cooke match and is still unavailable for selection. Mikey Poskitt is unavailable this season as he is away completing his PGCE in England. The coach is hoping to have Kyle McAuley available for selection and was impressed by the attitude of Marek Juzl who despite being ill last week with a fever turned out for the 1st xv.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1

Ballyclare v Portadown

Coleraine v Enniskillen Postponed

Grosvenor v Cooke Postponed

Instonians v CIYMS

Ballyclare v Portadown

Head coach Mike McKeever will be making eight changes to his team from the side that defeated Ballynahinch seconds at Ballymacarn Park last week. Front row additions will include Jack Black and Rory Henderson along with Captain Grant Bartley in the second row. The focus for Ballyclare RFC is to have a stronger 2nd xv to support the 1st xv. Bringing in the likes of Gareth Johnston as our new Director of Rugby as manager along with Kris James who continues to coach the 2ndxv will enable the club to build a large competitive senior squad to prepare for the season including the All Ireland Junior Cup. It is challenging the players with different combinations for match day squadsso the team are able to play different styles of rugby depending on who they are playing. Putting this all together will give the coaching team headaches for selection with 1st xv manager Stephen Crawford ensuring Ballyclare have a happy camp.

The Junior Cup match the following week at Dromore will give the coaches the opportunity to rotate an extended squad once again. The exciting thing is this has been successfully achieved over the opening four weeks of the season with the players buying in.

The coach is looking forward to welcoming back Dave Clarke and Dean Jones from injury over the next month with Niall Lawther, Jake McVicker and Matthew Robson getting their first run out of the season this week.

Everyone wants to play for the 1st xv but the challenge is making the 2nd xv competitive on a Saturday. With eleven players unavailable last week it did not impact on the 1st xv at Ballynahinch. It did have an impact on the second xv who lost 67 – 24 against Belfast Harlequins seconds last Saturday.

Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley has been disappointed with the performances of the 1st xv in their two home defeats to Cooke and Grosvenor. It is not the start they planned to their season. The team have made too many unforced errors in the opening games with Grosvenor punishing these errors last Saturday. The players are working hard in training but need to transfer their work to the pitch at the weekend. Ballyclare will be a very tough match away this week. Selection wise: James Wright returns to the team with prop Conor Webster picking up an injury that will rule him out for two months.

Instonians v CIYMS

Instonians Director of Rugby Anthony McKibbin was delighted to see his team get their season up and running at Mullaghmeen last week thanks to late try from scrum half Paul Marshall to deny Enniskillen the win. Selection for the Belfast derby with CIYMS at Shawsbridge will not be finalised until Thursday night. The bench players at Enniskillen made a big impact and along with several players putting their hands up on the seconds (won their opening two league games) the coaches will have several difficult decisions to make. The game at Enniskillen was very physical with the home side making it difficult for Instonians to play their game. As Anthony put it Enniskillen are a much improved side from last season with a big physical pack and a skilful backline. Teams visiting Mullaghmeen will find it difficult to pick up league points. The Instonians squad are looking forward to the game with CIYMS with the coaches expecting another physical contest. Wing Ross O’Donnell has been the outstanding player on the team in the opening weeks of the season. The new back row of Massimo Kiri Kiri, James Martin and Cameron Barr have given Instonians a physical presence with James Martin making a big impact with his ball carrying. The two bench replacements Joe Fryers and Tom Matthews again made a statement against Enniskillen as Instonians fought back to win at the weekend. Both will be putting their hands up for a starting place this week.

Division 1 this season is very strong and will be competitive this season. Having depth in strength will be crucial. What has pleased Anthony McKibben is how the players on the 1st, 2nds and 3rd xv have responded to the training under John Andress and Paul Marshall. It is the skilled and technical work of the coaches that is improving all the players. You have players from the seconds and thirds who are challenging for starting places on the 1st xv. The attitude at Instonians is that if you train hard and perform you will get the opportunity to start on the 1st xv such is the competition amongst the players.

As CIYMS Head coach Gareth Fry described it. The match at Carrickfergus was a very strange game last week. His team played poorly in the first half and Carrick took their chances well. The second half was a very different affair with his team dominating large parts of the game. The players were annoyed at the end that they did not get the win after coming back from 15 – 0 down. In the end the 15 – 15 draw was probably a fair result.

Instonians have had a slower start to their season than the last couple of seasons. They are still very strong especially with their overseas players arriving. His team are not going to Shawsbridge on Saturday to make up the numbers. The whole club is looking strong at the moment with 30 + players at training the last few weeks. The seconds had a great result in defeating Ballynahinch 5ths 41 – 24 at home last weekend. He is full of praise for the work, coaches Chris Davidson and Andrew Bamforth are doing with the second xv.

CI have a few injuries from the Carrick game and will await late fitness tests along with a few players returning before finalising their team selection on Thursday night.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONF DIV 1

Carrickfergus v Ballynahinch seconds

Dromore v City of Armagh seconds

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2

Lisburn v Academy

Lurgan v Ballymoney

UUC v Larne

Lisburn v Academy

From Lisburn Director of Rugby Michael Knowles: Captain Jamie Dickson is unavailable this week along with openside Adam Jameson and second row Andy Barron. Three key players on the 1st xv. Out half Peter Dillon is also unavailable with injury continuing to keep winger Jake Bebington out. Josh Cardosi has left to take a University place across the water. This week will certainly test the depth of the Lisburn 1st xv squad. On the positive side Lisburn welcome back David Curry and Noel Hooke in the back row after long term injury. Andy Neely will likely come in to replace Josh Cardosi at scrum half. The team were frustrated with their 8 – 0 defeat at Randalstown. They were unable to get any meaningful possession and spent the most of the afternoon defending. The one positive aspect is how the teams defensive formations have improved this season.

Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn will finalise his team at training tonight.

Lurgan v Ballymoney

No details available from Lurgan RFC on selection this week. They play their first game at home to Ballymoney at Pollack park due to cricket commitments. They have lost their opening three league games away to Clogher Valley, Randalstown and Academy. Undefeated Ballymoney will prove difficult opponents this weekend.

Ballymoney Head coach Jonny Hanna makes a number of changes to the side that defeated Malone seconds last Saturday. They welcome back Martin Irwin and Adam Smith with Matthew Pollock (scrum half) and Nigel Nevin (Wing) making their first starts of the season after sustaining injuries in pre season. They come in for Matthew Steele, John Hyndman and Thomas Hunter who are all unavailable. Past player of the year James Bleakely makes his first start of the season in the second row replacing the injured Russell Blair. Both Ross Fallows and Jordan Munnis remain in the team after impressive performances last week.

UUC v Larne

No details available from UUC on their selection this week.

Larne Head coach Graham Cloke makes a number of changes for his teams trip to the North coast this weekend. Out half Phil Andrews is unavailable with Barry McFaul replacing him. Jacob Swan comes in at full back with Stuart Johnston coming on to the bench along with Chris Rea.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONF DIV 2

Banbridge seconds v Randalstown

Limavady v Ballymena seconds

Ards v Malone seconds. Played Friday 21.9.18. KO 7.30PM. Match switched from Gibson Park to Hamilton Park.

Omagh seconds v Clogher Valley

Clogher Valley have made a strong start to their league season with home wins over Lurgan and UUC. Under the new coaching team of Stephen Bothwell and PC Faulkner there have been several changes in playing personnel with new faces coming in from the clubs Youth structure along with Enniskillen Royal Grammar School and Royal School Dungannon. These include Ewan Haire, Reece Smyton, Mark Boles, Dylan Eakin, Aaron Dunwoody, Timothy Smyton and Josh Fegan. David Sharkey along with Michael Treanor (Capt), Eugen McKenna, Kyle Cobane, Rodney Bennett and Neil Henderson add experience to their forward unit. The Clogher Valley backline maybe on the youthful side with players such as Neil Totter, Fleming Agnew and Dylan Crawford now leading their attack and defence. The return from injury of Paul Armstrong will add experience to this talented set of young backs.

Team to play neighbours Omagh seconds in Conference League this week: 1. Neil Henderson, 2. Kyle Cobane, 3.Philip Hopper, 4. Eugene McKenna, 5. Michael Treanor (Capt), 6. Josh Fegan, 7. Aaron Dunwoody, 8. David Sharkey, 9. Neil Trotter, 10. Dylan Eakin, 11. Dylan Crawford, 12. Reece Smyton, 13. Fleming Agnew, 14. Mark Boles, 15. Ewan Haire, 16. Mark McKenna, 17 TBC.

Please make the effort to support your club this weekend

Cheers.

George.