Two fascinating cup semi finals for decision this weekend. Hopefully the Autumnal weather favours the occasion to allow the four sides to display their attacking qualities. For the winners they will step out on to the redeveloped Ravenhill on Wednesday the 11th December to challenge for this magnificent trophy. We wish all four teams well in their endeavours.
City of Derry v Ballynahinch
Judges Road will welcome the County Down side for this titanic cup encounter. Both sides have experienced differing results in the All Ireland League with newly promoted Ballynahinch seeking their first win in Division 1A after five outings. In contrast City of Derry are in second place in Division 2A: one point behind leaders Ballymena and remain undefeated after four games. Ballynahinch coaches Derel Sufferin and Charlie McAleese have had to dig deep into their playing resources after using 36 players in their opening four AIL games. Despite these obstacles the 1st xv are closing in on their first win in the AIL and will look for a morale boosting win in the North West before entertaining Garryowen at Ballymacarn Park on Sat week. The win by their second xv in the Junior Cup at home to Qualifying champions Portadown last Saturday is a testimon to the depth of their playing resources. Key players for Ballynahinch will be Captain Stuart Morrow and the exciting prospect Jordan Gratton in the centre. Up front the backrow of Neil Faloon, Paul Pritchard and Dominic Gallagher will have their work cut out to restrict the lively City of Derry backline. City of Derry suffered a 50 -15 defeat against Queens in the USL last Saturday. The County Down team also inflicted a heavy 56 – 14 defeat on the Derry side on the opening day of the USL in August. Derry have recorded two impressive wins over Rainey and Dungannon to progress to the semi finals. Both coaches Mark Nicholl and Ashley Blair want the Cup back in the North West. There is talent in abundance throughout the Derry squad from Captain David Funston in the centre alongside influential out half Richard McCarter and his half back partner Andrew Semple to a forward unit that contains key players including Richard Baird, Stephen Ferguson, Stephen Corr and Sam Duffy. Expect the biggest crowd of the season at Judges Road for this match. Ballynahinch to win.
Queens v Banbridge
On paper you would say Queens will win this game after convincing performances against Belfast Harlequins and Ards to make the semi final. Defeats against Ballymena and Galwegians in recent weeks have stifled the progress of the students in the AIL. The students did bounce back last Sat in the USL with a convincing 50 -15 win over fellow semi finalists City of Derry. The Queens squad have already recorded a 21 – 13 win over the Bann side this season in the AIL at Rifle Park. In Stuart McIIwaine , Michael McAuley, Damon Hall, Chris Colvin and the prolific boot of Ritchie McMaster the students possess so many attacking options. In the forwards their back row of Ryan Clarke Matt Clarke and Stuart Hooks along with Grant Bartley in the second row and hooker Rory Winters have impressed this season.
Banbridge are still seeking their first win in the AIL after narrowly losing all four opening games. Coaches Daniel Soper and Simon Best have developed a squad that recorded impressive wins over Armagh and Instonians on route to the semi final. Can the County Down side overcome the students at their magnificent stadium at the Dub on Sat.In half backs Andy Hyde and Adam Doherty the Bann side pose a real threat with the attacking options available through Hugo Harbinson, Andrew Morrison and Miles O’Hagan. Forwards Simon McKinstry, Johnny Graham, Matthew Irvine and Jonny Weir will require a big performance to over power the student forwards and limit the supply of ball to their backs. There is a great opportunity for the grassroots followers of Ulster rugby to witness two talented sides by supporting both teams at Queens on Sat. Queens to win
