We have reached the Quarter Finals of the First Trust Ulster Senior Cup with four intriguing ties down for decision this weekend. Two wins and the finalists will step on to the hallowed turf of Ravenhill on Wednesday the 11th December to decide the winner. Not only will the winner lift this magnificent trophy but the opportunity to represent Ulster in the All Ireland Bateman Cup along with the three other Provincial winners is another incentive for the remaining eight teams to aim for.
Ballynahinch RFC I XV v Malone RFC I XV
The faithful at Ballymacarn park will welcome Malone with the knowledge that the Cregagh Road team have struggled at this venue in recent seasons. In two outings last season to this County Down location Malone conceded almost 100 pts losing 58 – 3 in the AIL and 38 – 18 in the Ulster Senior league. Malone did win the corresponding fixture in the Ulster Senior Cup at Gibson Park 17 – 13 last season. Both coaches have used their extended playing squads in last Saturday’s Ulster senior league games. Hinch winning 52 – 0 at home to Ards scoring eight tries. Malone defeated Instonians 32 – 0 scoring five tries. Silverware is a key goal of the Hinch teams each season and their appetite for this Cup will not be diminished by their 1st xv’s two defeats in the AIL. Both teams will want good performances from their playing personnel before they resume their AIL league campaign the following Saturday. Ballynahinch to win.
Dungannon RFC I XV v City of Derry RFC I XV
Derry showed no mercy to the Tyrone side in their Ulster Senior league meeting at Judges Road last Saturday, winning 76 – 0 and scoring twelve tries. Such is the strength in depth of the North West team’s playing resources they were able to rest several key players for this game. Scrum half Andrew Semple scoring four tries and winger Josh Lewis scoring three tries. Coaches Mark Nicholl and Ashley Blair ( Former Dungannon player) know that Dungannon at Stevenson Park are a different proposition. Derry will travel with confidence after winning 48 – 8 at Rainey in the previous round – scoring eight tries. Dungannon have been in this situation before : having lost 84 – 15 at home to UCD in the AIL last season, they bounced back to beat Ballymena 51 – 0 in their next game. Dungannon dont have their Ulster contingent to call upon due to the Ravens fixture v Jersey on Friday night. City of Derry to win.
Instonians RFC I XV v Banbridge RFC I XV
Can the Shaws bridge squad repeat their early season Ulster Senior League win over the Bann team when they won 21 – 15. Despite encouraging performances William Leacock will know that Daniel Soper and his squad have ambitions to reach the final at Ravenhill. A morale boosting 37 – 31 win at Rainey last Sat will have lifted the spirits of the Rifle Park team. With the leadership of Simon McKinstry in the engine room the Bann squad have backs that can score tries with the centre pairing of Andrew Morrison and James Andrews impressing in recent weeks despite two defeats in their opening AIL games. Young Bann out half Adam Doherty has made a claim for a starting place after scoring 22 pts last Sat. Banbridge to win
Queens RFC I XV v Ards RFC I XV
Ards lost narrowly to the Students in the Ulster Senior league 8 -6 in September. Can the Hamilton Park team cause an upset ? With a sizeable playing squad to select from, Robbie Moore’s biggest problem is who to select. Queens have ambitions to do a clean sweep of all competitions in Ulster this season, such is the confidence within their playing squad. Players such as Chris Colvin, Stewart McIIwaine and Michael mcAuley are scoring tries with freedom thanks to their hard working and talented forwards. Ards will rely on Captain Rob McCausland and the experienced Stuart Paul, Scott Young and Mark Banford to upset the form book. Queens to win.
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