Down to the last eight teams in this season’s Junior Cup. This includes current holders Clogher Valley and their final opponents Ballynahinch seconds. 2011 winners Donaghadee and their opponents Coleraine. Current Qualifying league One and Two league leaders Portadown and Ballyclare along with the inform Ballymoney and the winners over Ballymena seconds and Randalstown in previous rounds – Grosvenor. Four games that are sure to draw large crowds. The semi finals are listed for the 30th November with the final at Ravenhill on Wednesday the 18th December 2013.
Ballyclare v Clogher Valley
The Cloughan faithful have witnessed their players overcome the challenge of the Qualifying One teams as they shared the Towns Cup with City of Derry seconds last season. Such is the strength of the ‘Clare squad’ they have brushed aside Cooke and Omagh on their way to this season’s Quarter Finals. Their opponents Clogher Valley sit one point behind league leaders Portadown and have moved into the Quarter Finals of the All Ireland Junior Cup. Looking at the playing personnel in both squads there is so much talent available to the respective coaches. Ballyclare like to play a high tempo game with their Captain and second row Robert Boyd leading from the front. He is ably supported by Graeme McKinstry and the backrow of Jordan McKinstry, Gary Weatherup and the experienced Willy Logan. Their back line is controlled by half backs Collie Morrow and Nial Lawther who will keep the play deep in the opposition twenty two. Wingers James Greer and Gareth Byers have lots of pace. Clogher have been rebuilding their playing squad that calls on BJ and Ryan Wilson along with experienced centre PC Falconer. Half backs Aaron Best and Philip Holme have the talented David Dunlop and winger Clive Donaldson to exploit the space. New faces in the forwards Richard Primrose, Eugene Mckenna and Michael Treanor along with Captain Stephen Baxter and the ever present David Sharkey demonstrate the playing resources available to Clogher coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black. Difficult game to call. Clogher to win. The current holders will not want to relinquish their hold on this trophy.
Ballymoney v Donaghadee
Kilraughts Road will again have a large crowd of supporters from both clubs for this game. Ballymoney recorded a most impressive 39 -18 win at Donaldson Park on the 5th October in the league scoring five tries. Again Toon coaches Neil Beddow and Jason Taggart know their playing squad has improved this season despite the loss of several keys players. After a difficult start to the league they have moved up to fifth place after defeating title contenders Bangor last Saturday. In Captain and prop Alex Watson they have a strong leader who is ably supported by Aidy Graham and number 8 Jonny Hanna and his two back row colleagues Ryan Clyde and the impressive open side Garvin Bellingham. At half back Ulster Junior scrum half Scott Nelson and out half James Campbell control the play with James Cleland, Nigel Nevin and Ryan Brace providing the pace to score tries. Donaghadee have had to experiment this season with several new faces in the forwards. Their pack will be much changed from the previous encounter with Ballymoney with front row forwards Stuart Hennessey, Gareth Gordon and Chris Good supported by second row forwards Stephen Adams and Michael Blair catching the eye. The backrow contest with Chris Hamilton, David Murray and the available Richard Martindale will not be for the faint hearted. In the backs the Dee side have Captain Alastair Lockhart, Paul McKenzie, Rory Garham, Nigel Barker and young wings Ryan Irvine and Chris McGivern to call on . Talented young footballer Mark Cooper may make a start at out half after an impressive cameo role against UUC last Saturday. Veteran backs Billy Allen and Paul Blewitt will look to push for another Ravenhill final. Dee have not won any league or cup fixtures at Ballymoney in four seasons. Dee to win
Ballynahinch seconds v Portadown
Ballymacarn Park will have the faifhful out in large numbers for a repeat of large seasons contest when the Hinch were the winners. The Hinch seconds remain undefeated in all competitions this season and secured a last minute win over undefeated Ballymena seconds at Eaton Park last Saturday 15 – 13 with a last gasp try. This young side will rely on their talented backs orchestrated by half backs Ben McMullan and their play maker Jordan Gratton to create opportunities for the elucive running of centre Davy Nicholson and full back Michael Carson. In the forwards the Hinch will rely on the go forward play of hooker Conor Pyper and back row Josh Donaldson. Portadown under the guidance of Richard Hedley and Ciaran O’Kane are also pursuing the league and All Ireland Junior Cup. Captain Jonny Holden and his half back pairing of Barry Gribben and Chris McVitty utilise the strength of the forwards to create try scoring opportunities. The impressive back row of Gary Hall, Diarmund O’Kane and John Carleton continue to control the break down area and drive their front five forward. The Chambers Park side are on the trail of silverware this season. Difficult game to call. Ballynahinch seconds have a great Cup tradition and will want to return to Ravenhill in December. Portadown to win
Coleraine v Grosvenor
Sandel Lodge has an intriguing tie with two sides who have failed to live up to their potential this season. Does the Junior Cup provide that opportunity. Coleraine have the talent. In Captain and number 8 Stephen Douglas they have a strong leader who is supported by the hard working Bernard Mullan at 7. In the backs Coleraine have the talented South African Bokkie Carstens at out half and the strong running Nigel Hall on the wing to score tries. Grosvenor recorded early season wins over Ballymena seconds and Omagh and were expected to push on particularly in the league. They did show their potential recently when they ran league leaders Ballyclare close at Cloughan before losing 39 – 27. They have talented players in the backs including Peter Davison, Ben Coard, Jamie Meaklin, Mark Atkinson and the impressive Tight head prop Pearce Jamison. Grosvenor coach Peter Lowry uses an aggressive defensive line that could pose problems for Coleraine. On paper Coleraine should win. But dont be surprised if Grosvenor cause an upset.
