Queens will represent Ulster as the First Trust Senior Cup Holders in this years All Ireland Bateman Cup semi finals when they travel to Temple Hill in Cork this Saturday to take on current holders Cork Constitution. The Competition involves the four winners of the provincial Senior Cup. Ballynahinch remain the only Ulster club winners of the Cup in 2008/9 when they defeated Cork Constitution in that memorable final in Athlone. Can Queens become the second Ulster side to win this Cup following its relaunch in 2005/6 when Cork Constitution were the winners. In the eight years of the competition the Cup has been won on seven occasions by Munster clubs with Cork Constitution winners in 2005/6, 2009/10 and 2012/13. The two semi finals involve two sides from Division 1A who have home advantage against two sides from Division 2A. Cork Constitution v Queens Uni and UCD v Galwegians. It is interesting to note that this is the first meeting of Cork Constitution and Queens since they contested the original Bateman Cup final in 1932 when Queens were winners by 19 – 0 at the old Lansdowne Road. Queens had also won the Cup in 1924 and again in 1937 before the competition was suspended. The two clubs were drawn to play each other in the second round of the AIB Cup in 2010 when Queens had to withdraw. Cork Constitution went on to win the Cup that season. Cork Constitution will be favourites to progress to this years final due to be played on the 26th April 2014. Exams and Ulster Ravens commitments will determine the team Queens can put out to compete in Cork. The coaching staff at Queens will be hoping that with nothing at stake for the Ulster Ravens in their fixture against Cornish Pirates, Marc Campbell, Lorcan Dow and David Busby will be available to play in this Cup semi final. An under strength Queens team recorded an impressive 22 – 10 win in the AIL at Seapoint on Sat. Injuries and Ravens commitments have stretched their playing resources this season. Coach Patrick Armstrong will be looking once again to Captain Stewart McIIwaine and his backs of Ritchie McMaster, Chris Colvin, Damian Hall, Conor Spence, Michael McAuley and Paddy Farrell to showcase their pace and undoubted talent. In the forwards they will look to their impressive back row of Ryan Clarke, Matt Clarke and Stuart Hooks to win the battle at the breakdown as they undone the formidable Ballynahinch pack in the Senior Cup Final. The availability of Marc Campbell, Lorcan Dow along with Robert Whitten and Grant Bartley in the second row will greatly enhance their engine room. In the front row props Ben Howard, Jonny Craig and Andrew Clingan along with hooker David Swann have key roles in ensuring the Queens scrum is competitive. Late decisions could be made on the inclusion of Patrick Colhoun and Rory Winters subject to fitness tests this week. In Division 1A Cork Constitution are in 6th place having won 4, drawn 1, lost four games from nine played. UCD are in 5th place having won 5 and lost 4 from their nine games. In Division 2A Galwegians are 1st with Queens 2nd in the league. Galwegians have won 7 and lost 1 from eight games. Queens have won 6 and lost 2 from eight. Can the two Division 2A sides win this weekend. !!!. Despite the long journey to Cork you can be assured that the Queens team will give 100% as they push for their third piece of silverware this season. Can they add the All Ireland Senior Cup to the Ulster Senior Cup and the Dudley Cup. The priority for the students is promotion to Division 1B when they missed out in 2011/12 to near neighbours Malone on the final day. We wish them well on Saturday.
