Qualifying League Previews Saturday the 26th October 2013 by George Millar
Qualifying Two
Ballyclare remain the leaders in this league with Lisburn, Academy and Omagh trying to close the gap.
Academy RFC I XV v Ballyclare RFC I XV
This Antrim derby at Roughfort will tell us if any of the chasing pack can beat the men from Cloughan. Having been relegated from Qualifying One Academy have the experience and talent in their team to overcome Ballyclare. The White Hare team under the guidance of coach Bob Young and Captain Robert Boyd have impressed in their league and Junior Cup run this season. Ballyclare to win
Carrickfergus RFC I XV v Grosvenor RFC I XV
The East Antrim team have struggled this season to win games. Their position in the league doesnt lie. Grosvenor demonstrated the talent they have in their squad when they ran league leaders Ballyclare close at Cloughan only to lose 39 – 27. Grosvenor to win
Lisburn RFC I XV v Enniskillen RFC I XV
The Blaris team impressed last weekend in their 10 – 3 win at Limavady. Enniskillen were comprehensively beaten at home by near neighbours Omagh 28 – 11.
There is a buzz about the Lisburn club that is reflected in the performances of all the club teams. Lisburn to win
Randalstown RFC I XV v Limavady RFC I XV
The Antrim side recorded an impressive 25 – 15 win at Carrickfergus to ease their relegation fears. Expect coach Gary Longwell to urge his team on to win consecutive league games. Limavady sit mid table with seven points to show for their endeavours this season. Randalstown to win.
Strabane RFC I XV v Omagh RFC I XV
It has been a difficult start for the North West team with no points to show from their opening league games. They sit firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and near neighbours Omagh will show them no favours as the County Tyrone side look to secure maximum points to close the gap on leaders Ballyclare. Omagh coach Phil Marshall and Captain Ally Ferguson still believe they can overtake the County Antrim side. Omagh to win.
Qualifying Three
Surprise package Donegal sit proudly at the top of the league followed by Holywood, Letterkenny and Larne.
Holywood RFC I XV v Letterkenny RFC I XV
The Kerr Park side look invincible this season as they continue their pursuit of further league and Cup honours. Letterkenny after a slow start have picked up valuable league and Cup wins. Can the men from the North West derail the charge of the North Down team. This game will show whether the chasing pack can challenge Holywood. Holywood to win
Larne RFC I XV v Donegal RFC I XV
The journey to Glynn by Donegal will tell us about their promotion credentials. Undefeated in the league and Cup this season can the Donegal team beat a Larne team that won 86 – 3 at home to Civil Service in the Gordon West Cup and put 99 points on Letterkenny at Glynn in the league. Larne coach Laurence Kelly will be pleased with the manner in which his team have bounced back from their 46 – 22 league defeat at Holywood. Larne to win
Lurgan RFC I XV V PSNI RFC I XV
The Pollack Park side have yet to record a win this season. The PSNI side have shown no consistency this season in the league and Cup. Expect the Newforge XV to pick up the points.
Monaghan RFC I XV V Newry RFC I XV
The Monaghan side have yet to win a league game having won both their Gordon West Cup games against Cavan and Virginia. Newry have only won one league game but showed some form last Saturday in defeating Cavan 41 – 0 in the Gordon West Cup. Monaghan to win
Qualifying Four
Ophir are sitting at the top of the league with maximum points from their opening three league games. Can teams such as Civil Service and Virginia mount a challenge.
Cavan RFC I XV v Londonderry YMCA RFC I XV
Both teams have shown poor form in the league and Cup. Cavan did win their league game at Armoy 20 – 5. Can the YM secure their first win of the season.
Cavan to win
Civil Service RFC I XV v Armoy RFC I XV
There were shock waves reverberating around the Stormont Estate after Service were beaten 86 – 3 at Larne last Saturday in the Gordon West Cup. Coach Roy Lawton will be looking a response from his players. Armoy have yet to win a league or Cup game this season.
Civil Service to win.
In the Conference league
Ballymoney RFC I xv play Ballymena RFC II XV.
Armagh RFC II XV play Lisburn RFC I XV
