Second round of Ulster Junior Cup this weekend with All Ireland Junior Cup representatives Portadown, Clogher Valley and Donaghadee entering the competition. Clogher Valley are the current holders after narrowly defeating Ballynahinch seconds in the final at Ravenhill last season.
Banbridge RFC II XV v Donaghadee RFC I XV.
After suffering a heavy home league defeat to Ballymoney 39 -18 last Sat – Coaches Stuart Hennessey and Paul McKenzie will hope the availability of several key forwards will provide the platform for the talented Dee backline to get back to winning ways. Ulster Juniors open side Chris Hamilton is such a key player for the North Down side who will look to his dynamic play to give his team the all important win at Rifle Park. Banbridge seconds recorded a 42 – 19 win over City of Derry seconds in the previous round. Donaghadee to win.
Instonians RFC II XV v Coleraine RFC I XV played Friday 11th September with 7.30PM ko.
The Shaws bridge side recorded an impressive 12 – 9 win at Carrick in the previous round. There is a real buzz amongst the players and the coaching team at Instonians led by William Leacock . They feel their seconds have the ability to defeat Qualifying One side Coleraine. The North coast side have suffered two recent league defeats to title contenders Bangor and Portadown. Coleraine Captain Stephen Douglas would be confident his team should win this tie. Is there a potential upset in this game. Coleraine to win.
Ballyclare RFC I XV v Omagh RFC I XV
What a ‘tasty’ encounter between these two Qualifying Two sides with both having ambitions of securing league and Cup success this season. Ballyclare have had the upper hand on Omagh in recent cup fixtures. Ballyclare’s dominance of the league would make them firm favourites to win this game. This is the Cup and anything is possible. Omagh coach Phil Marshall will have his side ‘fired up’ for this game. Can Omagh cause an upset. Ballyclare to win.
Ballymoney RFC I XV v Dromore RFC I XV
Two weeks ago both teams met in the league at Barban Hill with the game ending up 15 – 15. Dromore suffered a 44 – 10 defeat at home to a strong Bangor side last Sat with Ballymoney recording an emphatic 39 – 18 win at Donaghadee scoring five tries in the process. In Captain and prop Alex Houston Ballymoney have a strong pack that includes second row Aidy Graham along with number 8 Jonny Hanna and the impressive Ryan Clyde. Dromore coaches Dewet Bekker and Jeremy Ogle have much work to lift their team for this difficult away cup tie. Ballymoney to win.
Ballynahinch RFC II XV v Limavady RFC I XV
Last seasons Cup finalists Ballynahinch seconds will start as strong favourites in this game at Ballymacarn. When it comes to the Junior and Towns Cup competitions Hinch seconds are always serious contenders for silverware. The North West side had an encouraging 20 – 10 win at Enniskillen in the first round. They will travel with confidence after winning the North West derby league game at Strabane 25 – 6 last Saturday. Ballynahinch seconds to win.
Bangor RFC I XV v Portadown RFC I XV
This game at Upritchard Park has received much attention since the draw was announced with a large crowd expected at this cup tie. Portadown recorded a narrow 26 -24 league win on the opening day at the North Down venue. Bangor will be seeking to overturn their narrow loss. With two points separating the two teams at the top of Qualifying One – Portadown have the advantage even though Bangor have played a game less than the current league holders. Despite Portadown having lost key back row forwards Stuart Lamb and Gareth McCoy to injury . The Mid Ulster side continue to impress in their quest to retain the league. Despite their success last season the Chambers Park side were disappointed they were not able to mount a challenge for either the Junior or Towns Cup. Bangor will go into this game as favourites following impressive league wins at Coleraine and Dromore. Fascinating game for followers of club rugby in Ulster to attend. Should be a cracking game. Bangor to win.
Randalstown RFC I XV v Grosvenor RFC I XV
Grosvenor recorded an impressive 32 – 27 win over Ballymena seconds in the previous round with promotion a realistic goal for the Belmont side after winning 25 – 23 at home to Omagh. Their expectations were seriously dented after Enniskillen beat them 32 – 12 last Sat. Randalstown recorded an excellent 25 – 10 win at Rainey seconds in the previous round and lost a recent home league game to a strong Academy side 23 – 20. Both coaches Gary Longwell and Peter Lowry will be plotting their teams progress to the next round. Grosvenor should win but expect the home side to make it very difficult. Grosvenor to win.
UUC RFC I XV v Clogher Valley RFC I XV
The students will have to contend with the current holders who will be hurting from their 31 – 24 defeat at CIYMS last Saturday. They inflicted an 53 – 3 defeat on Ards seconds in the previous round. The students were expected to build on this win but have suffered league defeats to Coleraine, Dromore and Cooke in recent weeks. The men from the Cran will not want to slip up in this tie. Clogher Valley to win.
