With several weeks remaining in this pulsating All Ireland League season; we have to congratulate the Ireland Club XV; made up from players in the AIL league on their two recent wins over Scotland and England. These performances indicate the strength of the All Ireland league and how players with aspirations to play professional rugby use it as a shop window for their talents. Ex Ireland internationals Tom Tierney and Mick O’Driscoll are also to be congratulated on the part they played in bringing together a group of players and securing these results. With the coming weeks deciding the promotion and relegation issues, this is a opportunity to view the achievements of several clubs in the AIL. In Division 1B Terenure College and Galway Corinthians remain on course for promotion in consecutive seasons to Division 1A after winning promotion from Division 2A last season. Ex Munster and Leinster hooker James Blaney was appointed Head coach at Lakelands in April 2012. His Terenure side currently remain undefeated in their last 16 games. Their last defeat was at Corinthians on the 16th February 2013 when they lost 21-15. Over the last two seasons, they have only lost two AIL matches. Their nearest challengers and pursuers are Galway Corinthians who are coached by South African, Dr Phil Pretorious. He was appointed coach in May 2012 to the Connacht club. The former Tonga and Blue Bulls coach offers a different perspective on coaching and the development of rugby players in many published articles. He has a simple theory – “Improve the man and you’ll improve the Player”. Coincidentally Pretorious applied for the Ulster coaching post in 2001. In their last 21 AIL games Corinthians have only lost once in the AIL to league leaders Terenure College 57-10 back in Nov 2013. Nenagh Ormond remain undefeated in Division 2B this season. In April 2011 former Ireland/Munster and Leinster second row Trevor Hogan was appointed their Head coach. Last season he took them to fourth place in Div 2B, winning eleven and losing four. The last side to beat them at home, was Naas who won on the 31st March 2012. Another club impressing this season, are Corinthians neighbours, Galwegians who are clear favourites to win Division 2A. Under the guidance of New Zealander, Corey Brown who has played professional rugby in NZ, Asia and Europe before his appt to the Galway club in June 2013; Brown had served his apprenticeship with Connacht rugby and Junior club Ballina. His focus has been on
improving players individual skill sets and team structures. His approach has certainly turned around the fortunes of the progressive Connacht club this season. Just a reminder for the followers of the AIL league. In Division 1A the bottom side is relegated from the league with the second bottom side involved in a play off with the second placed team in Divison 1B. In Division 1B the top side are promoted with the second placed side involved in playoff with the team finishing second bottom in Division 1A. In Division 1B the bottom two sides are relegated. In Division 2A the top two sides are promoted with the bottom two relegated. The team finishing third from bottom in 2A have a playoff with the team finishing third in Division 2B. In Division 2B the top two sides are promoted with the third placed team playing the third bottom team in 2A. In 2B the bottom team is relegated; being replaced by the winners of the Round Robin tournament involving the four provincial Junior winners. The team finsishing second bottom in 2B will play the runners up in the Round Robin in a play off.
Division 1A – Week 13
(9) Ballynahinch v St Mary’s College(8)
(1) Clontarf v Dolphin(6)
(3) Cork Constitution v Old Belvedere(2)
(7) UCD v Garryowen(10)
(5) v Young Munster v Lansdowne(4)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ballynahinch(9) v St Mary’s College(8)
With back to back games coming up at home against St Mary’s and Old Belvedere in consecutive weeks, the County Down side have the opportunity to move clear of bottom place Garryowen with seven games remaining for the Ballymacarn Park side. When the two sides met at Templeville Road in October, St Mary’s ran out narrow 15 – 9 winners. Hinch Coach Derek Suffern will welcome back Club Captain Stuart Morrow, after two successful outings with the Ireland Club XV. Once again they will look to their strong Ulster contingent David McIIwaine in the backs and Kyle McCall, Jonny Murphy, Michael Cromie and Chris Taylor to give them a platform in the front row. St Mary’s are former 2012 AIL champions and have Ireland club players Colm McMahon, Captain – Darragh Fanning and prolific goal kicker in out half Gavin Dunne along with Leinster threequarter Darren Hudson to call upon. Ballynahinch to win
Division 1B – Week 13
(9) Blackrock College v Belfast Harlequins(5)
(2) Corinthians v Dungannon(10)
(8) Dublin Uni v UL Bohemians(12)
(7) Malone v Terenure College(1)
(6) Shannon v Buccaneers(4)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Belfast Harlequins(5) v Blackrock College(9)
Quins coach Adam Larkin will want his team to bounce back from successive away defeats to Terenure College and Armagh to maintain their mid table league position in the AIL. Blackrock are fighting to avoid relegation and will provide a stiff test for the Deramore side at Stradbrook this weekend; another difficult away trip to Dublin for the Belfast side. Quins players Neil McComb, Ricky Lutton, Michael Heaney and Rory Scholes were on duty with the Ulster side in Treviso last Sunday. Will they be required by Ulster coach Mark Anscombe on Friday night for the Gwent Dragons match. Niall Annett continues to provide backup to Rob Herring . With number 8 Frankie Taggart involved with the IrelandUnder 20 side; Captain Neil Simpson will know his team will face a fired up Blackrock side who lost narrowly 19-18 at home to a strong Shannon side last Sat. Blackrock centre Jan-Simon Byrne scored two tries and along with threequarter David Scott Lennon and versatile backrower Peter McCaugie will pose threats for the Quins side. Leo Cullen’s brother Owen Cullen has a key role for the Blackrock side in the second row. Quins will not want to lose three games in a row. Blackrock to win
Dungannon(10) v Corinthians(2)
Not an easy trip for the County Tyrone side this weekend to Galway. In form Corinthians sit thirteen pts behind leaders Terenure with one game in hand. They will be mindful that third place UL Bohemians are a further six pts behind. With the inclusion of several Connacht players in their squad, Dungannon coach Paddy John’s will be hoping that Ulster players Peter Nelson, Stuart McCloskey, Paul Jackson and Adam Macklin will be available for selection. When the two sides met at Stevenson Park in October, Corinthians ran out 24-16 winners. There is anticpation that Ulster and Ireland back rower Stephen Ferris is close to making a long awaited return for the Tyrone side. Captain James Bates will have been pleased with last Sat’s 32-26 home win over Queens last Sat. After trailing 26-10 at HT the team showed their character to score four tries in a one sided second half, with Ulster Raven James McMahon amongst the scorers. The last Ulster side to defeat Corinthians was City of Derry who won 35-33 at Judges Road on the 3rd November 2012. Quite a challenge for the Ulster side.
Corinthians to win
Malone(7) v Terenure College(1)
Difficult task for the East Belfast side this weekend. The Dubliners have averaged twenty nine points per game this season and remain undefeated in sixteen AIL games since the 16th February 2013. When the two sides met at Lakelands Park in November, Terenure ran out winners by 27-10. The last Ulster side to defeat Terenure College were Queens who won 46-13 when the sides met at the Dub on the 5th November 2011. Malone coaches Jacque Benade and Gareth Fry will be hoping that Ulster players Alan O’Connor, Conor Joyce, and James McKinney will be available to be included this Sat. Ex Inst player Nathan Brown, along with ex Donaghadee players Richard Millar and Philip Eadie have become key players for the 1st XV during a rebuilding of the team this season. Ex Shannon second row Fergal Walsh has become a key forward for the Dublin side this season. He has also been a member of the successful Ireland Club XV in recent seasons. There will be an interesting contest between the two Captains and number sevens, Neil Alcorn for Malone and James O’Neill for Terenure. Both have been regular try scorers for their teams this season. Malone will have to combat the catch and drive maul used so effectively by the Terenure forwards; that has provided many tries for them. Nothing less than a similar performance in the win over Buccaneers will be accepted by the Malone faithful.
Expect a high scoring match this weekend. Malone have performed very well in the AIL since the beginning of 2014 and will look to use their narrow 39-34 loss at UL Bohemians and their strong 31-12 win over Armagh last Friday night to push for a win. Fascinating contest in prospect. Dont be surprised if, “The Cregagh Red Sox” pull off a surprise win this weekend. With a full squad to select from the Malone coaches will have a few difficult team selections to make.
Terenure College to win.
Division 2A – Week 12
(14)Naas v NUIM Barnhall(2)
(5 )Ballymena v Seapoint(15)
(10)Banbridge v Old Crescent(15)
(11)Bective Rangers v Rainey OB(8)
(7)Cashel v Old Wesley(9)
(1)Galwegians v City of Derry(4)
(13)Highfield v Bruff(16)
(3)Queens v UCC(6)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ballymena(5) v Seapoint(15)
Another tricky game for the County Antrim side at Eaton Park. With a game in hand the ‘Braid’ side have the opportunity to claim that all important second place with five matches remaining. There are four points separating the five teams chasing second place in the league. Ballymena coach Andy Graham will have been disappointed in the teams 22-3 defeat at Ballynahinch last Sat in the crucial USL decider. They will be hoping that hooker John Andrew will be available for selection. Ulster Ravens David Shanahan and the impressive Andy Warwick will again have key roles on Sat. Captain and ex Ulster prop Bryan Young should give his side the experience to win the battle up front. Seapoint are only three points ahead of second bottom Old Crescent. With the bottom two sides automatically relegated and the third from bottom involved in a playoff there are no easy matches left in this league. In their last AIL outing Ballymena struggled to a narrow 8-3 win over Bective Rangers. Ballymena to win
Banbridge(10) v Old Crescent(15)
Bann are coming off three consecutive wins in the AIL to move into tenth place in the league. Away wins at Highfield and Bruff have seen the team score ten tries through their free running backline. The presence of Ulster scrum half Ian Porter has seen wingers John Porter and Hugo Harbinson, along with centres Jonny Little and Andrew Morrison regularly on the scoresheets. Bann coaches Daniel Soper and Simon Best set the team the target at Xmas of winning their remaining AIL games . After narrow losses to Galwegians and Barnhall the coaches have watched the team string together this impressive run. Old Crescent are fighting to avoid relegation. Banbridge to win
Rainey(8) v Bective Rangers(11)
There will have been disappointment amongst the players and coaching staff after their narrow defeat against Old Wesley 22-16 at Donnybrook last Sat. The team had won their three previous AIL matches and were looking a strong finish to their season. They return to Donnybrook this weekend to take on Old Wesley neighbours Bective Rangers. Once again Rainey coaches Richard Boyd and John Andrew’s will look to their Captain Neil O’Kane and the hard working backrow of Colin Mitchell, Paddy McGowan and Paul Heaney to win this game. Rainey to win
City of Derry(4) v Galwegians(1)
With four games remaining Galwegians have opened up a twelve point lead on second place Barnhall. The trip by Derry to Crowley Park will define their season. Coaches Mark Nicholl and Ashley Blair will travel to Galway in the knowledge that their team has won three and drawn one match on their travels down South this season. Their only two away defeats in the AIL were away to fellow Ulster sides Banbridge and Queens. Galwegians only defeat this season in the AIL, was away to Ballymena on the opening day. In their last AIL outing Derry won 25-24 at Old Wesley. The key players for Derry this weekend will be half backs Jack Caithness and Mark Robinson along with centres David Funston(Capt) and Adam Bratton. Back row forwards Stephen Dickey, Stephen Ferguson and Richard Baird will have to work to win the battle at the breakdown. Galwegians to win
Queens(3) v UCC(6)
Four points separate these two sides with UCC having a game in hand. It is a must win match for Robbie Moore’s team if they want to maintain their promotion ambitions. They have lost to Rainey and Cashel and suffered a surprise 32-26 loss at Dungannon in the USL last Sat surrendering a 26-10 halftime lead. Representative call ups and injuries have depleted their playing squad. Coach Patrick Armstrong will look to have Chris Colvin, Ryan Clarke and David Whann available after playing with the Combined Irish Universities side last weekend. Winger David Busby is still involved with the Ireland under 20s. Captain Stuart McIIwaine has to lift his players and will look to Ulster Ravens Lorcan Dow and Marc Campbell to turn around their losing run. UCC have ambitions to secure promotion and had six of their squad involved with the Combined Irish Universities side last weekend. UCC to win
Divison 2B – Week 12
(12)Ards v Thomond(3)
(9)DLSP v Boyne(13)
(10)Midleton v Greystones(2)
(1)Nenagh Ormond v Armagh(5)
(8) Richmond v Instonians(15)
(11)Sundays Well v Navan(7)
(16)Suttonians v Sligo(14)
(6)Tullamore v Skerries(4)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ards(12) v Thomond(3)
Despite two stirring away performances at Greystones and Navan the Hamilton Park side only picked up one pt on their travels. With three home matches coming up against Thomond, Boyne and Nenagh Ormond coaches Stewart Porter and Gerry Flynn will be looking two home wins to secure Ards AIL position. A repeat of the performance and win over Skerries will be needed where number eight Michael Creighton was so influential along with ex Regent players Stuart Paul and John Dowey. Ards to win.
Armagh(5) v Nenagh Ormond (1)
A daunting trip for the County Armagh side to County Tipperary to take on the undefeated Nenagh. Armagh are still in contention for second place with third place providing an oportunity to make the play off. Everything to play for Andy Hughes team. In their last visit to Nenagh on the 3rd March 2012, Armagh recorded a 14 – 8 win. In their last AIL outing Armagh struggled to a narrow win over bottom side Suttonians. The team suffered a 31-12 USL defeat away to Malone last Friday night. Despite a 31-0 deficit at HT the Armagh side showed their fighting qualities to dominate the second half and score two well deserved tries. The players will need to show that commitment for eighty minutes if they are to get any points on their travels. In four matches down South, Armagh have lost at Greystones, Navan and Richmond – winning at Sundays Well. Half backs Harry Doyle and Captain Richard Reaney along with centre Seamus Mallon have the experience to bring their lively threequarters into the game. Armagh have a solid front five and will rely on back row of James Morton, Mark riddell and Joe Clarke to provide ball. Nenagh to win
Instonians(8) v Richmond(15)
Another diffcult trip for Instonians, to a side who have already defeated fellow Ulster sides Armagh and Ards in the AIL. With four games remaining; three away to Richmond, Sundays Well and Suttonians and fellow strugglers Sligo at home William Leacock and his side will need all their fighting qualities to pick up three wins from these matches. Ulster Raven Josh Atkinson and his players have the talent to come through this challenging fixture programme.
Richmond to win.
