Ulster U20 head coach Derek Suffern has named his starting XV to face Midlands U20 at Broadstreet RFC in Coventry on Friday 12th August (kick off TBC).
Four members of the 2011 Campbell College Schools’ Cup winning team are among the starters, namely, Charles Gallagher, John Creighton, Chris Farrell and Rory Scholes. Eight senior clubs are represented in the 24 man squad, while there are few players who are unattached to clubs after leaving school.
Team Manager Ronnie Duncan is pleased with how the players are progressing but he anticipates a difficult challenge in Friday’s match: “We expect a competitive game against what should be a strong Midlands side given the rugby stronghold from which their side is drawn.
“Under the guidance of the coaching staff the boys have been working hard shown fantastic attitude and commitment. We have seen a marked improvement in their fitness and conditioning through David Drake work with the squad. The player’s uptake of the game plan being implemented by Derek Suffern and Dan Soper has been swift and we have seen some very fluid, accurate play during recent training sessions.”
Ulster’s Inter-Provincial series kicking off against Connacht on 9th September, warm up games against tough opposition are vital for the squad. “This match will allow us the opportunity to judge just how we are progressing and give the guys a welcome competitive run out. We are fortunate that competition for places throughout the team is very strong. The guys now have 3-4 games to nail down their claim to a starting place for this season’s inter-pros,” added Duncan.
Ulster U20 team to play Midlands U20, Broadstreet RFC, Coventry, Friday 12th August 2011 (kick off TBC)
1. Kyle McCall (Ballynahinch RFC)
2. Daniel Kerr (Methodist College)
3. Jonathon Dixon (Queens RFC)
4. Micheal Shiels (Rainey RFC)
5. Conor Joyce (Malone RFC)
6. James McMahon (Dungannon RFC)
7. Charles Gallagher (Campbell College)
8. Jamie Kirk (Ballynahinch RFC)
9. Aaron Cairns (Ballynahinch RFC)
10. John Creighton (Campbell College)
11. Taylor Acheson (Malone RFC)
12. Peter Nelson (Dungannon RFC)
13. Chris Farrell (Dungannon RFC)
14. Andrew Morrison (Banbridge RFC)
15. Rory Scholes (Belfast Harlequins RFC)
16. Rory Harrison (UCD)
17. Chris Taylor (Wallace High School)
18. Sean O’Connell (Instonians RFC)
19. Roger Bonnar (Queens RFC)
20. Conor Spence (Queens RFC)
21. Ritchie McMaster (Queens RFC)
22. Stuart Olding (Belfast Royal Academy)
23. Kevin McClean (Royal Belfast Academical Institution)
24. Ali Andress (Instonians RFC)
The following players were not considered due to injury:
Ryan Jablonski
Jonny Murphy
John Andrew
Charlie Simpson
Paddy Farrell
Unavailable:
Neil Faloon
John Donnan
All injured players are expected to be fit in 2/3 weeks
Management Team
Derek Suffern – Head coach
Daniel Soper – Assistant coach
David Drake – Strength & Conditioning coach
Andy McMullan – Physio
Ronnie Duncan – Manager
