Malone remain the only Ulster team undefeated in the All Ireland league after a hard earned win over St Mary’s College at Gibson Park. There was more encouraging news for the other Ulster teams in Div 1B with Banbridge defeating Buccaneers 24 - 0 at Rifle Park. At Ballymacarn Park - Ballynahinch and City of Armagh fought out a 3 – 3 draw in their Ulster derby meeting. Ballymena suffered their second defeat losing 28 – 3 at Naas. In Div 2A Queens University have bounced back from their opening day loss at home to Old Crescent to record bonus point wins over Highfield and Galwegians. In Div 2B Dungannon made it two wins out of three after recording a hard fought 16 - 9 win over Ulster neighbours Belfast Harlequins at Stevenson Park. Rainey OB suffered their third defeat in a row after levelling their match at Greystones only to concede three tries in six minutes to lose 42 – 28. In Div 2C there were mixed results with previously undefeated Bangor forfeiting a 8 – 5 halftime lead at Midleton to lose 34 – 8. The news was much better at the Craig Thompson Stadium as City of Derry relied on the boot of out half Conall Gill to convert a 45 metre penalty in injury time to defeat Seapoint 19 – 17. Omagh once again showed their fighting qualities away to Thomond in Limerick. Despite trailing 10 – 3 at halftime the County Tyrone team staged a fight back to win 28 – 13.

This weekend the Section 2 clubs have a weekend off after playing three rounds of matches with the Section 1 teams playing their round 3 matches this week. With Ulster A having completed their Celtic Cup campaign last weekend at Connacht four of the Ulster Section 1B teams Ballymena, Ballynahinch Malone and Banbridge will be able to strengthen their playing squads with the release of Ulster players. City of Armagh are the only Ulster team in this league who will rely on their club players this season to compete in the league.

Reviewing the league tables: Malone are 2nd in Div 1B with Banbridge 5th followed by City of Armagh 7th, Ballynahinch 8th and Ballymena in 10th place. Malone travel for another Ulster derby at the Palace Grounds in Armagh with Banbridge travelling to play Naas who defeated Ballymena last weekend. City of Armagh, Ballynahinch and Ballymena are still looking their first win with Ballynahinch travelling to Old Belvedere and Ballymena hosting St Mary’s College at Eaton Park.

In Div 2A Ulster’s sole representatives Queens University sit in 2nd place three points behind newly promoted league leaders Navan RFC.

In Div 2B Dungannon are in 3rd place with Belfast Harlequins in 7th place and Rainey OB in 10th place.

In Div 2C Bangor and Omagh are level on 10 points in 3rd and 4th place with City of Derry in 6th place.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

DIV 1

Ballyclare remain as league leaders with a maximum 25 points from their opening five league games after defeating Cooke at the Cloughan. They have a seven point advantage over 2nd place Dromore who have a game in hand after scoring eight tries in their 54 – 0 win over CIYMS at Barban Hill. Grosvenor are in 3rd place after winning at Carrickfergus with Instonians in 4th place. Already we have an eleven point gap opening up between the 1st and the 4th place teams in the league. Seven points separate the teams in 5th to 10th place with CIYMS and Portadown occupying 9th and 10th place as they go in search of their first league win.

DIV 2

Relegated Clogher Valley lead this division after four wins on 19 points. The surprise result of the day was the defeat of previously undefeated league leaders Limavady at the John Hunter Playing Fields by Academy 8 – 5. Five points separate the top four teams Clogher Valley, Randalstown, Limavady and Academy with Ballymoney in 5th place with games in hand on the top four. Again five points separate the teams in 6th – 10th place. Both UUC and Lisburn in 9th and 10th place are looking their first league win.

DIV 3

League leaders Donaghadee made it five from five in their 12 – 6 win over Civil Service at Donaldson Park. They are being pursued by Monaghan in second place with BHSFP and Holywood in 3rd and 4th place. Cavan and Ophir in 11th and 12th place remain without a win.

MILLAR McCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP

We have reached the last eight with current holders and favourites Ballynahinch seconds travelling to Limavady. Undefeated Dromore welcome neighbours Portadown to Barban Hill. Grosvenor make the journey to the Glynn to play hosts Larne who defeated neighbours Carrickfergus in the previous round. Last seasons semi finalists Malone seconds welcome Lisburn to Gibson Park after an emphatic 45 – 10 win at Instonians in the second round.

ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP

The first round will take place on Saturday 27th October with Ulster represented by Instonians, Ballyclare, Carrickfergus and CIYMS. All four teams will have this weekend off as they continue preparations with Instonians hosting Dundalk at Shaws bridge. Ballyclare travel to Clifden to play Connemara. Carrickfergus make the journey to play Waterpark with CIYMS entertaining Monivea at Belmont. City of Derry were the last Ulster team to win this Cup in 2010. Rainey OB were the only other winners winning in 2006. Can an Ulster team win the trophy this season.

GORDON WEST CUP

Last seasons winners Lurgan have moved up from Div 3 to play their rugby in Div 2 this season. Beaten finalists Donaghadee will be favourites to win the trophy this season. They face a difficult opening match away to a much improved Virginia side this weekend. Eight teams from Div 3 are involved in four 1st Rd ties with four teams receiving a bye.

REFEREES

David Wilkinson has been appointed National Referees Manager for Ireland. He replaces David McHugh. Richard Kerr will replace David Wilkinson as Referee Development Manager in Ulster. The challenge for Ulster is to increase the number of referees with particular focus on increasing the number of female referees.

At the weekend I attended a Yorkshire Division One match in Hull. What struck me was the respect the players had for the referee. On the couple of occasions the players spoke back to the referee they were immediately marched back 10 x metres. The other thing that struck me was how well behaved the crowd were at this local derby played in front of 250/300 spectators. Both clubs told me that the RFU are really clamping down on any unacceptable behaviour. From what I have witnessed this season in Ulster at both Ulster and All Ireland matches there is room for improvement both on the pitch and amongst the supporters to improve their behaviour. Sadly all it takes is one or two people to overstep the mark and let their club down.

YOUR CLUB YOUR COUNTRY DRAW

This fundraising initiative has helped to raise over four million euro for clubs to date. Last year over 692,000 euro was raised by 120 clubs taking part in the draw. Prizes include tickets to Ireland v England and France along with VIP trips to Rome and Edinburgh for games with Italy and Rome. All sold and unsold tickets must be returned to the IRFU by Monday 26th November with the draw taking place on Monday the 10th December. Lets see club websites and Social Media Platforms promoting this draw.

BENCH REPLACEMENTS

A number of clubs have queried why Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship teams are not permitted to have three bench replacements which is the case in Provincial and Regional leagues. Currently Championship and Conference league teams are only allowed two replacements. In the Ulster Premiership and All Ireland League - teams are permitted five bench replacements including the All Ireland Junior Cup. I notice the number of injuries teams are picking up and how disadvantaged teams can be in games. Is it not time we looked at the number of replacements permitted at all levels. The 12 rolling subs during a game ensures replacements no longer sit on a bench without getting game time. In fact replacements are now looked on as an integral part of a team on match day.

INJURIES IN RUGBY

It was disappointing to hear Peter Browne has had to announce his retirement due to repeated head injuries. I know the coaches and players at Ballynahinch RFC valued his contribution to the 1st xv. From talking to club coaches we have several players in the province who continue to experience side effects from head injuries picked up in club games. I know the clubs are doing all they can do to support these players. I have to ask the question what is being done within the Ulster Branch to support these players and their clubs. I am aware of several players who have had to retire due to head injuries.

DOMESTIC RUGBY PREVIEW

Just for the information of clubs – My goal is to complete this preview on a Thursday morning. The preview is then used by both Ulster rugby and the IRFU to publish previews on upcoming club games in the All Ireland League and Ulster Domestic Rugby. Any news on your teams and selection should be forwarded to me preferably on a Wednesday to enable me to complete the preview. It is with the support of the clubs that I am able to publish teams and points scorers as we engage the wider rugby community in supporting the domestic club game in Ulster. Once again thank you for your support.

WEEKEND RESULTS/TEAMS: SATURDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2018

ALL IRELAND LEAGUE

DIV 1A

Shannon 23 v Young Munster 10

UCC 18 Cork Constitution 20

Dublin University 23 UCD 23

Garryowen 17 Lansdowne 14

Terenure College 15 Clontarf 24

DIV 1B

Old Wesley 9 Old Belvedere 9

Ballynahinch 3 City of Armagh 3

Ballynahinch team: 1. Ben Cullen, 2. Conor Piper, 3. Kelvin Hamilton, 4. James Simpson, 5. Keith Dickson, 6. Tom Martin, 7. Ollie Loughead, 8. Conall Boomer, 9. Rhys O’Donnell, 10. Hilton Gibbons, 11. Aaron cairns (Capt), 12. Ryan Wilson, 13. Callum McLaughlin, 14. Richard Reaney, 15. Conor Kelly, 16. Jonny Blair, 17. Graeme McKitterick, 18. Matt Connolly, 19. Gareth Gill, 20. Ronan Patterson.

Points scorers: Richard Reaney 1 x pen.

City of Armagh team : 1. Paul Mullan, 2. Andrew Smyth, 3. Philip Fletcher, 4. Josh McKinley, 5. Peter Starrett, 6. Robert Whitten, 7. Nigel Simpson, 8. Neil Faloon, 9. Gerard Treanor, 10. Cormac Fox, 11. Ryan Purvis, 12. Evin Crummie, 13. Chris Colvin (Capt), 14. Andrew Phillips, 15. Chris Cousens, 16. Jonathan Morton, 17. Daryl Morton, 18. James Hanna, 19. Jonny Pollock, 20. Tim McNeice.

Points scorers: Cormac Fox 1 x pen.

Banbridge 24 Buccaneers 0

Banbridge team: 1. Schalk van Der Merve, 2. Peter Cromie. 3. Staurt Cromie, 4. Chris Allen, 5. Matthew Laird, 6. Mike Bentley, 7. David McCann, 8. Stephen Irvine, 9. Niall Armstrong, 10. Jonny Little, 11. Adam Ervine (Capt), 12. Benjamin Carson, 13. Andrew Morrison, 14. Conor Field, 15. Adam Doherty, 16. Paul ross, 17. Ross Haughey, 18. Dale Carson, 19. Aaron Kennedy, 20. John Porter.

Points scorers: 1 Penalty try, Peter Cromie and Schalk Van Der Merve 1 x try each, Adam Doherty 3 x cons and 1 x pen.

Malone 18 St Mary’s College 10

Malone team: 1. Chris Griffiths, 2. Dan Kerr, 3. Ricky Greenwood, 4. Jonathan Davis, 5. James McAllister (Capt), 6. Michael Shiels, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Ryan Clarke, 9. Connor Spence, 10. Callum Smith, 11. David McMaster, 12. Nathan Brown, 13. Josh Pentland, 14. David Irvine, 15. Jack Milligan, 16. Scott Finlay, 17. Gary Crawford, 18. Matthew Hadden, 19. Shane Kelly, 20. Gareth Millar.

Points scorers: David Irvine 2 x tries, Ryan Clarke 1 x try, Callum Smith 1 x pen

Naas 28 Ballymena 3

Ballymena team: 1. Nacho Clandero Crespo, 2. Jonny Spence, 3. Chris Cundell, 4. JJ McKee, 5. Connor Smyth, 6. Ryan Mattison, 7. Willie McKay, 8. Stephen Mulholland, 9. Glenn Baillie, 10. Timothy Small, 11. Mark Thompson, 12. Sam Millar, 13. James Wheeler, 14. Dean Reynolds, 15. Matthes Norris, 16. James Taggart, 17. Josh Bill, 18. Jacque Bolger, 19. Scott Willoughby, 20. Jonny McMullan.

Points scorers: Timothy Small 1 x pen.

DIV 2A

UL Bohemians 12 Nenagh Ormond 13

Cashel RFC 12 Highfield 17

Dolphin 26 Old Crescent 21

Navan RFC 28 Blackrock College 8

Queens University 45 Galwegians 10

Queens Uni team: 1. Andrew Clingan, 2. Sam Cardosi, 3. Andrew Weir, 4. David Whitten (Capt), 5. Ali Burke, 6. James Catterson, 7. Andrew McGrath, 8. Gary Dillon, 9. Conor McAuley, 10. Richie McMaster, 11. Mark Keane, 12. Conor Shiels, 13. Conor McKee, 14. Michael Orr, 15. Johnny Milliken, 16. Jonny Black, 17. Alexander Clarke, 18. Stuart Evans, 19. Robbie Johnston, 20. Josh Fullerton.

Points scorers: Michael Orr, Connor McKee, Mark Keane, Conor McAuley, Johnny Milliken, Conor Shiels, Gary Dillon 1 x try each, Richie McMaster 5 x cons.

DIV 2B

Galway Corinthians 23 Sunday’s Well 19

MU Barnhall 25 Sligo 17

Wanderers 16 Skerries 16

Dungannon 16 Belfast Harlequins 9

Dungannon team: 1. Glenn Sinnamon, 2. Daniel Maxwell, 3. Sean O’Hagan, 4. Stephen Todd (Capt), 5. M Calvert, 6. Alex Gormley, 7. David Leyburn, 8. Guilhem Lopez, 9. John Russell, 10. John Buckley, 11. Matthew Montgomery, 12. Lucca Avelli, 13. Mervyn Brown, 14. Jonny Toal, 15. Andrew McGregor, 16. Jamie McNeill, 17. J Gamble, 18. Ross Stewart, 19. Jack Ravey, 20. C Mulgrew.

Points scorers: Guilhem Lopez 1 x try, Lucca Avelli 1 x con and 3 x pens.

Belfast Harlequins team: 1. Mark McGrath, 2. Saul Herdman, 3. James Harrison, 4. Troy Webber, 5. Callum Leckey, 6. Toby Mannus, 7. Zac Jordan, 8. Ben Alexander, 9. Connor Young, 10. Timmy Emerson, 11. Richie McKee, 12. Paul Kerr, 13. Mark Gribben, 14. James McConnell, 15. Mark Glover, 16. Paul Jackson, 17. Charlie Sargaison, 18. Daryl Marshall, 19. David Devine, 20. Christian Bennison.

Points scorers: Mark Gribben 2 x pens, Paul Kerr 1 x pen.

Greystones 42 Rainey OB 28

Rainey OB team: 1. Stephen Rutledge, 2. George Fritz, 3. Fintan Quinn, 4. John McCusker, 5. Michael McCusker, 6. Mattie Millar, 7. Paul Pritchard (Capt), 8. Charlie Clarke, 9. Jason Bloomfield, 10. Andrew Magrath, 11. Scott Mclean, 12. Conor Fitzsimons, 13. Oisin Quinn, 14. Michael O’Neill, 15. Ciaran Devlin, 16. Aidan McSwiggan, 17. Michael Caithness, 18. Daniel O’Neill, 19. Andrew Browne, 20. Andrew Donaghy.

Points scorers : Michael O’Neill, George Fritz and Michael McCusker 1 x try each, Scott McLean 2 x cons and 3 x pens.

DIV 2C

Ballina 20 Malahide 7

Tullamore 9 Bruff 13

City of Derry 19 Seapoint 17

City of Derry team: 1. James Hamilton, 2. David Ferguson, 3. Sam Duffy, 4. Adam Bratton, 5. Johnny Lyons, 6. Tiernan Thorton, 7. Craig Huey, 8. Stephen Corr (Capt), 9. Simon Logue, 10. Conall Gill, 11. James Perry, 12. Dennis Posternik, 13. David Graham, 14. Callum O’Hagan, 15. Thomas Cole, 16. Cathal Cregan 17. Ben Pollin, 18. Christopher Lamberton, 19. David Lapsley, 20. Phil Duffy.

Points scorers: Adam Bratton 1 x try, Conall Gill 4 x pens and 1 x con.

Midleton 34 Bangor 8

Bangor team: 1. Conor McIImurray, 2. Andrew Shaw, 3. James Leary, 4. Michael Ferguson, 5. Craig Burton, 6. Stephen Moore, 7. James Henley, 8. Mike Weir, 9. Liam Preston, 10. Declan Maguire, 11. Desi Fusco, 12. Phil Broderick, 13. Mark Widdowson, 14. Dave Charles, 15. Nathan Graham, 16. Andrew Jackson, 17. Charlie Clegg, 18. Jamie Clegg, 19. Dave Caughey, 20. Keith Rossan.

Points scorers: Nathan Graham 1 x try, Declan Maguire 1 x pen

Thomond 13 Omagh 28

Omagh team: 1. Peter Todd, 2. Richard Hemphill, 3. Ethan Mckeown, 4. Jonny Sproule, 5. James Sproule, 6. Stuart Allen, 7. Adam Longwell, 8. Martin Clyde, 9. Stewart McCain (Capt), 10. Stuart Ballantine, 11. Ryan Mitchell, 12. Luke Hanson, 13. Scott Barr, 14. Neil Brown, 15. Scott Elliott, 16. Matthew Sproule, 17.Jordan Brolly, 18. Mervyn Edgar, 19. Kaine Holden, 20. Stephen MacLaine.

Points scorers: Stewart McCain 2 x tries, Mervyn Edgar 1 x try, Stuart Ballantine 1 x con and 1 x pen, Scott Elliott 1 x con and 2 x pens.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

DIV 1

Ballyclare 32 Cooke 5

Ballyclare team: 1. Dean Jones, 2. Matthew Coulter, 3. Rory Henderson, 4. Robert Boyd, 5. Grant Bartley (Capt), 6. Aaron Playfair, 7. Gary Weatherup, 8. Ryan Tweed, 9. Andy Eastop, 10. Robbie Reid, 11. Matthew Johnston, 12. Joel McBride, 13. Will Stewart, 14. Stuart Cusick, 15. Gary Clotworthy, 16. Jack Black, 17. Callum Wilson.

Points scorers: Stuart Cusick, Gary Clotworthy, Matthew Coulter, Joel McBride, Ryan Tweed 1 x try each. Robbie Reid 3 x cons and 1 x pen.

Cooke team: 1. Aaron Hunter, 2. James Milligan, 3. Russell Hunter, 4. Matthew Crothers, 5. Jonathan Walsh, 6. Matthew Elliott, 7. Callum Robinson, 8. Jason Lyons, 9. Ryan Flavelle, 10. Andrew Hanna, 11. Andrew Pollock, 12. Kyle Mitchell (Capt), 13. Michael Cartmill, 14. Andrew Nelson, 15. Philip Cartmill, 16. Robert Collins, 17. Jonathan Backus.

Points scorers: Jonathan Backus 1 x try.

Carrickfergus 13 Grosvenor 31

Carrickfergus team: 1. Gareth McKeown, 2. Alan Whitley, 3. James Graham, 4. Chris Rodgers, 5. Ryan Gibson, 6. C Rea, 7. Ryan McGonigle, 8. Nathan Greenwood, 9. Conor Cambridge, 10. David Carse, 11. David Moore, 12. Adam White, 13. Jonny Sheriff, 14. Jack Burton, 15. Michael Black, 16. Stuart Cheshire, 17. Chris Taylor.

Points scorers: Jonny Sheriff 1 x try, Adam White 1 x con and 2 x pens.

Grosvenor team: 1. Mark Rainey, 2. Stuart Smyth, 3. Pearce Jamison, 4. Andrew Kelly, 5. Luke Steele, 6. Sam Purdon (Capt), 7. Jeff Mealiff, 8. Conor McKee, 9. Neil Adams, 10. Adam Skelton, 11. Shane Johnston, 12. Jos McConkey, 13. Peter Davison, 14. Jamie McMullan, 15. Mark Johnston, 16. Daniel Bowden, 17. James Cartilage.

Points scorers: Conor McKee 2 x tries, Stuart Smyth and Peter Davison 1 x try each, Adam Skelton 1 x try and 3 x cons.

Dromore 54 CIYMS 0

Dromore team: 1. Mark Hylands, 2. Stuart Sloan, 3. Jonny Simpson, 4. Ross Bingham, 5. Matthew McMaster, 6. Jonny Maguire, 7. Peter Elliott, 8. Ben Heath, 9. Josh Brame, 10. Lee Steenson, 11. Andrew Gilmore, 12. Graeme McCandless, 13. Andrew Rutledge, 14. Brian McClearn, 15. Adam McDonald, 16. Andrew Black, 17. Andrew Coffey.

Points scorers: Adam McDonald 3 x tries, Jonny Simpson 2 x tries, Jonny Maguire, Brian McClearn and Graeme McCandless 1 x try each, Lee Steenson 7 x cons.

CIYMS team: 1. Daniel Kearney, 2. Scott McNarry, 3. Gavin Woods, 4. Paddy Aiken, 5. Cory Tipping, 6. Alan Freeburn, 7. Jeremy Jacquin, 8. Scott Dowle, 9. Cameron Stewart, 10. Paddy Beverland, 11. Johnny Haldane, 12. Matthew Kilgore, 13. Matty Butler, 14. Eunan Nelson, 15. Peter Raine, 16. Harry Jenkins, 17. Gavin Braiden.

Instonians 14 Portadown 10

Instonians team: 1. Conor Gallagher, 2. Cameron Barr, 3. John Andress, 4. Alan Whitten, 5. Sean Shuttleworth, 6. Tom Matthews, 7. Massimo Kiri Kiri, 8. James Martin, 9. Ross O’Donnell, 10. Paul Marshall, 11. Matthew Kilpatrick, 12. David Scott (Capt), 13. Paddy Bell, 14. Colm Cregan, 15. Joe Fryers, 16. Daryl Smith, 17. Andrew Keane.

Points scorers: Conor Gallagher 1x try, 1 x Penalty try, David Scott 1 x con.

Portadown team: 1. Mark Henderson, 2. Robbie Reid, 3. Jonathan Reid, 4. Karim Ahizoun, 5. Matt Stevens, 6. Lloyd Gravatt, 7. James Wright, 8. Gary Hall (Capt), 9. Brian Forrestal, 10. Brett Fleck, 11. Jack Orr, 12. Jonny Holden, 13. Mark Adamson, 14. Tom Caesar, 15. Nick Holt, 16. Aaron McMaster, 17. Jordan Taylor.

Points scorers: Tom Caesar 1 x try, Mark Adamson 1x con and 1 x pen.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONF DIV 1

City of Armagh seconds 27 Enniskillen 17

City of Armagh team: 1. Michael Hoey, 2. Peter Lamb, 3.Neil Lutton, 4. Stephen Morton, 5. Willie Martin, 6. Josh Kennedy, 7. Gareth McNeice, 8. Ollie Millar, 9. Harry Doyle, 10. Harry Boyd, 11. Michael Ross, 12. John Faloon, 13. Luke Crozier, 14. Shea O’Brien, 15. Phil Pollock, 16. Oisin Kiernan, 17. Ryan Morton.

Points scorers: John Faloon 2 x tries, Willie Martin and Harry Doyle 1 x try each, Harry Boyd 2 x cons and 1 x pen.

EnniskillenTeam: 1. Gavin Warrington, 2. Ryan Cathcart (Capt), 3. Alan Ferguson, 4. Eric Elliott, 5. Gary Thorton, 6. Jamie Kelly, 7. Gavin Parke, 8. David Taylor, 9. Matthew Dane, 10. Nick Finlay, 11. Lewis Millar, 12. Jack Rutledge, 13. James Ferguson, 14. Jarleth Maguire, 15. Conor Hoy, 16. Dave Patton.

Points scorers; Conor Hoy, James Ferguson and Jarleth Maguire 1 x try each, Nick Finlay 1 x con.

Coleraine v Ballynahinch seconds: Postponed

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2

Clogher Valley 29 Larne 8

Clogher Valley team: 1. Neil Henderson, 2. Kyle Cobane, 3. Philip Hopper, 4. Mark McKenna, 5. Michael Treanor (Capt), 6. Eugene McKenna, 7. David Sharkey, 8. Ryan Wilson, 9. Mark Ellis, 10. Reece Smyton, 11. Josh Coulter, 12. Andy Johnson, 13. Paul Armstrong, 14. Adam Boles, 15. Ewan Haire, 16. Josh Fegan, 17. B J Wilson.

Larne team: 1. Andrew Hyndman, 2. Robbie Simpson, 3. Craig Gibson, 4. Jonny McKinty, 5. Stuart Johnston, 6. Gareth Jamison, 7. Ryan McAllister, 8. Eddie Hunter, 9. Ryan Garrett, 10. Barry J McFaul, 11. Jonny Hall, 12. Matthew Agnew, 13. Aaron McBride, 14. Lee McKee, 15. Philip Andrews, 16. Derek Lough, 17. Stevie McReynolds.

Points scorers: Ryan Garrett 1 x try, Philip Andrews 1 x pen.

Limavady 5 Academy 8

Limavady team: 1. Clive Scott, 2. Adam Millar, 3. John McCollum, 4. John Purcell, 5. Perry Semple, 6. Ben Riley, 7. Jonny Lees, 8. Daniel Irvine, 9. Peter Wilson, 10. Luke Faulkner, 11. Stuart Roddy, 12. Jody McMurray, 13. Robert Lamberton, 14. Mark Woods, 15. Matthew Haslett, 16. Stuart Simpson, 17. Michael Rice.

Points scorers: Daniel Irvine 1 x try.

Lurgan 3 Ards 6

Lurgan team: 1. Graham Currie, 2. Lewis Lawson, 3. Marty Follis, 4. Matthew McConaghie, 5. Neil Keys, 6. Lee Allen, 7. Ryan Osbourne, 8. Dean Wilson, 9. Chris Jenks, 10. Dylan Gill, 11. Ryan Mooney, 12. Te Rangihau te Whet,13. Ben McIIwaine, 14. Richard Hull, 15. Stephen Nolan, 16. Chris Walmsley, 17. Andrew Gray.

Points scorers: Stephen Nolan 1 x pen.

Ards team: 1. Andrew Foster (Capt), 2. Tom Arthur Donnan, 3. Matty Kane, 4. Danny Patton, 5. Ross Torney, 6. Ryan Thompson, 7. Onisi Burekama, 8. Graeme Taylor, 9. Alex Hendrickse, 10. Paul Cox, 11. Adam Faloon, 12. Jamie Cardwell, 13. David Armstrong, 14. Mark McLean, 15. Aaron May, 16. Adam McKee, 17. Sam McVeigh.

UUC 0 Randalstown 24

UUC team not available

Randalstown team: 1. Matty McBrien, 2. Marty O’Neill, 3. Scott Stevenson, 4. Peter Knowles, 5. David Millar, 6. Ian Hume, 7. Johnny Fullerton, 8. David Smith (Capt), 9. Tommy Holland, 10. Martin Connolly, 11. Coby Mason, 12. Ryan O’Dea, 13. Conor Murray, 14. Niall McGlade, 15. Daniel McGlade, 16. Tony O’Hagan, 17. Kyle Hetherington.

Points scorers: David Smith 2 x tries, Niall McGlade 1 x try, Martin Connolly 1 x try and 2 x cons.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONF DIV 2

Banbridge seconds 7 Ballymoney 38

Banbridge seconds team: 1. Jonny Weir, 2. Andrew Jackson, 3. James McCrum. 4. Keith Adams, 5. Robin Hewitt, 6. Martin Vorster, 7. Alex Megaw, 8. John Wilson, 9. Jason Gribben, 10. Robin Thompson, 11. Chris Patterson, 12. Hugo Harbinson, 13. Ross Cartmill, 14. Keir Patterson, 15. Scott Magowan, 16. Christian Trimble, 17. J McQuade.

Points scorers: Keir Patterson 1 x try, Jason Gribben 1 x con.

Ballymoney team: 1. Adam Smith, 2. Kenny McAneaney, 3. Matthew Blair, 4. Russell Blair, 5. Danny Platt, 6. Timmy Woods, 7. Lewis Wray, 8. Daniel Ramage, 9. Matthew Steele, 10. John Hyndman, 11. Michael Armstrong, 12. Martin Irwin, 13. James Cleland, 14. Matthew Bell, 15. Nigel Carson Nevin, 16. Jack Anderson, 17. David McKeeman.

Points scorers: Danny Platt 2 x tries, Timmy Woods, Matthew Blair and Michael Armstrong 1 x try each, John Hyndman 1 x try and 4 x cons.

Lisburn o Malone seconds 19

Lisburn team: 1. Jamie Dickson (Capt), 2. Phil Jefferson, 3. Uate Caquea, 4. James Welling, 5. Jack Nedza, 6. Gareth Gardiner, 7. Adam Jameson, 8. Scott Colligan, 9. Andy Neely, 10. Richard McGregor, 11. Conor Gasgoine, 12. Jake Bebbington, 13. Craig Walsh, 14. Chris Nimmons, 15. Jonny Dunlop, 16. Dinis Manso, 17. Josh Mulligan.

Malone seconds: 1. Ali Barnes, 2. Austen Blackburn, 3. Self El Deen, 4. Tiarnan Dillon, 5. Charlie Shannon, 6. Tom Dullage, 7. Matthew Fisher, 8. Max Porter (Capt), 9. Jack Knox, 10. Bruce Duff, 11. Liam Cosgrove, 12. Stuart Doddington, 13. Andy McConnell, 14. Chris Tait, 15. Chris Jordan, 16. Ryan McKay.

Omagh seconds 26 Ballymena seconds 31

Omagh team: 1. Matthew Hill, 2. Gary Smyth, 3. Joe Reid, 4. Stephen Moffett, 5. Richard Harper, 6. Michael Gibson, 7. Freddie McDowell, 8. Stephen Lyons, 9. Adam Beattie, 10. Kyle Beattie, 11. Matthew Eccles, 12. Dean Kane, 13. Eoin Murnaghan, 14. Richard Elkin, 15. David Ward, 16.Scott Ballantine, 17. David McFarland.

Points scorers: Michael Gibson 3 x tries, Kyle Beattie 1 x try, David Ward 3 x cons

Ballymena team: 1. David Forsythe, 2. Andrew Ferguson, 3. Houston Bonnar, 4. Calvin Galbraith, 5. Donovan Woulahan, 6. Ashton Logan, 7. Reuben Russell, 8. Jack Wilson, 9. Jack Fleming, 10. Eoin Ritson, 11. Jack Lewis, 12. Steven Shaw, 13. Alan Smyth, 14. Connor Cosgrove, 15. Jordan Fraser, 16. Jack Francis, 17. Jordan Patterson.

Points scorers: Jack Lewis 2 x tries, Jack Wilson 1 x try, 1 x Penalty try, Eoin Ritson 4 x cons and 1 x pen.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3

BHSFP 14 Newry 12

Donaghadee 12 Civil Service 6

Holywood 74 Ophir 0

Letterkenny 51 Cavan 5

Strabane 12 PSNI 32

Virginia 6 Monaghan 13

ALL IRELAND LEAGUE

DIV 1A : ROUND 3

UCD 9(4th) v Lansdowne (9th): Played Friday 19.10.18. KO 8PM

Clontarf (2nd)v Garryowen (3rd)

Cork Constitution (1st) v Dublin University (7th)

Terenure College( 10th) v Shannon (6th)

Young Munster (5th) v UCC (8th)

DIV 1B

Ballymena (10th) v St Mary’s College (6th)

Buccaneers (9th) v Old Wesley (4th)

City of Armagh (7th) v Malone (2nd)

Naas (1st) v Banbridge (5th)

Old Belvedere (3rd)v Ballynahinch (8th)

Ballymena v St Mary’s College

Head coach Andy Graham was of the opinion the 28 – 3 at Naas did not reflect how well his team played last Saturday. The team were leading 3 – 0 coming up to halftime when the home side were presented with an opportunity to score a converted try to lead 7 – 3. Matters were compounded early in the second half when Naas were gifted an intercept try to give them an easy 14 points. Ballymena did respond and were unable to ground a ball from a maul. Conditions were difficult for both teams with rain throughout the match. Errors were made with the ball being spilled in the wet/slippy conditions. Injuries did not help the cause of the team with both centres Sam Millar and James Wheelers having to be replaced with number 8 Stephen Mulholland another injury replacement. Connor Smyth was sick in the warm up and despite his best efforts had to be replaced late in the second half. For the coach a lot of things need worked on with the team needing to be more clinical and needing to learn how to manage their game. The positives were the lineout and scrum which were much improved with the penalty count down to 5/6 penalties. It is all about building and adding to the teams game for the visit of St Mary’s College to Eaton Park on Saturday as the team seek their first AIL win of the season.

Ulster A players Bruce Houston and Robert Balacoune have a rest week with both Marcus Rea and Michael Stronge being released. John Andrews remains on the injured list with Azur Allinson continuing his rehab after shoulder surgery. Sam Millar will follow return to play protocols after picking up a head injury against Naas. Winger Mark Thompson is unavailable this week with injury ruling out Mark Foster.

David Whann missed the game against Naas and along with Darrell Montgomery and Matthew Dick will come into contention for this weekend. Conor Smyth has recovered from his sickness to play.

Ballymena squad for Saturday: 1. Nacho Clandero Crespo, 2. Jonny Spence, 3. Chris Cundell, 4. David Whann, 5. JJ McKee, 6. Conor Smyth, 7. Marcus Rea, 8. Stephen Mulholland, 9. Michael Stronge, 10. Timothy Small, 11. Dean Reynolds, 12. Glenn Baillie, 13. Darrell Montgomery, 14. Jordan Foster, 15. Matthew Norris, 16. James Taggart, 17. Josh Bill, 18 Willie McKay/ Matthew Dick / Jacque Bolger, 19/20 From Jonny McMullan/James Wheeler/ Scott Willoughby.

David Whann, Marcus Rea, Stephen Mulholland and James Wheeler will all face late fitness tests.

Andy Graham: It was a very young inexperienced side that played at Naas last Saturday. He is expecting a physical battle up front with the St Mary’s lineout and maul looking to impose themselves. It is all about his players competing up front to influence the game and move the Dublin side around the park.

City of Armagh v Malone

Chris Parker: The weather dictated the style of rugby both City of Armagh and Ballynahinch played at Ballymacarn Park last weekend. It was a case of players picking up on the errors of their opponents in the difficult conditions. He felt 3 – 3 draw was a fair result. His team created a few more opportunities than Ballynahinch in the first half with very little between the two teams. The constant rain turned the match into a set piece game with both teams making errors with the teams not committing players to the breakdown as it proved difficult to break defences down. The squad did not pick up any injuries with players suffering from sore bodies from what was a physical game at Ballynahinch. Selection will be finalised on Thursday night with the coaches thinking about rotating the squad for this week. This league is more attritional with players coming up against more accurate and organised teams. The coach is pleased how well the players are adjusting to playing at this level.

Armagh are expecting a ding dong battle with Malone who have made a strong start to the their season. This league is very competitive with teams capable of taking points from each other.

Ulster under 19 player Ryan O’Neill is expected to come into contention for a place in the squad after being the 21st man at Ballynahinch. Former Virginia and Ulster under 19 player Oisin Kiernan has joined the club. He took his place on the bench for the second xv against Enniskillen last Saturday in the Conference league. Another welcome addition to the coaching team at City of Armagh is Phil Pollock a former boarding master at Royal School Armagh. He turned out at full back for the second xv against Enniskillen.

Shane McKeever was unavailable to play last Saturday with Kyle Faloon ruled out after picking up a knock at training last Thursday night.

Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong will add Ulster A players Peter Cooper and joe Dunleavy to his squad for this weekend. He is still waiting on the injury status of a number of players with selection to be finalised on Thursday night. City of Armagh are a very good side who are well coached with his players expecting a tough game at the Palace grounds.

Banbridge v Naas

Head coach Simon McKinstry described the conditions as atrocious for the players from both teams at Rifle Park last Saturday. The coach was satisfied with the four points after denying Buccaneers any points. Ulster prop Schalk Van Der Merve made an impressive debut for the team scoring a try. The squad picked up no further injuries despite winger Adam Ervine stepping down to the bench after feeling a twinge in the warm up to be replaced by John Porter. Out half Josh Cromie picked up a fractured shoulder in the defeat at Old Belvedere the previous week that will rule him out for 6/8 weeks. Back row forward Ethan Harbinson sprained an ankle in the Dublin game and missed the win over Buccaneers. He has trained this week and will come into contention for the game at Naas. Seconds scrum half Jason Gribben picked up a serious injury in the Conference league game against Ballymoney. The player was in considerable pain after dislocating his hip with the ambulance taking one and half hours to arrive at Rifle Park. We all wish Jason well in his recovery.

1st xv Captain and prop Michael Cromie continues his rehab after picking up a fracture in the Celtic Cup game against the Scarlets. He is targeting a return to playing before Xmas. In his absence Banbridge are fortunate to have two props in Ross Haughey and Stuart Cromie who can play on either side of the front row. Another prop joining Banbridge this season is former RBAI player Corrie Barrett who played for the Ulster A against Connacht A at the weekend.

There is the possibility that Ulster players Schalk Van Der Merve, Alexander Thompson and Caleb Montgomery may be released to play this weekend. Their availability will be confirmed on Thursday. Rob Lyttle continues his rehab from knee surgery.

If Adam Ervine is available this week he will play his 100th AIL game for the 1st xv.

The coach is expecting a tough game at Naas against a side who have won their opening two AIL games. He is looking to see the continued improvement the team has been making each week.

MILLAR McCALL WYLIE JUNIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS

Larne v Grosvenor

Dromore v Portadown

Malone seconds v Lisburn

Limavady v Ballynahinch seconds

Larne v Grosvenor

Head coach Graham Cloke is holding off on finalising his Larne team with a number of Senior players unavailable due to injury. They include Captain Jonny Cole, Craig Gibson, Stevie McReynolds, Jonny McKinty and Matthew Agnew. The coach will replace them with a number of former Larne Grammar schools players. These include Lee McKee, Robbie Simpson and Micah Stevenson. Jordan Burns returns to the backline with Jonny Ogilby unavailable after scoring two tries against Carrickfergus in the previous round. The coach is expecting whatever team he puts out to give their best against a very good Grosvenor team.

Grosvenor Head coach Robert Ford is well aware of the threat Larne pose to their cup ambitions this season. There is something about the Glynn that brings the best out of the Larne players in these Cup matches. One of their most influential players is Ulster Junior scrum half Ryan Garrett who is their go to player. With a noisey crowd getting behind the home side Grosvenor will have to be at their best to get a result.

Injuries have depleted the Grosvenor squad in recent weeks with the team suffering their first league defeat against Ballyclare. They bounced back with a win at Carrickfergus last week. Returning players last week included Andrew Kelly, Mark Johnston and Pearce Jamison. Bar David Egner who remains unavailable with a shoulder injury the coaches Robert Ford and Peter Lowry will have a full squad to select from this week. Players who will come into contention for selection include Peter Dawson, David Marshall, Matthew Fitzsimons, Stuart McIIwaine, Allen McCluggage, Mark Cartmill and Willie Rea. In the absence of last seasons dynamic centre pairing of Mitchell McComb and Matthew Johnston the coaches have replaced them with Jos McConkey and Peter Davison with Stuart McIIwaine providing another option.

In recent weeks players including Luke Steele, Daniel Bowden and Ben Davies have stepped up to perform in the forwards on the 1st xv to add strength to the forward options for the coaches. With the unavailability of Allen McCluggage at scrum half Neil Adams has performed well in this key position. The coaches also have options with Adam Skelton who can play 9 and Jack Kennedy who played for the 1st xv last season recently returning from a long term injury.

One of the key signings for Grosvenor this season has been former Donaghadee player coach Conor McKee who has picked up two man of the match awards from the first four games he has played for the club. The coaches have been impressed by his work ethic that resulted in him scoring two tries against Carrickfergus last Saturday.

Fans will not be disappointed by this contest on Saturday with Larne having eliminated Carrickfergus in the last round with Grosvenor having to withstand a late assault at Randalstown to win 31 – 28.

Dromore v Portadown

Head coach Jonny Cullen will have Aaron Stewart and David Lyttle available this week along with forwards Stuart Russell and Adam McGregor with selection to be finalised on Thursday night for this Cup clash with Portadown at Barban Hill.

Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley is still looking for the teams first league win in five after they narrowly lost 14 – 10 at Instonians last Saturday. The loss of hooker Robbie Reid to injury with 30 mins to go handed the advantage to the home side in the set piece. What pleased the coach was the performance of Matt Stevens in the second row who has returned to the club after several years away in England. He will add crucial experience to the pack. With second row Willy Graham picking up another knee injury at Carrickfergus there is now a doubt over his future. The area that concerns the coach is the front row this season. Promising prop Conor Webster picked up an early season injury that will keep him out to December. He is relying on the availability of props Matthew Wilson and Matthew Davison for the Dromore match with Robert Greenlee replacing Robbie Reid at hooker. Selection to be finalised on Thursday night.

Injuries continue to rule out backs William Holden and Matthew Neill. Former Portadown College player Brett Fleck has settled in well at out half. The coach was delighted to welcome backs Jack Orr, Tom Caesar and Mark Adamson for the game at Instonians with the backline putting in another good performance. Competition for places was emphasised last week with Jordan Taylor dropping down to the bench. The young back row forward response was to put in a strong second half performance when he came off the bench.

Richard Hedley also points out the positive impact Stuart Lamb has had on the playing squad since he joined the coaching team at Portadown this season. What his team need at this time is a wee bit of luck to get them over the line for their first league win. Cup wins over Ballymena seconds and Ballymoney have the team contesting the last eight this weekend in the Junior Cup. The team reached the final of the Towns Cup last season and are keen to return to the Kingspan stadium for another final. Can this Portadown team go to Barban Hill and win on Saturday.

Malone seconds v Lisburn

From Davy Heron Malone selection will not be finalised until Thursday night.

From Mike Knowles Director of Rugby at Lisburn: The coaches will finalise their selection for Thursday night. Matthew Nelson, Dave Curry, Peter Dillon and Craig Hossack will all come back into the mix for selection. Injuries rule out Andy Neely, James Welling, Craig Walsh and Gareth Gardiner with both Uate Caquea and Noel Hooke unavailable.

GORDON WEST CUP 1ST ROUND

Virginia v Donaghadee

PSNI v Monaghan

Strabane v Civil Service

Newry v Bye

Letterkenny v Ophir

Holywood v Bye

Cavan v Bye

BHSFP v Bye

Enjoy your rugby this weekend.

George