The opening weekend in the All Ireland league did not disappoint for the Ulster sides with seven teams winning. City of Derry, Belfast Harlequins, Queens Uni and Bangor will be looking to reverse their losses last week. Three Ulster teams travelled to Munster with Ballymena winning in Limerick, Malone at Cashel and Queens Uni narrowly losing 16 -13 in Cork at Highfield. Armagh made the journey to Donnybrook and came away with a bonus point win against Bective.

Dungannon staged a dramatic comeback at Stevenson Park to overhaul MU Barnhall's 15 - 0 lead to win 20 -15. Ballynahinch made their intentions quite clear in Div 1B as they secured the bonus point in their win over Buccaneers at Ballymacarn Park. Banbridge swept aside newly promoted Sunday's Well in their 41 - 12 win at Rifle Park. Rainey continued their strong start to the season with a 24 - 18 win at Upritchard Park against fellow Ulster side Bangor making their return to the AIL.

In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Div 1. Omagh upset title favourites Instonians at Shaws bridge winning a dramatic nail biting encounter 22 - 21. The win by the County Tyrone side has opened up the league with teams including Ballyclare, Portadown and Enniskillen coming into contention. Both Clogher Valley and Ards are still seeking their first league wins on the back of three defeats.

In Div 2 Larne join Coleraine and CIYMS as the only three undefeated teams at the top of the table. Grosvenor surprised Randalstown at Nelisbrook Park by winning 22 - 8. Once again Lisburn, Donaghadee and newly promoted UUC are still searching for their first league wins at the bottom of Div 2.

In Div 3 Ballymoney and Gordon West Cup Holders Lurgan remain the favourites to contest the top two places.

The involvement of several former professional Ulster rugby players in Club rugby has added a lot of interest to the Club game in Ulster this season. Former Malone back row player Ross Todd made a successful start for Dublin Uni in their opening AIL win over Terenure College last Friday night along with former Instonians out half Fraser Wright. Well done guys.

What I have also noticed this season is the increasing numbers of rugby supporters coming out to support their local community rugby club. We need to keep spreading the message to the wider rugby community on what the club game can offer to spectators in Ulster.

Last week the IRFU issued new guidelines for match officials and players to eradicate foul play in the game of rugby at all levels. I understand in one AIL match last weekend acts of punching, shirt tugging and tackling without arms went unpunished by match officials. All too often in these situations it is the player who retaliates who ends up being punished whilst the original transgressor escapes. Match referees have assistant referees to assist them in identifying such behaviour. In the past I have raised the inconsistency in officiating involving match officials and their assistants in the four provinces.

Many rugby supporters may be surprised at me raising the subject of the inability of rugby players in Ulster to kick a rugby ball. Why is this the case. You can see the difference in children who play GAA and those kids who play Mini rugby where kicking is prohibited. Why are young players in Clubs and Schools not being taught how to kick a rugby ball properly. Frequently I am asked do I know any players who can kick a rugby ball and play out half and full back.

When we see the ability of the NZ rugby players to kick a rugby ball you have to ask the question why in Ulster are steps not being taken to improve the coaching and development of young players to kick a rugby ball in the province. Kicking a rugby ball is an integral part of the game of rugby union.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE

Division 1A

Clontarf v St Mary's College
Cork Constitution v Young Munster
Dublin Uni v UCD
Lansdowne v Terenure College
Old Belvedere v Garryowen

Div 1B

Ballymena v Naas

There is an air of anticipation at Eaton Park this season that this Ballymena squad have the depth in strength to pursue promotion to Div 1A. A difficult opening AIL fixture at Thomond Park last weekend against Shannon provided both the physical and challenging test for Head coach Andy Graham and his players. Having led 25 - 13 at HT after scoring three tries the expected bonus/point win did not materialise with Shannon converting two penalties to leave the Final score 25 - 19 in favour of the Braid side.

The fact that his Ballymena side conceded 14 penalties for infringements such as offside and the eagerness of players to win the ball at the breakdown were areas the coach Andy Graham was addressing in training this week. As he said there is a thin line between being competitive and giving away penalties. An unnecessary yellow card in the second half put pressure on the other 14 players with Shannon pressing strongly in the final quarter. He will be imposing on the players to cut out the silly mistakes that could have yielded the b/p. At the same time the players learned a lot as a team on inviting pressure and how to be smarter.

Several players were rusty with not having played a lot of rugby in recent weeks. He was also pleased with the new faces in the team including Kieran Treadwell and Mark Best with their attitude and work rate. Mark Best contributed 15 points including a try to cap a man of the match performance.

The coach is also aware of the importance of winning your opening matches as it makes it easier for the team to remain in contention for promotion.

Ballymena squad for the match with Naas 1 - 20 includes Michael Lagan, John Andrews, Chris Cundell, David Whann, Kieran Treadwell, Conor Smyth, Stephen Mulholland, Matthew Rea, David Shanahan, Glen Baillie, Jonny Rossborough, Marty Irwin, Mark Best, Jordan Foster, Rodger McBurney, Adam McBurney, Adrian Kirkpatrick, Tony McGuinness, Paddy James and John Creighton.

Selection is never easy and the coach was faced with several difficult decisions. Andrew Ferguson, James Taggart, James Gallagher and Richie McMaster who travelled to Shannon along with Willy McKay, Mark Foster, Ian Vance, Nicky Stirling , Joe Thompson and Cory Millar will play for the seconds in a Conference league game at Carrickfergus. Injury rules out James Beattie, Josh McIIroy and Matthew Norris who are expected to be available for the seconds Junior Cup tie at home to Ballynahinch seconds next weekend.

Ballymena are expecting a tough challenge from newly promoted Naas after their opening day 18 - 13 win over relegated Galwegians with former professional players Fion Carr and player/coach Jonny Murphy included in their starting xv. Head coach Andy Graham is looking to his Ballymena team to perform from the start and get the upper hand on their opponents. He wants his players to concentrate from the whistle and cut out the penalties along with being smarter in the contact/breakdown area and convert field positions into points.

Ballynahinch v UL Bohemians

This match is being played at the University grounds on the 4G pitch this weekend. Interesting fixture this with both teams recording convincing bonus points with Hinch defeating Buccaneers 35 - 13 and Bohs recording a 41 - 10 win at Dolphin in Cork.

Ballynahinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan is looking for another strong performance from his players in Limerick on Sat. Injuries and unavailabilities rule out Sam Windsor, Chris Quinn, Captain Mike Graham and winger Davy Nicholson. Squad for Limerick 1 - 20. Jonny Blair, Joe Roe, Craig Trenier, James Simpson, John Donnan, Conor Joyce, Conor Phillips, Lorcan Dow, Angus Lloyd, Jonny McPhillips, Aaron Cairns, Stuart Morrow, Jordan Gratton, Ollie Brown, Steve McCauley, Stuart Orr, Andrew Harper, Keith Dickson, Ross Carlisle and Justin Rea. Gerry Cronin is unavailable to travel and will play for the seconds in the Conference league game at Omagh.

Ballynahinch are looking an immediate return to Div 1A this season and will travel in a confident frame of mind that they can get the win in Limerick.

Ballymena v Naas
Buccaneers v Shannon
Galwegians v UCC
Old Wesley v Dolphin
UL Bohemians v Ballynahinch

Div 2A

Belfast Harlequins v Galway Corinthians.

Quins are the first Ulster side travelling down to Galway this season. After losing their opening AIL game at home to Neenagh Ormond by 28 -17 last weekend, Head coach Andrew Gillespie will be looking a response from his players. To score three tries and come away with no league points was frustrating for the coaches and players. Having a reliable and consistent goal kicker is so crucial in the AIL when unconverted kicks cost the Belfast side at least a losing bonus point last Sat.

Quins Assistant coach Keith Pyper acknowledged his players came up against a well drilled team last week who took their chances. The squad know what they have to do to improve and have worked hard at training this week. For this weekend Rory Blake - Knox returns to the squad along with Ben Sloan. Quins are expecting Corinthians to be tricky opponents after losing their opening AIL game away to Blackrock 20 - 13 with both teams wanting to bounce back from defeats last weekend.

Malone v Highfield

The Gibson Park side caused an upset last week by travelling to Spafield in County Tipperary and defeating home side Cashel 21 - 13. This weekend they face another Munster side in newly promoted Highfield who opened their season with a narrow 16 - 13 win over Queens Uni in Cork.

Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong makes two changes to his squad with illness ruling out Rory Campbell to be replaced by Callum Smith with Philip Eadie replacing Lee Barlow in the front row. Second row Michael Shiels will face a late fitness test after picking up a shoulder injury against Cashel. Malone squad 1 - 20, Dane Fitzpatrick, Dave Cave, Philip Eadie, James McAllister, Michael Shiels, Ben McDonnell, Neil Alcorn, Philip Lucas, Shane Kelly, Nathan Brown, Michael Cartmill, Josh Pentland, Mark McCrea, Andy Bryan's, Mark O'Connor, Dan Kerr, Lee Barlow, Cory Tipping, Conor Spence and Callum Smith.

Former Ulster player Mark McCrea marked his return to AIL rugby with a try along with further tries from Michael Cartmill and new scrum half Conor Spence. The coach is taking it one game at a time as his players will face a big physical Highfield pack with games coming up against fellow Ulster sides Queens Uni and Banbridge in the coming weeks.

Queens Uni v Banbridge

Expect a large crowd to fill the magnificent Dub arena at the students venue for the game off the day in Ulster. Two teams that have ambitions to finish in the top four and secure promotion. The County Down side have the edge on the students after defeating them in three meetings last season in the AIL and Ulster Senior league. Much has been said about the under achievement of this Queens squad in recent seasons since winning the First Trust Senior Cup in 2013. Head coach Bob Young has assembled a strong playing squad and will look to his Ulster contingent that includes Captain Alex Thompson, Zac McCall, Nick Timoney and Marcus Rea in the forwards to give their talented backline plenty of ball. Injuries and unavailabilities rule out Robert Lyttle, Rory Butler and Josh Jordan. The talent is available in the students backs with players of the quality of Conor McKee and Paddy Farrell in the centre with Conor Kelly at full back. Both Josh Fullerton and Jack Milligan have a season behind them at 9 and 10 with the coach able to add Ulster under 19 players Jonny Stewart and Ali Burke to his selection options.

The problem so far this season for Head coach Bob Young has been in selecting a team due to Ulster commitments/releases along with players returning from work/ holidays. Pre season has been a total mix match of players from the 1st to the 4ths and scraping around to get a team out in pre season games.

Banbridge Head coach Daniel Soper was pleased with the positive start his players made in their 41 - 12 win over Sunday's Well last week. He describes it as early days with lots to keep improving on. Former Ulster scrum half Ian Porter had to pull out last Thursday due to a knock he received . He is back in training and is expected to take the place of Josh Cromie who had a very strong game last week. Second row Chris Allen was another injury concern injuring his ankle in the warm up on Sat. He only lasted 10 mins before being replaced. He is expected to be available this weekend otherwise the squad is unchanged.

The coach is wary of the Queens squad that contains a wealth of quality players who when they gel will be a strong side. They have been impacted by representative commitments but with a game under their belt at Highfield last week and a couple of weeks training together will be a dangerous team.

Ulster derbies always bring an added element and the Bann coach adds this fixture will be no different.

Nenagh Ormond v Cashel. Played Friday 23.9.16. kick Off 7.30pm
Galway Corinthians v Belfast Harlequins
Malone v Highfield
Queens Uni v Banbridge
Sunday's Well v Blackrock College

Div 2B

Armagh v City of Derry

On paper you would have to say there is only one winner in this match at the Palace grounds with the North West side still to record their first win of the season. City of Derry lost 32 -15 at home to Skerries last week with Armagh travelling to Donnybrook and picking up a 30 - 14 bonus point win at Bective Rangers.

Armagh Head coach Alex McCloy has a few injury concerns ahead of this weekend with Stephen Morton, Philip Fletcher, Eoin Baxter and Jonny Pollock picking up knocks. He is hoping to have Ryan Purvis and John Faloon available again . Developing strength in depth and adding new players to the squad with the signing of T C Campbell from Dundalk has been important with the seconds playing in the Conference League this season.
Although the team picked up maximum points in Bective it was a disappointing performance with the coach looking to his players to make fewer unforced errors and defend much better if they are to compete with City of Derry this weekend.

For City of Derry to lose so many quality players from last season's squad it has been a tall order for Richard McCarter and Stephen Douglas to take over as coaches of a much depleted squad assisted by James Doherty and Joe Gallanagh this season. With only limited pre season opportunities to work with the present squad it will be a case of developing the playing squad during the season.

As Richard McCarter put it, the club have had a lot of losses from a playing point of view which makes it more difficult for the coaches and players.

For that reason a lot of last year's fringe /2nd xv players have had to step up, but at the same time it has provided them with opportunities which may have been limited had the other guys still been available.

The coaching staff all believe that Derry have the capabilities to stay in Division 2B this season, however they are also realistic and understand that it is going to be a challenging season to say the least.

For the game at Armagh this weekend again it will be tough. Armagh are difficult to play against at the best of times, but the fact that they strengthened somewhat during the summer will make them even harder to beat. However for us, it has always been about us and ensuring that the team continue to improve on the training pitch, but obviously most importantly taking that into Saturday. If the players can stick to our game plan, be clinical and cut out the soft scores, we will be ok. It is crucial for the team to pick up some early season points.

Dungannon v Skerries

It is the turn of the Dungannon squad to trek south this weekend after their brave 20 - 15 win at home to MU Barnhall last week.

For Head coach Andy Hughes it was pleasing to come away with the win at home given the position his team were in with 30 mins to go. He felt the first half was similar to their two previous games against Armagh and Ballynahinch where the players put in a lot of hard work to create chances but the players inaccuracies had let the team down with defensive lapses costing the team cheap scores. In the final 30 mins against Barnhall the players simply managed to hold on to the ball for multiple phases and made the game look easy. To be honest the coach felt a little disappointed that the team did not pick up the bonus point try right at the end as the team were attacking in the opposition twenty two.

The new players Rodney Bennett, Joshua Kennedy and Tianua Poto were steady without being outstanding. It was the first time that the group actually played together so it will take a bit of time before the players really understand each others game. The coach feels his squad are a few weeks behind in their preparation so to get a win against a side like Barnhall was encouraging.

Two early injuries to Matty Montgomery and Jake Finlay in the first half required changes with Jack Ravey moved from scrum half to the wing and replaced by James Bates. John Buckley came on at full back with Paul Armstrong moving into the centre as the team recovered from these set backs. Two of Dungannon's three tries were scored by their bench replacements John Buckley and Adam Clarke with Paul Armstrong adding a third.

The coach is hoping to add Peter Doran, Jonny Toal, Gerard Treanor and Steven Sinnamon to his squad for this weekend.

Armagh v City of Derry
Greystones v Wanderers
MU Barnhall v Old Crescent
Skerries v Dungannon
Thomond v Bective Rangers

Div 2C

Bangor v Navan

The seasiders are still seeking their first win in the SONI Ulster Premiership League and the AIL after suffering a narrow 24 - 18 loss at Upritchard Park last week. Twelve points in the final quarter added a respectability to the scoreline after visitors Rainey had built up a 24 - 6 lead. It has been a case of the North Down team adapting to life in the Senior ranks after a 14 year absence. Injuries and players moving on because of employment opportunities have meant Head coach Jason Morgan has had to make key decisions in his partnering of Craig Burton in the second row with the departure of Michael Ferguson and Darren Kelly. New scrum half Alastair Lockhart was concussed in his first outing against Malone and has to follow the return to play protocols. With the departure of NZ scrum half Jason Guthrie the responsibility of wearing the 9 jersey has been handed to Shaun Fair. Injury has ruled out influential forward Curtis Stewart this week with Dave Caughey joining Craig Burton in the second row for the trip to Navan. With Gareth Millar returning to Uni both Glenn Burton and former Ards player Taylor Ferguson are added to the bench replacements. Navan will provide stern opposition for Bangor after winning 26 - 22 at Sligo last weekend.

Bangor squad 1 - 20. Philip Whyte (Captain), Conor Pyper, James Leary, Craig Burton, Dave Caughey, Mike Apsley, David Bradford, Jamie Clegg, Shaun Fair, Jason Morgan, Mark Widdowson, Desi Fusco, Mike Weir, Phil Broderick, Ross McCloskey, Conor McIlmurray, Andrew Shaw, Glenn Burton, Taylor Ferguson and Robert Gamble.

Rainey OB v Boyne

After being relegated from Div 2B last season Rainey have made a strong start to their season with two wins against Queens in the SONI Ulster Premiership League and the First Trust Senior Cup followed by a 24 - 18 win at Bangor last week. The presence of former Ulster stars Timothy Barker and Ricky Andrew's along with Ulster Academy prop Tommy O'Hagan and the addition of Western Province hooker George Fritz who all had a big impact on the teams win. Both Andrew's and Fritz scored two of their teams four tries in their bonus point win. The one area that will concern Head coach John Andrew's was the indiscipline of his players that resulted in three yellow cards and the way his team almost let Bangor in to win the game by letting slip a 24 - 6 lead to allow Bangor to score 12 unanswered points in the final 20 minutes. It was a relief for the Magherfelt side to hear the final whistle. We have heard of Alex Ferguson's reaction in the changing room with John Andrew's not missing the opportunity with his players in the changing room at the end of their match.

Boyne impressed in their 24 - 19 win over Bruff last week.

Rainey have a full squad at their disposal for the visit of Boyne to Hatrick Park. Coach John Andrew's is delighted with the competition for places. He describes it as healthy with the commitment to training as good as he can remember at the club. The three McCusker brothers Ronan, Michael and John are creating a lot of interest in Ulster rugby with their potential to play at the highest level. In former Ulster second row Timothy Barker they have the ideal mentor to develop their playing ability at Rainey. The addition of former Ulster player Ricky Andrew's is another positive step for Rainey. He again is playing a role in developing several of Rainey's young backs. One such player to make his presence felt is young Oisin Quinn who retains his place in the centre after impressing alongside Andrew's last week. Other players added to squad from last week include the unavailable Jonny Burgess, Jody and Damien McMurray and Gavin Martin. The coach was delighted with the win at Bangor and done a lot of straight talking with the players about their discipline, but on the back of three wins confidence is high and everyone is looking forward to their first home match in the AIL.

Bruff v Midleton
Kanturk v Seapoint
Navan RFC v Bangor
Rainey OB v Boyne
Tullamore v Sligo

Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Div 1

Ballyclare v Clogher Valley

After impressive wins away to Ballynahinch seconds last week and at home to Omagh there is a real sense among the players and supporters at Ballyclare this squad of players have the opportunity to bring some silverware to the Cloughan this season. They have back to back games coming up against Clogher Valley in the league at home this weekend followed by a trip next week to the Cran for a Junior Cup tie.

Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever is aware that Clogher are a bit of a wounded animal at the moment with a few results going against them. He expects them to arrive wanting to prove a point this weekend. However his side are in good form and growing in confidence with every match.

The additional support from Ulster prop Ricky Lutton has been excellent in assisting forwards coach Darren Best with the addition of former Queen second row Grant Bartley who captained the side in the absence of Gary Weatherup last week. In the backs Niall Lawther is playing superbly at out half as are the Johnston brothers Kirk and Ross in the forwards.

Former Queen back Robbie Reid has more than settled into the club and provides great options in play along with his goal kicking. The coach is also looking forward to several of his injured players returning over the next two weeks. There is a real buzz around the club after the four senior sides won last week.

Clogher Valley make some positional changes for this weekend with Richard Primrose returning to the front row and Michael Treanor taking his place in the second row alongside Eugene McKenna with Mark McKenna losing out. Jonny Porter comes into the back row with Allister Trenier reverting to the centre where he played last season. Injuries continue to rule out (Captain) Kyle Cobane, David Sharkey and Philip Holme with Toby McAlpine and Andy Breen unavailable.

In their last eight games since mid March Clogher have drawn 1 and lost 7. Their last win came at Ards.

Coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black face their biggest challenge to turn around the fortunes of this proud club. Many areas that were the strength of this team have failed to function this season with six of last seasons forwards still in place. The lost of talisman backrow David Sharkey along with their influential half back pairing of Aaron Best and Philip Holme has had a big impact on the team. Two young half backs Mark Ellis and Neil Trotter have had to take on this key role.

The ability of the team to win is still there after losing two games to Carrickfegus and Cooke the players felt they should have won. Both the coaches and the players are looking the team to raise their game at Ballyclare this weekend.

The challenge for Clogher Valley is to develop players that can play in Div One. With a small player base this will be a major challenge for the club.

Cooke v Portadown

This is another case of these two sides playing each other in back to back games over the next two weeks at Shaws bridge. First up is the league game followed by the 2nd round of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup.

Cooke Head coach Colin Atkinson and his assistant Phil Cartmill are taking it one game at a time with the small playing squad they have at their disposal this season with Andy Pollock and Ian Anderson joining Belfast Harlequins.

Injuries have ruled out Liam Bennett, Philip Cartmill, David Elliott, Adrian Dodd, Jamie McClelland and Niall Brown with the coaches losing Scott McClelland, Andrew Hanna and Josh Harper to University. Sam Boyd was playing international rugby league and picked up an injury in his last game. The coach welcomes back Sam Bridge to the squad this week. He handed 1st xv debuts to Matthew Crothers, Jonathan Walsh and Jonathan Backus against Clogher Valley last week.

Toby Mannus continues as Captain with the Gourlay brothers Alan and Alex key members of the Cooke back division. Alan kicked 3 x pens and Alex scored a try in the teams 19 - 7 win at Clogher.

Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley was delighted with his teams performance in their 43 - 17 win over Carrickfergus last week. The team scored seven tries with centre Craig Woods bagging three tries. Both Niall Davison and Neil Irwin scored tries last Sat with Niall now back at Uni with Neil unavailable for selection due to work commitments. Both had been playing well this season. Portadown now have strength in depth and bring in Brian Forrestal and Jonny Holden to replace them. Gareth McCoy returns to the back row with Ryan Muldrew taking his place on the bench. Several new faces on the Portadown side this season include former Portadown College players James Wright and Michael Orr along with Luke Ashton from England.

Dromore v Instonians

Intriguing game at Barben Hill this weekend. Dromore are a team with a lot of talent in their playing squad and have been strengthened by the return of Lee Steenson and Jason Gribben from neighbours Banbridge.
For this weekend Head coach Jonny Cullen makes a change at scrum half with John Russell unavailable. Lee Steenson will wear the 9 jersey. Johnny Maguire is in contention for a starting place after being out of action for a year with a fractured vertebrae. Injury rules out Jason Gribben after he suffered a fractured eye socket in the Conference league match against Ballymena seconds.

After losing their opening league game at Portadown , Dromore returned to winning ways with a 15 - 0 win at Ards last week. Johnny Maguire and Dylan Cobb scored tries with Lee Steenson adding a conversion and penalty.

Instonians Head coach William Leacock was disappointed to lose at home to Omagh last week. As he said, All credit to Omagh. They came up to Shaws bridge and played some really good rugby. They were physical and showed their experience to grind out a tight win. The coach thought his team were poor, not taking anything away from Omagh. His players have got to learn that every game in our league is a tough one and you can't afford to be arrogant or over confident.

Dromore will be another testing game which is a big game for his Instonians side. The league is wide open and his team need a big improvement in their performance against Dromore this weekend. The coaches welcome into the squad Mark Keane and Corrie Barrett from the successful Ulster under 19s who have already shown their class and hunger in training.

Enniskillen v Ards

Skins Head coach Willy Gibson was delighted with his teams 34 - 22 win against Ballymena seconds in the Conference league last week. His team were good in attack but lacked in defence. He felt his players gave Ballymena too much room, but again it was a bit of a trial side with 3 debutants and two 18 year old players stepping in.

The aim for the Fermanagh team is to be in the top six by Christmas and then work from there on improving all the younger players to create strength in depth to compete in Div 1. We want all the players to enjoy playing and create a true community rugby club at Mullaghmeen.

As for Ards this weekend, we see them as a dangerous side as we failed to perform in the playoff last year and they are fighting to get off the bottom of the table. With that said we are confident that the team will turn in a performance that we will expect from the players at home.

The coach is also pleased with the numbers from the seconds turning out to training. This helps both the 1st and 2nds to create a style of rugby across both teams.

Ballyclare v Clogher Valley
Cooke v Portadown
Dromore v Instonians
Enniskillen v Ards

Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship/Conference Div 1

Carrickfergus v Ballymena seconds
Omagh v Ballynahinch seconds

Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Div 2

Donaghadee v Limavady

Dee Head coach Mark Henderson is looking forward to his team playing their first game at Donaldson Park this season. Although the 1st xv during their rebuilding programme have suffered some heavy defeats this season, the training and attitude of the players has attracted players back to the club.

This now means for the teams first home game the management team have a full squad to select from barring any injuries at training and work commitments.

Up to now matches have been fragmented with players coming in at the last moment or being unavailable

for training due to work. This obviously causes problems for the team in defence and attack.

Last weeks defeat by Coleraine was more down to this problem than anything else. From viewing a video of the match it was apparent that most of the Coleraine tries were caused by Donaghadee players not being in the right place on the pitch. It was the same problem with the teams attacks, some great work against a much bigger pack yet tries were left on the pitch by that final pass not going to hand. This all came from a lack of the players playing and training together.

Limavady will be a hard first home game but the team are looking to perform and are confident of building as the season progresses.

Limavady Head coach Mark Nicholl was pleased with his teams 74 - 5 win over UUC last week. For the match at the Dee this weekend Clive Scott and Daniel Irvine miss out through injury with Sam Mackey, Michael Rice and Jamie Millar added to the squad.

Lisburn v Randalstown

1st xv manager Michael Knowles is looking for a turn around in the fortunes of his Lisburn team. A surprising 51 - 14 defeat at Larne has added to the problems for Lisburn Head coach Neil Hinds. Injuries and unavailabilities have hit Lisburn hard so far this season.

This week there has been more of a buzz around the club with the coaches hoping to see the return of few 1st xv regulars for Saturday. Selection to be confirmed on Thursday night. Both Matthew Arneil in the centre and Jonny Davis in the second row should be available. Club Captain Matthew Edgar will undergo a fitness test on Thursday night.

Injuries continue to rule out Jake Bebbington, Michael press and Ross Reaney.

Randalstown suffered a surprise 22 - 8 defeat at home to Grosvenor last week. Head coach Gary Longwell will be looking his team to bounce back at Blaris this week. A slow start against Grosvenor cost his team dearly as Grosvenor built up a lead Randalstown were unable to overhaul.

UUC V Academy

The students despite suffering heavy defeats against Limavady and Coleraine are quickly adjusting to the higher standard and physicality of rugby in Div 2 this season. Brett Campbell is confident that under the Captaincy of Marty O'Neill they are building a decent squad. Most returning students are now available and some exciting fresh talent will be integrated over the coming weeks. The students hope to add scrum half Brendan Park and Dutch student Pete MacCully at hooker with Mullingar's Gary Burke taking his place in the back row this weekend. It looks like injury will keep T Kavanagh at 12 and Pinkerton in the front row out this week. Debuts were given to two second rows Ryan Johnston and Sam McComb along with winger Stuart Ballantine against Limavady. The new players have shown they can play at this level.

The visit of Academy to the Crannagh looks to be another stern test for this young student squad. Head coach Jonny Black continues to make progress with the style of rugby he wants the students to play so they can become competitive.

Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn was disappointed with his teams performance in their 36 - 33 defeat away to Banbridge seconds in the Junior Cup two weeks ago. He felt his team lost the match due to a lack of concentration when Banbridge were down to 14 players. Academy reversed the result at Roughfort last weekend when they defeated Banbridge 25 - 22 in a Conference league fixture. This win the coach believes will lift his players going into the match at UUC. The team was able to avoid further injuries in the matches against Banbridge with several players unavailable for selection.

Donaghadee v Limavady
Lisburn v Randalstown
UUC v Academy

Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship/Conference Div 2

Armagh seconds v Coleraine

Coleraine Head coach Richard Boyd and his staff were delighted with the teams convincing 77 - 0 win over Donaghadee last week. His team were clinical and played some exciting running rugby against a depleted Dee side in a game that was blown up 20 minutes early. We are very aware that the players have to keep their feet on the ground , work hard and continue to improve as tougher opponents lie in wait. We have a big couple of weeks ahead with a tough trip to the Palace Grounds to play Armagh seconds ,followed by neighbours Limavady in the Junior Cup and a much improved Grosvenor team in the league.

The Conference league fixture this weekend provides the coaches with the perfect opportunity to rotate the squad and give opportunities to the stand out 2nd xv players who have been performing well under the guidance of Greg Jordan. In the pack Dijon McCorkell, John Rankin, Roger Bonnar and Mac O'Neill come into the squad with Chris Nash, Stuart Evans, Steven Dickey and Brian Hughes rested. In the backs Cameron Jinks and Cameron Fulton come in for Rhys McAuley and Niall Irwin who both picked up minor knocks last weekend. From experience Armagh is never an easy place to get a win and this match provides a great challenge for this young squad. it will be interesting to see if we can raise our game , match their physicality and keep the momentum going with a win on Saturday.

Armagh seconds v Coleraine
Banbridge seconds v CIYMS
Belfast Harlequins seconds v Larne
Grosvenor v Malone seconds

Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Div 3

BHSFP v Ophir
Letterkenny v Cavan
Lurgan v Newry
PSNI v Ballymoney
Strabane v Holywood
Virginia v Monaghan

George