What a pleasure it was to be at Rifle Park in Banbridge for the Ulster derby game between the host club and their near neighbours Ballynahinch. The sunny conditions brought out several hundred spectators who witnessed an absorbing game that was decided by a late penalty try in favour of the home side to win a closely contested game 28 – 24. It is twenty years since Banbridge took their place in the All Ireland League and they will face a playoff final against Cork students UCC at Rifle Park for a place in Div 1A of the UBL. The good news on Saturday kept coming in from the other playoff semi finals with City of Armagh winning 27 – 13 at Highfield to take their place in the final at home to Nenagh Ormond at the Palace Grounds on Saturday. Rainey OB secured their place in the playoff final at home to Navan RFC with a 26 – 14 win over in form MU Barnhall at Hatrick Park in Magherafelt. Belfast Harlequins were the only 9th place team to make it to a playoff final as they held on to defeat Malahide 19 – 13 at Deramore Park. They are now involved in an Ulster derby with Omagh who put in a strong finish to defeat Limerick visitors Thomond 34 – 13 at the Thomas Mellon Playing fields. Sadly in the Round Robin Playoffs Instonians lost 41 – 18 at home to Connacht champions Ballina to remain in 4th place with one game to play.

One story that pleased me was to hear about the brilliant individual try scored by Rainey OB full back Scott McLean in his teams win over MU Barnhall. We remember 12 months ago Scott picked up a serious injury that threatened his rugby career. Thanks to expert medical care he has made a full recovery and is now playing a key role in his teams attempt to win promotion this weekend. Head coach John Andrew’s had given Scott a starting place away to Old Crescent three weeks ago with Scott turning in an excellent performance. As John said he could not leave him out of the team against MU Barnhall with the player turning in a MOM performance.

Interesting looking at the teams involved in the Playoff Finals this weekend. The Banbridge v UCC game is a perfect example of how these two teams have progressed in the last three seasons. In 2015/16 season Banbridge finished 2nd and UCC finished 3rd . In their playoff semi final at Rifle Park the Cork students won by a convincing margin of 41 – 21 and then won the playoff final to secure promotion to Div 1B. The following season Banbridge won Div 2A and secured promotion to Div 1B where UCC had finished 5th in just missing out on the playoffs. This season both teams finished 2nd and 4th with the students recording an impressive 36 – 24 win at St Mary’s to meet Banbridge in the final. Neither team has played in Div 1A before. For Ulster club rugby it is imperative we have a team in the top Division. City of Armagh achieved promotion the hard way last season coming through the playoffs to take their place in Div 2A. This season they are travelling the same route after defeating Highfield in Cork. Their opponents in the final are Nenagh Ormond who like Armagh had to win away from home at UL Bohemians. You can see the progress Nenagh are making in Div 2A. They finished 5th in 2015/16 and 3rd in 2016/17 and 4th this season. Rainey OB like City of Armagh came through the playoffs to take their place in Div 2B this season. Their opponents Navan RFC won Div 2B ahead of Rainey in 2016/17. Ironic both newly promoted teams will meet in the playoff final this weekend. Belfast Harlequins suffered relegation from Div 1B in 2015/16 followed by relegation from Div 2A in 2016/17 into Div 2B this season. They now face newly promoted Omagh to retain their place in Div 2B. Last season Omagh won the Kukri Ulster Rugby championship Div 1 title in Ulster and came through the Round Robin playoffs to take their place in Div 2C this season. They have exceeded their expectations and find themselves 80 minutes away from playing in Div 2B next season.

One thing I will say to club rugby supporters in Ulster is that larger than expected crowds turned out at all the playoff semi finals last weekend. If you are intending to watch any of the games this weekend please get along early to the venues at Rifle Park in Banbridge, Palace Grounds in Armagh, Hatrick Park in Magherafelt and Deramore Park in Belfast for the Ulster derby between Belfast Harlequins and Omagh and make use of the impressive club facilities for supporters at all these venues with increasing numbers of spectators coming out to support the club game. It is important we all play our part in making sure we spread the word on the progress of club rugby in Ulster. Can we get four Ulster teams promoted this weekend with your support. Potentially if we could get City of Armagh promoted we will have five teams competing in Section 1 of the UBL next season. What an achievement for Ulster club rugby. They keep telling us we are not producing quality rugby players in Ulster to play professional rugby. The evidence over the last couple of seasons would say otherwise. Club playing structures are continuing to improve with improved coaching at all levels contributing to the progress of the men’s and women’s game in Ulster.

SONI ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP

The destination of the Stevenson Shield will be decided on Thursday the 3rd May when Malone and City of Armagh meet at Gibson Park with a 7.45PM KO. City of Armagh are the current holders having won the Shield for the first time last season. They need one point to win the league title with Malone needing to win with a bonus point to secure the league title and the Shield in the clubs 125th Anniversary season. With one game left to play in Div 1 City of Armagh have a five point advantage going into the Malone game.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Div 2: League Champions Grosvenor made it 18/18 with a 50 – 8 win over Larne. Coleraine students UUC overcame Donaghadee 19 – 13 in the Div2/Div 3 Playoff to retain their place in Div 2 next season. In Conference League One City of Armagh seconds won the league with a 54 – 15 win over Ballyclare 1st xv at the Cloughan.

Have to congratulate Grosvenor RFC on their achievements this season under Director of Rugby Ian Graham. After the 1st xv narrowly missed out on promotion last season they won 18/18 league games this season to secure the automatic promotion place into Div 1. It was not only at 1st xv level the club were successful. Their 2nd xv finished 2nd behind Rainey OB seconds to secure promotion into Provincial League One next season after losing out to Ballynahinch fourths in the final of the Crawford Cup. Head coach Robert Ford and his young coaching team are already planning and preparing for next season. Looking at the team who defeated Larne at the weekend the strength in depth the club is developing is reflected in the players who did not play on Saturday including Mark Johnston, David Egner, Peter Davison, Adam Skelton, Andrew Kelly, Jeff Mealiff, Mark Rainey, Mark Cartmill, Ben Coard, James Cartilage, Pearse Jamison and Allen McCluggage.

The students from Coleraine along with Lisburn and Limavady have defied poor showings in the first half of the season to retain their place in Div 2 next season. Can these teams build on this progress to challenge for a place in the top half of the table next season.

Donaghadee 1st xv will be disappointed they have missed out on promotion after losing their playoff with UUC and the Gordon West Cup Final to Lurgan. Unless Instonians win in Bandon to maintain their interest in the playoffs Donaghadee will on the evidence of this season be favourites to come through Div 3 as league winners next season. Can Instonians do the impossible and defy the odds this weekend.

UUC Director of Rugby Brett Campbell has asked me to include that UUC are celebrating 50 years of rugby on the Coleraine campus at their Presidents Day on the 5th May. The current 1st and 2nd xv along with the ladies teams will host exiles teams. The Club would like to hear from former students who played rugby or were involved at NUU or UUC over the years. The action starts at the Sam Logan Stadium with games kicking off at 1PM, 1.30PM and 2.30PM.

A Gala Dinner with 250 guests already signed up will start at 7.30PM on the campus.

The Club has also been given the honour of hosting the Junior Inter Provincial match between Ulster Juniors and Leinster Juniors at the Sam Logan Stadium on Saturday the 12th May with a 2.30PM KO.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE PLAYOFF SEMI FINAL RESULTS: SAT 21.4.18

DIV 1B SEMI FINAL

St Mary’s College 24 UCC 36

Banbridge 28 Ballynahinch 24

Banbridge team: 1. Eric O’Sullivan, 2. Peter Cromie. 3. Michael Cromie. 4. Chris Allen, 5. Stephen Irvine, 6. Caleb Montgomery, 7. Nick Hayes, 8. Greg Jones, 9. Jason Gribben, 10. Johnny Little, 11. Ben Carson, 12. James Hume, 13. Adrew Morrison, 14. Conor Field, 15. Adam Ervine (Captain), 16. Jonny Weir, 17. Stuart Cromie, 18. Mike Bentley, 19. Ryan Hughes, 20. Robin Sinton, 21. Neil Kilpatrick, 22. Ross Cartmill.

Points scorers: 1. Conor Field 1 x try, 2 x penalty tries, James Hume 3 x pens.

Ballynahinch team: 1. Jerry Cronin, 2. Clayton Milligan, 3. Stuart Orr, 4. James Simpson, 5. John Donnan, 6. Jack Regan, 7. Josh Davidson, 8. Conal Boomer, 9. Aaron Cairns (Captain), 10. Ryan Wilson, 11. Richard Reaney, 12.Stuart Morrow, 13. David Busby, 14. Conor Kelly, 15. Peter Nelson, 16. Conor Piper, 17. Campbell Classon, 18. Zac Ward, 19. Ollie Loughead, 20. Will Stewart, 21. Callum McLaughlin, 22. Chris Gibson, 23. Jonny Blair/Conor Phillips.

Points scorers: Richard Reaney 2 x tries, David Busby and Aaron Cairns 1 x try each. Richard Reaney 2 x cons.

DIV 2A SEMI FINALS

UL Bohemians 18 Nenagh Ormond 23

Highfield 13 City of Armagh 27

City of Armagh team: 1. Simon Carlisle, 2.Andrew Smyth, 3. Paul Mullan, 4. Josh McKinley, 5. Peter Starrett, 6. Robert Whitten, 7. Stuart Hooks, 8. Neil Faloon, 9. Harry Doyle, 10.Cormac Fox, 11. Ryan Faloon, 12. Johnny Pollock, 13. Chris Colvin (Captain), 14. Andrew Willis, 15. Timmy McNeice, 16. Jonny Morton, 17. Philip Matthews, 18. James Morton, 19. TC Campbell, 20. Evan Crummie, 21 Ryan Purvis, 22. Kyle Faloon.

Points scorers: Andrew Willis and Timmy McNeice 1 x try each. Cormac Fox 1 x con and 5 x pens

DIV 2B SEMI FINALS

Greystones 16 Navan RFC 22

Rainey OB 26 MU Barnhall 14

Rainey OB team: 1. Tommy O’Hagan, 2. Daniel O’Neill, 3. Kieran Donaghy, 4. Ronan McCusker, 5. John McCusker, 6. Timmy Barker, 7. Josh McIIroy, 8. Michael McCusker, 9. Jason Bloomfield, 10. Andrew Magrath, 11. Oisin Quinn, 12. Jodie McMurray, 13. Damien McMurray, 14. Nicholas Sterling, 15. Scott McLean, 16. Fintan Quinn, 17. Aidan McSwiggan 18. Neil O’Kane, 19. Darren Corrigan, 20. Michael O’Neill, 21 Andrew Harbinson, 22. Andrew Donaghy.

Points scorers: Scott McLean 2 x tries, Oisin Quinn 1 x try, Andrew Magrath 1 x con, 2 x pens and 1 x drop goal

DIV 2C SEMI FINALS

Belfast Harlequins 19 Malahide 13

Belfast Harlequins team: 1.Rory Harrison, 2. Rory Winters, 3. Mark McGrath, 4. Danny Annett (Captain), 5. Callum Leckey, 6. Jaz Andress, 7. Daryl Marshall, 8. Toby Mannus, 9. David Devine, 10. Timmy Emmerson, 11. Christian Bennison, 12. Paul Kerr, 13. Mark Gribben, 14. Richie McKee, 15. Mark Glover, 16. Saul Herdman, 17. James Harrison, 18. Dan Bingham, 19. Matthew Borne, 20. Thomas Gallagher, 21. James McConnell, 22. Ewan Strang.

Points scorers: David Devine, Toby Mannus 1 x try each, 1 x penalty try. Mark Gribben 1 x con.

Omagh 34 Thomond 13

Omagh team: 1. Peter Todd, 2. Philip Ewing, 3. Richard Smyth, 4. Johnny Sproule, 5. Jamie Sproule, 6. James Catterson, 7. Adam Longwell, 8. Matthew Clyde, 9. Stewart McCain (Captain), 10. Scott Elliott. 11. Matty Eccles, 12. Luke Hanson, 13. Scott Barr, 14. Ryan Mitchell, 15. Stephen MacLaine, 16. Richard Hemphill, 17. Kyle Alexander, 18. Stewart Allen, 19. Richard Harpur, 20. Eoin Murnaghan, 21. Yonga Taleni, 22. Ali Beckett.

Points scorers: Ryan Mitchell 2 x tries, Adam Longwell, James Catterson, Kyle Alexander and Ali Beckett 1 x try each. Scott Elliott 2 x cons.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV2

Grosvenor 50 Larne 8

Grosvenor team: 1. Mark Foster, 2. Stuart Smyth, 3. Willie Rea, 4. Peter Dawson, 5. Paddy Hamill, 6. Sam Purdon, 7. Taylor Pollock, 8. Philip Stoops, 9. Neil Adams, 10. Stuart McIIwaine, 11. James Greer, 12. Mitchell McComb, 13. Matt Johnston, 14. Ryan Ashfield, 15. Dean Swift, 16. Michael Boyd, 17. J Kennedy.

Points scorers: 1. Mitchell McComb 5 x tries, R Ashfield, N Adams, Paddy Hamill and Stuart McIIwaine 1 x try each. Stuart McIIwaine 6 x cons.

ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV2/3 PLAYOFF

UUC 19 Donaghadee 13

UUC team: 1. Callum Boardman, 2. Mike Smyth, 3. Gary Burke, 4. Dan Morgan, 5. Jake Stevenson, 6. Cori Hamill, 7. Chris Allen, 8. Ollie Millar, 9. Brendan Parke, 10. Stuart Ballantine, 11. Steven Logan, 12. Sam Hall, 13. David Gilkinson, 14. Hayden Maxwell, 15. Adam Johnston, 16. Pete McCully, 17. Wallace Bruce.

Points scorers: Dan Morgan 2 x tries, Brendan Parke and Stuart Ballantine 1 x try each. Stuart Ballantine 1 x con and 1 x pen.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CONFERENCE/ CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1

Ballyclare 15 City of Armagh seconds 54

City of Armagh points scorers: Shane McKeever 3 x tries, Stephen Morton, William Morton, William Holden, Matthew Reaney, Ruari Karlsen and Luke Crozier 1 x try each. Harry Boyd 7 x cons.

Ballynahinch seconds v Portadown. Conceded by Portadown

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

DIV 1A SEMI FINAL PLAYOFFS

Lansdowne (1) v Garryowen (4)

Terenure College (2) v Cork Constitution (3)

DIV 1B PLAYOFF FINAL

Banbridge v UCC

Head coach Daniel Soper has spoken about the two games against UL Bohs and Ballynahinch in recent weeks and the momentum swing on their season. This week against UCC is another big game for the 1st xv. What impressed the coach was the performance of the pack in the set piece at the scrum and lineout. After conceding two turnovers against Ballynahinch the team found themselves exposed with the visitors backline executing two excellent tries as they nailed their opportunities. The team did really well in the second half after the situation they had landed themselves in to go 24 – 12 behind. With the final 30 minutes being pretty tense the players may have left it late but they kept chipping away at the Ballynahinch lead to take control with the penalty try to win the game. The challenge for the coaching team and the players has been to keep evolving as a squad and develop new attacking layers. This group of players have been developing at Banbridge for 4/5 years with the players buying into the focus on catching/passing and using your feet.

Games against UCC have been high scoring affairs with the first meeting at Rifle Park where Banbridge built up a 31 – 10 lead only for UCC to draw level at 31 – 31. In the return game UCC led 24 – 0 only for Banbridge to lose 32 – 31. When these two teams meet it is a case of one team going ahead and the other coming back. Injuries have impacted on the Banbridge half backs with Ian Porter and Josh Cromie being ruled out through injury. Up stepped Jason Gribben backed up by Neil Kilpatrick to turn in impressive performances when it has mattered. Josh Cromie failed to come through a fitness test last week to play. The coach is hoping he will be available this week. Winger John Porter returns to the team after being unavailable due to family commitments to replace the unlucky Ben Carson who drops down to the bench. Captain Adam Ervine faces a late fitness but is expected to be fit.

Ulster releases include James Hume, Eric O’Sullivan, Greg Jones and Caleb Montgomery.

In the two meetings between these two teams this season UCC have not lost. They drew 31 – 31 at Rifle Park on the 23.9.17 with the students winning 32 – 31 at the Mardyke in Cork on the 7.4.18.

DIV 2A PLAYOFF FINAL

City of Armagh v Nenagh Ormond

Talking to Armagh assistant coach Chris Parker. Armagh are expected to be on similar lines to the squad that won at Highfield. One player returning to the squad will be prop Daryl Morton who failed a fitness test last Thursday to play in Cork.

These two teams have already met twice this season in the league. Armagh lost 38 – 32 at the Palace Grounds on the 28.10.17. In the return game at New Ormond Park Armagh won 39 – 26 on the 17.2.18.

DIV 2B PLAYOFF FINAL

Rainey OB v Navan RFC

Head coach John Andrew’s had set his players a target at the beginning of the season to make the playoffs this season. Now they are in the final and are 80 minutes away from playing Div 2A rugby next season. The coach was particularly pleased with the squads performance last Saturday in the win over MU Barnhall. Mid season injuries ruled out two key forwards Paul Pritchard and Brad Roberts. John Andrew’s is hoping that Paul Pritchard gets the all clear from his consultant on Thursday to join the squad for the match with Navan RFC. In addition to Scott McLean making a successful return hooker Daniel O’Neill has returned after being out for 18 months following cruciate surgery to play a key role in recent weeks through his line out throwing and loose play. Prop Neil O’Kane had announced his retirement at the end of last season. He got involved with Peter Boyle’s seconds at Xmas and has now stepped up to be part of the 1st xv squad in recent games. The Rainey back row has seen Josh McIIroy move in from centre where he played for the Ulster under 19s. He is joined by former Ulster second row Timmy Barker and Michael McCusker at number 8. It is the direct running of McCusker that has added impact to the Rainey back row in recent games. You can see how the added competition has meant disappointment for several players not making the squad. Injury has ruled out Michael O’Neill as he follows return to play protocols after being injured playing against Dungannon. The Rainey bench of Andrew Harbinson, Darren Corrigan and Neil O’Kane made a big impact last Saturday. Both teams have a big set of forwards that will cancel each other out. It is the Navan halfbacks led by out half Willy Staunton who can impose themselves on the match. It is a case of Rainey looking after the ball and keeping a pace in their match as they did against Barnhall. The Rainey squad is expected to be on similar lines to last week for the game this weekend. It has been a successful season for the Rainey club with both the seconds and thirds winning their leagues. The under 18s won their league and play City of Armagh in the final of the Ulster 18 Cup at the Kingspan stadium on Saturday.

These two teams have already met twice this season in the league. Rainey winning 20 – 13 at Balreask Road on 23.9.17 and Navan winning 15 – 6 at Hatrick Park on the 7.4.18

DIV 2C PLAYOFF FINAL

Belfast Harlequins v Omagh

Belfast Harlequins will enter this game on the back of four UBL wins including their semi final playoff win over Malahide. Talking to Head coach Nicky Wells this is a Cup Final for both teams. There will be no looking to see how other teams perform this weekend. It is all about Quins needing to perform to win this match. The situation the team find themselves in is of their own making. The good thing is they have been fighting like mad to steady the ship. Unfortunately for the team they have found form late in the season with the run coming too late to avoid the playoffs. The situation the team find themselves in is one they have to deal with. They can control their own destiny by winning on Saturday. With a win on Saturday the team can start building for next season. The coach has every confidence in the fitness levels of his players that has improved dramatically since Xmas. Whether it is 80/85 minutes his players will be competing. The confidence is great within the squad along with their positive body language.

Team wise the coach is hoping to start with a squad similar to last Saturday. Influential half back Conor McAuley will undergo a late fitness test on his hamstring injury. His availability could determine the outcome of this match.

Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall is in his 8th season at the club is so looking forward to the playoff final with Belfast Harlequins at Deramore Park on Saturday. He is so proud of the team and their achievements in the last 12 months. To finish second in their league this season and win their semi final in the manner they did at home to Thomond gives the coaches and players the hope they can win on Saturday and play their rugby in Div 2B next season. He feels the pressure is on Belfast Harlequins as they look to avoid relegation again this season. His players are within touching distance and are only 80 minutes away from promotion. Omagh have to make a few changes for this weekend with centre Scott Barr unavailable and replacement back row Richard Harpur ruled out after picking up a concussion injury in the final minutes against Thomond. Long term injuries rule out Adam Pollock, Mervyn Edgar and Neil Brown. The coach makes a couple of changes one positional in the backs with full back Stephen MacLaine moving into the centre and Ali Beckett coming in at 15. Both Adam Beattie and Jack Mitchell are added to the bench. Former 1st xv captain Kyle Alexander has returned from injury and along with forwards Richard Hemphill and Stewart Allen made a big impact off the bench against Thomond.

Both these teams met at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields in the Ulster Premiership league Div 2 at the start of the season. Belfast Harlequins were victors by 41 – 14 outscoring their opponents by 7 tries to 2.

ROUND ROBIN

Ashbourne v Ballina

Bandon v Instonians

Looking at the Round Robin table Instonians in 4th place find themselves eight points behind leaders Ballina with one game to play. To have any chance of finishing second they need to win at Bandon with a bonus point and deny the Munster team any points. They will also hope Ballina defeat Ashbourne and again deny them any points. Connacht league winners Ballina are looking favourites to secure the automatic promotion place with the second place team having to travel to Limerick to play Bruff in the Div 2C playoff game on the 5th May.

SONI ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP DIV 1

Ballynahinch v Ballymena. Played Thursday 26.4.18. KO 7.30PM

Malone v City of Armagh. Played Thursday 3.5.18. KO 7.45PM

ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP 2ND XV LEAGUE

City of Armagh seconds v Banbridge seconds. Played Wednesday 25.4.18. KO 7.45PM

Malone seconds v City of Armagh seconds. Played Tuesday 1.5.18. KO 7.30PM

ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP 2ND XV LEAGUE/ PROVINCIAL LEAGUE ONE PLAYOFF

Ballymena seconds v Dungannon seconds. Played Saturday 5.5.18. KO 2.30PM

JUNIOR INTER PRO MATCHES

Connacht Juniors v Leinster Juniors

Munster Juniors v Ulster Juniors

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3

Holywood v Strabane

NUTTY KRUST TOURNAMENT: FINAL

Ballynahinch v City of Armagh. Played Wednesday 25.4.18. KO 7.45PM

Enjoy your rugby this weekend. Our Community Rugby Clubs deserve your support.

George

PS You will notice a preview prepared by Ulster Rugby on their website covering the Ulster Bank Playoff games. I have had no involvement in its compilation.