As a Domestic club rugby supporter in Ulster you are excited by club teams pursuing league and cup honours in the closing weeks of the season. The annual traditional Irish weather may have stalled progress in recent weeks but minds are now totally focused on these remaining matches. So much goes through your head as you look at the remaining two rounds of the regular Ulster Bank All Ireland league fixtures. Promotion/Relegation. Will it be another successful season for the Ulster teams. The Ulster Rugby Championship is still playing out to the 14th/21st April until fixtures are completed with playoff fixtures to be decided. Is the season getting longer when we look back to August 2017 when clubs started playing friendlies and league fixtures. For a number of Ulster clubs they could still be playing into May 2018. Does the season ever end. Does it pose questions about the number of fixtures we play in Ulster.

Do our playing structures promote a level playing field for teams to be competitive. When you see 50/60 points separating ten teams in a league we have to ask ourselves have the people at the Ulster Branch got it right. How can such leagues be competitive and this includes the three divisions in the Ulster Rugby championship and the six leagues in the Provincial Leagues. What is in it for any team and their coaches when they put 60/70/80 points on their opponents in a match that is traditionally blown up early. Is there not room for All Ireland League clubs and Ulster Championship clubs to work together on player development where players are clearly capable of playing at a higher level than in the Provincial Leagues. Would such arrangements not benefit both clubs. Club Administrators have to ask themselves the question, is it more important to retain the prestige of playing at a higher level or placing your teams in leagues where they can be competitive. Those people at Ards RFC will not mind me using their club as an example. The club hung on for several years at a price to retain their All Ireland league position. Eventually time caught up with them. Now they find themselves in Div 2 of the Ulster Rugby Championship once again enjoying their rugby and being competitive. Are their lessons for other clubs who find themselves in a similar situation. As in any organisation you have to build from the bottom up to be successful. There are no short cuts.

One subject that caught my attention on the Ulster Rugby Website was the Consultation on Age Grade Rugby in Ulster. Timely I must say. Only query I have is it should have been expanded to include Under 12 – Under 20 not Under 18. This is an area of Ulster Rugby that has always concerned me as an observer of the Domestic game. If we have been following events on the IRFU website we will have witnessed the number of National squad fixtures taking place at Under 18 and Under 19 level over the Easter period to follow on from the Under 20 Six Nations matches. What does this tell us about Under Age Rugby in Ireland. Firstly the clubs particularly in Ulster are being left behind by the professional game in providing league structures for Under Age Rugby in the province. Yes we are delighted to see so many Ulster players involved. But again they come from a small band of elite rugby schools. I believe it is to do with our inability in Ulster to recognise that we need to prioritise playing structures to provide playing opportunities for under 18/19s and under 20 players to progress into playing Adult Rugby. Transition is the word being banded about at present.

In Ulster I believe clubs are too focused on putting out adult teams in preference to playing Under Age teams. The danger is that we placing young under developed and mentally unprepared players into an Adult environment they are not ready for. We all are not blind to the injuries they are sustaining and their future participation. Have we not a duty of care under Player Welfare. Recent Under 20 tournaments held at Coleraine and Malone have demonstrated the player base is there if only we were prepared to put the work in to make it succeed. You compare the top Club sides in Leinster, Munster and Connacht with Ulster and the work they put into Under Age rugby to sustain their competitive player base.

Why are clubs like Ballynahinch, Banbridge, Malone, City of Armagh and Queens Uni not fielding Under 19 and Under 20 teams. Do we not have a data base on player profiles to support Under Age rugby in Ulster. Ricky Huey has done excellent work in what one would term the Northern Region with Under 20 teams from City of Derry, Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Rainey OB and Ballymena to sustain Under 20 fixtures during the season. This culminated with Ballymoney winning the Under 20 tournament at Coleraine RFC on Easter Monday.

As one rugby official put it to me the rural clubs have been more effective at Under Age rugby than the clubs in the Greater Belfast area. Why is that happening. Is it the case that too many of our schools players in Belfast choose to go to University in Scotland and England. Outside the established Grammar schools in Belfast what are Ulster rugby doing to increase participation levels in the traditional non playing schools. The pool of players coming out of Grammar schools is to small to service all the clubs in Belfast. You will also notice that several clubs in Greater Belfast have no Youth sections. Have clubs become complacent in working to establish partnerships with schools and clubs. It is a lengthy subject that needs to be reviewed to increase the player base in clubs. The professional game has put in place structures to support their Provincial and National Under Age squads. Is it not time that we in Ulster brought together all the interested parties to reverse the decline in Under Age rugby most noticeably in the Greater Belfast area. Ballyclare is a positive example of what can be achieved. The Club 1st xv won the River Rock Towns Cup. Ballyclare High School won the Subsidiary Shield and Ballyclare Secondary School won the High Schools Cup in the last three weeks.

Congratulations to Ballyclare 1st xv on winning the River Rock Towns Cup after defeating Portadown 1st xv 27 – 6 in the Final on Easter Monday at the Kingspan stadium.

Ballyclare team: 1. Rory Henderson, 2. Matthew Coulter, 3. Ricky Lutton, 4. Robert Boyd, 5. Grant Bartley (captain), 6.Paul Robinson, 7. Gary Weatherup, 8. David Clarke, 9. Andy eastop, 10. Robert Smith, 11. Michael Kirk, 12. Joel McBride, 13. Robbie Reid, 14. Stuart Cusick, 15. Gary Clotworthy. 16. Dean Jones, 17. Robin Scott, 18. Aaron Playfair, 19. Niall Lawther, 20. Owen Kirk.

Points scorers: Paul Robinson and Matthew Coulter 1 x try each. Robert Smith 1 x con and 5 x pens.

Portadown team: 1. Mark Henderson, 2. Peter Lamb, 3. Matthew Wilson, 4. Willie Graham, 5. Mark Muldrew, 6. Gary Hall, 7. Jordan Taylor, 8. Dairmuid O’Kane, 9. Brian Forrestal, 10. Mark Adamson, 11. Craig Woods, 12. Jonny Holden, 13. Ollie Montels, 14. Conor Megarity, 15. Luke Ashton, 16. Matthew Davison, 17. Lee McClure, 18. Thomas Johnston, 19. Aaron Abraham, 20. David Whitten.

Points scorers: Mark Adamson 2 x pens.

Congratulations to Malone seconds on defeating Cooke 1st xv 21 – 10 in the Final of the McCrea Cup at the Kingspan stadium on Easter Monday.

Malone seconds: 1. Ricky Greenwood (Captain), 2. Connor Kelly, 3. Philip Eadie, 4. Tiarnan Dillon, 5. Lee Barlow, 6. Johnny Ogilby, 7. Neil Alcorn, 8. Max Porter, 9. Callum Jeffrey, 10. Bruce Duff, 11. Jack McMurtry, 12. David Irvine, 13. Ryan Spence, 14. Jack Knox, 15 Gareth Millar, 16. Tom Dullage, 17. Gary Crawford, 18. Aaron McKechnie, 19. Daryl James Maxwell, 20. Jonny Betts.

Points scorers: Connor Kelly, Johnny Ogilby and Neil Alcorn 1 x try each. Bruce Duff 3 x cons.

Cooke team: 1. Jonathan McClure, 2. Deaglan McErlean, 3. Russell Hunter, 4. Jonathan Walsh, 5. Jason Lyons, 6. Matthew Elliott, 7. Callum Robinson, 8. Adrian Dodd, 9. Ryan Flavelle, 10. Andrew Hanna, 11. Andrew Nelson, 12. Kyle Mitchell, 13. Jonathan Backus, 14, Alan Gourley, 15. Alex Gourley (Captain), 16. Robert Collins, 17. Karl Sloan, 18. Luke Farry, 19. Ian Anderson, 20. Colm Cregan.

Points scorers: Kyle Mitchell 1 x try and Alan Gourley 1 x con and 1 x pen.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE

Fixtures played Saturday 31.3.18

DIV 2A

City of Armagh 54 Blackrock College 24

Team: 1. Paul Mullan, 2. Andrew Smyth, 3. Daryl Morton, 4. Josh McKinley, 5. Peter Starrett, 6. Robert Whitten, 7. Stuart Hooks, 8. Neil Faloon, 9. TC Campbell, 10. Cormac Fox, 11. Ryan Purvis, 12. Johnny Pollock, 13. Chris Colvin (Captain), 14. Andrew Willis, 15. Tim McNeice, 16. Simon Carlile, 17. Jonathan Morton, 18. James Hanna, 19. Harry Doyle, 20. Evan Crummie.

Points scorers: Ryan Purvis and Robert Whitten 2 x tries each, Daryl Morton, Andrew Willis, Peter Starrett, Neil Faloon, Cormac Fox 7 x cons.

DIV 2B

Belfast Harlequins 56 Skerries 33

Team: 1. Mark McGrath, 2. Steven Weir, 3. James Harrison, 4. Danny Annett, 5. Callum Leckey, 6. Jaz Andress, 7. Matthew Borne, 8. Daryl Marshall, 9. David Devine, 10. Conor McAuley. 11. Peter Dunlop, 12. Mattie Mckenzie, 13. Mark Glover, 14. Richie McKee, 15. Paul Kerr, 16. Rory Winters, 17. Ken Mckenzie, 18. Jonny Siri, 19. Ethan Boal, 20. Matthew Robinson.

Points scorers: Mark Glover 4 x tries, Conor McAuley, Richie McKee, Daryl Marshall, and Paul Kerr 1 x try each. Mattie McKenzie 5 x cons and 2 x pens.

City of Derry 8 Sunday’s Well 15

Team: 1. Ross Harkin, 2. David Ferguson, 3.Sam Duffy, 4. Gerard Doherty, 5. Jack Townley, 6. Stephen Corr, 7. Jake McDevitt, 8. Craig Huey, 9. Tiarnan Thorton, 10. Conall Gill, 11. Conor Cummings, 12. David Graham, 13. Paddy Blennerhurst, 14. Nathan Cole, 15. Kyle Henderson, 16. Ryan King Magee, 17. Cathal Cregan, 18. Barry Lafferty, 19. Callum McDonald, 20. Richard McCarter.

Points scorers: Conall Gill 1 x try, David Graham 1 x pen

This weekend we have the penultimate fixtures taking place in Round 17 of the UBL. Can the Ulster teams emulate the achievements of Banbridge, City of Armagh and Rainey OB in securing promotion along with Omagh RFC who came through the Round Robin playoffs to take their place in the UBL last season.

In Div 1B Ballynahinch, Shannon and Banbridge are separated by one point in pursuit of the automatic promotion place to Div 1A. The relegation of 10th place Dolphin was confirmed to Div 2A last week with their defeat at home to Shannon. Ballymena find themselves battling to avoid 9th place and the playoffs. Three points separate Ballymena, UL Bohemians and Old Wesley with games remaining against Dolphin and Old Wesley for Ballymena.

In Div 2A Malone have a seven point lead on second place Highfield who have been their closest pursuers all season. Both teams meet in Cork this weekend with a win securing the automatic promotion place for Malone. City of Armagh need help from their Ulster neighbours if they are going to secure a play off place. Five points separate City of Armagh, Cashel and Nenagh Ormond. Queens University have endured a nine match losing run in the UBL with the team seven points ahead of 9th place Galwegians.

In Div 2B Rainey OB have been the best performing of the four Ulster teams in this Division. They are favourites to finish in second place and secure home advantage in the playoffs. Leaders Old Crescent missed out on promotion through the playoffs last season and secured automatic promotion to Div 2A after establishing a 13 point lead over Rainey OB with two games to play. They remain the only undefeated team in the UBL winning 16/16 matches. It is a different story for Dungannon, Belfast Harlequins and City of Derry. Dungannon are safe with Belfast Harlequins requiring a playoff to retain their place in Div 2B. The relegation of City of Derry was confirmed after their 15 – 8 home defeat to Sunday’s Well last weekend.

In Div 2C. What can you say about the progress of Omagh RFC after securing promotion to the UBL this season. With two matches to go they find themselves in a group of four teams separated by two points with two games to play in the contest for the automatic promotion place. What a story this would be if they succeed. Two defeats have ruled Bangor out of the playoffs. Unfortunately they find themselves in a situation along with Midleton, Seapoint , Bruff and Tullamore with six points separating these sides as they fight to avoid the playoff place. Bangor have to play Seapoint and Tullamore in their two remaining games.

Kukri Ulster Championship Div 1 winners Instonians open their Round Robin fixtures with a difficult opening game away to All Ireland Junior Cup winners and Leinster Junior 1A winners Ashbourne. This is followed by Ballina the Connacht champions at home on the 21st April and the Munster winners Bandon away on the 28th April. The winners of the Round Robin are automatically promoted to Div 2C of the All Ireland League next season. The second place team will play the team that finishes 9th in Div 2C on the 5th May with the UBL club having home advantage.

KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Fixtures played 31.3.18.

DIV 1

Clogher Valley 8 Coleraine 13

Clogher Valley team: 1. Philip Hopper, 2. Kyle Cobain, 3. Neil Henderson, 4. Michael Treanor (captain),5, Eugene McKenna, 6. Ross Finlay, 7. Jonathan Porter, 8. David Sharkey, 9. Neil Trotter, 10. Reece Smyton, 11. Mark Ellis, 12. Andrew Breen, 13. Allister Trenier, 14. Joshua Coulter, 15. Dylan Crawford, 16. M McKenna, 17. G Koszylowski.

Points scorers: Philip Hopper 1 x try, Neil Trotter 1 x pen

DIV 2

Ards 26 Ballymoney 21

Ards team: 1. Andrew Foster (Captain), 2. Tom Arthur Donnan, 3. Paddy Bond, 4. John Dowey, 5. Ross Torney, 6. Josh McFarland, 7. Ryan Thompson, 8. Onisi Burekama, 9. Alex Hendrickes, 10. Stuart Paul, 11. Adam Faloon, 12. Scott Young, 13. Trevor Devlin, 14. Adam Coulter, 15. Paul Cox, 16. Matty Kane, 17. Matty Bell.

Points scorers: Andrew Foster 2 x tries, Josh McFarland and Onisi Burekama 1 x try each, Paul Cox 3 x cons.

Ballymoney team: 1. Matthew Blair, 2. Kenny McAneaney, 3. Peter Irvine, 4. James Blakely, 5. Johnny McAleese, 6. Lewis Wray, 7. Curtis Pollock, 8 Michael Allan, 9. Jonny Linton, 10. Matthew Steele, 11. Gary Lee Pattison, 12. David McKeeman. 13. Andrew Young, 14. Simon McCrea, 15. Michael Armstrong, 16. Philip Beattie, 17. Jordan Neely.

Grosvenor 54 Limavady 12

Grosvenor team: 1. Mark Rainey, 2. Stuart Smyth, 3. Willie Rea, 4. Paddy Hamill, 5. Mark Cartmill, 6. Sam Purdon, 7. Taylor Pollock. 8. Andrew Kelly (Captain), 9. Adam Skelton, 10, Stuart McIIwaine, 11. Peter Davison, 12. Mitchell McComb. 13. Matt Johnston, 14. James Greer, 15. David Egner, 16. Mark Johnston, 17. Ben Coard.

Points scorers: Mitchell McComb 2 x tries, Stuart McIIwaine, Taylor Pollock, David Egner, James Greer, Matt Johnston and Peter Davison 1 x try each. Adam Skelton 7 x cons.

Randalstown 15 Academy 18

Randalstown points scorers: Ian Hume 1 x try, Martin Connolly 1 x con and 3 x pens.

Academy team: 1. Peter Jackson, 2. Lee Moody, 3. Troy Wilson, 4. Kyle Gregg, 5. Brian Cahill, 6. Richard Henderson, 7. Stewart Martin, 8. Keith Dobbin, 9. David Kenny, 10. Ross Bryans, 11. David McCullagh, 12. Stephen Fawcett, 13. Mark Wylie, 14. Lewis Davidson, 15. Simon Beattie. 16. Jordan Elliott, 17. Jamie Wilson.

Points scorers: Stewart Martin and David McCullagh 1 x try each, David Kenny 1 x con and 2 x pens.

UUC 35 Larne 25

UUC points scorers: Steven Logan 2 x tries, Ollie Millar and Bernard Mullan 1 x try each, Stuart Ballantine 3 x cons and 3 x pens.

In Div 1 we have several outstanding matches that will impact on who finishes in the top four and qualifies for the AIL Junior Cup next season and who between Enniskillen and Portadown will play in the playoff match for their place in Div 1 next season. Fourth place Carrickfergus have a one point advantage on 5th place Dromore. If Carrick defeat Clogher Valley at home this week with a bonus point Dromore will not be able to over take them. Dromore will complete the league programme in this Division when they play Cooke at Barban Hill on Thursday the 12th April with a 7.30PM KO. If Instonians are promoted to the UBL next season, Dromore will take their place in the AIL Junior Cup.

The relegation of Clogher Valley was confirmed to Div 2 when they lost 13 – 8 to Coleraine at the Cran last Saturday. It means that 9th place Enniskillen who are three points behind Portadown need to defeat Coleraine at Mullaghmeen this Saturday to avoid the playoffs. A win for Enniskillen will see Portadown playing Randalstown in the playoff match at Chambers Park on the 14th April.

In Div 2 Grosvenor have already been confirmed as league champions and will play their rugby in Div 1 next season. They have won 16/16 league matches and are determined to finish their season undefeated. One other interesting Statistic is that the team have scored 98 tries in their 16 league matches to date. Randalstown remain favourites to finish second and secure the playoff match against either Enniskillen or Portadown away on the 14th April. Mathematically Academy are the only side who could overtake Randalstown. Randalstown would need to lose at Larne on Sat with Academy winning their last two matches away to Grosvenor and home to Larne with a bonus point to overtake Randalstown.

What we have taking place at the bottom end of the table is a mini league involving UUC, Lisburn and the PSNI. UUC have a one point advantage over Lisburn with the PSNI trailing Lisburn by 14 points. Defeat for the PSNI at Limavady on Saturday will see them relegated. All three teams have three games to play in eight days starting from Saturday that will determine who is relegated and who will finish in 9th place and the playoffs. The students have Ards (H), Limavady (H) and Lisburn (H) to play. Lisburn have Ballymoney (A), UUC (A) and PSNI (H). PSNI have Limavady (A), Lisburn (A) and Ards (A). UUC have won 3/6 league games played and surprised Larne on Sat winning 35 – 20 to move up into 8th place one point ahead of Lisburn. The team that finishes in 9th place will play the 2nd place team in Div 3 at home on the 21st April.

Div 3 Lurgan and the Donaghadee are separated by three points going into their final game at Donaldson Park on Saturday the 14th April. These two teams will meet in the Final of the Gordon West Cup at the Kingspan stadium on Saturday the 7th April. Whoever finishes in 2nd place will play the 9th place team in Div 2 away for a place in Div 2 next season on Saturday 21st April.

ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE: ROUND 17

DIV 1A

Dublin Uni (8) v UCD (7). Played Thursday 5.4.18. KO 7.30PM

Buccaneers (10) v Garryowen (4)

Cork Constitution (3) v Terenure College (2)

St Mary’s College (9) v Clontarf (5)

Young Munster (6) v Lansdowne (1)

DIV 1B

Dolphin (10) v Ballymena (8)

Old Belvedere (5) v Shannon (2)

Old Wesley V Ballynahinch (1)

UCC (4) v Banbridge (3)

UL Bohemians (9) v Naas (6)

Ballymena v Dolphin

Head coach Andy Graham was delighted with the 20 players who played for Ballymena against UL Bohemians two weeks ago in winning a crunch game by 31 – 17. With so many players unavailable several players were asked to step up for this match with the coach full of praise for Ben O’Ryan who played in the second row and put in a very impressive performance alongside Mark Foster. The Gallagher brothers James and Dominic were another example of what can be achieved by players who are totally committed for 80 minutes. Michael Stronge at scrum half and the experienced Brett Herron controlled the game and kept play in the right parts of the pitch with winger Dean Reynolds finding form at this stage of the season. The focus for the players was to perform their rolls, win the mini battles and put in a performance to win the match. This the team achieved. There was relief all round at the end of the game with the win that has lifted everybody at the club. The players know they face a tough challenge at Irish Independent Park this weekend when they travel to Cork for another crunch game. Dolphin may have been relegated last Saturday after their defeat against Shannon but they have shown in their recent defeats against Shannon and Ballynahinch they are a difficult side to play against. In the experienced Barry Keeshan at out half they have a player who can control a game. Dolphin have a big strong physical pack who will trouble the Ballymena forwards. They have their pride to play for. It will be a case of the Ballymena players fronting up in the physical collisions and being mentally right for a game they have to win.

Ballymena team 1. Josh Bill, 2. Adam McBurney, 3. Ross Kane, 4. Mark Foster, 5. David Whann, 6. Clive Ross (Capt), 7. Matty Agnew, 8. Marcus Rea, 9. Michael Stronge, 10. Brett Herron, 11. Glenn Baillie, 12. Alan Smyth, 13. Callum Patterson, 14. Dean Reynolds, 15. James Beattie, 16. Chris Cundell, 17. James Taggart, 18. Conor Smyth, 19. James Gallagher, 20. Matthew Norris.

Ulster releases include: Callum Patterson, Brett Herron, Marcus Rea, Clive Ross, Ross Kane and Adam McBurney. Both Matty Agnew and Michael Stronge are members of the Ulster Sub Academy.

Two Ulster A players Marcus Rea and Adam McBurney are carrying knocks from the weekend game against Bedford Blues. If they are ruled out James Gallagher will come into No 8 with his brother Dominic taking his place on the bench. James Taggart will come in at hooker with either Andrew Ferguson or Ryan Matheison covering from the bench. Ben O’Ryan is the unlucky player to miss out on being included in the squad after his performance against UL Bohemians. Stephen Mulholland is unavailable due to work commitments. Both Angus Kernohan and Azur Allinson are involved with the Ireland under 19 squad this week. Robert Balacoune is away with the Ireland Sevens Squad. Full back Rodger McBurney is unavailable as his wife is expecting this weekend.

When Ballymena and Dolphin met at Eaton Park on the 23.9.17 the Cork visitors left with a 10 – 6 win. The challenge for Ballymena this week is to reverse their five match losing run away from home.

Ballynahinch v Old Wesley

Talking to Ballynahinch Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan the focus for the Ballynahinch coaches and players is winning their next two games against Old Wesley and Old Belvedere. He regards the trip to Donnybrook on Sat as a tricky fixture with Old Wesley needing the points to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs. As he points out Old Wesley have picked up 7 losing points during the season. With a bit of luck they could have been competing for a playoff place. The Ballynahinch players will look forward to playing on the 4G pitch at Donnybrook with its fast surface suiting the team. Team selection has to be finalised. Ulster releases include Peter Browne, Pete Nelson, Aaron Cairns and Jack Regan with injury ruling out David Busby, Jonny ‘Mo’ Simpson, Rory Butler and Aaron Hall. There is a possibility Zac McCall could be released subject to a late fitness test. Again there is doubt over Pete Nelson as he may be required by Ulster for the Edinburgh game. Hooker Clayton Milligan is with the Ireland under 19 squad this week. Callum McLaughlin will undergo a late fitness test on Thursday night. The coaches will welcome back number 8 Conal Boomer who was injured in the match at UL Bohemians. If Zac McCall is ruled out the options available include bringing in Conor Piper who played against Dolphin, Ben Pentland, Andy Harper and Conor Phillips with prop Jerry Cronin another option who can fill the number 2 jersey.

The squad is expected to be on similar lines to the side that defeated Dolphin 26 – 15 two weeks ago with Conal Boomer returning this week. Former Wallace High School player Ryan Wilson has stepped into the out half position and performed very well in the absence of Jonny McPhillips and Pete Nelson. With the injury to David Busby former Down High School player Paddy Wright has stepped into the wingers position. After being out with a long term injury back row forward Zac Ward has returned to score three tries in his last two UBL matches.

When these two teams met at Ballymacarn Park on the 23.9.17 Ballynahinch won 27 – 6.

Banbridge v UCC

Head coach Daniel Soper is looking forward to the next two weeks with games coming up against UUC and UL Bohemians at home. UUC are another team Banbridge have always had very close fixtures with over the past two years. This week is likely to be no different. The squad has worked hard over the last two weeks on their defence which at times let them down in the high scoring 40 – 31 win at Naas. The coach has been trying to add layers and variety to their attack. There is only one change from the squad that travelled to Naas. Eric O’Sullivan returns from injury and takes Tom O’Toole’s place as he has not been released by Ulster.

Ulster releases include: Caleb Montgomery, Eric O’Sullivan, Greg Jones and James Hume. Injury rules out Michael Lowry with both Rob Lyttle and Tom O’Toole not released.

Banbridge remain undefeated in their last five UBL games. UUC won 26 -22 at Old Belvedere in Round 16. They went down surprisingly 36 – 31 at home to Naas last Sat in a rearranged Round 15 game.

When these two teams met at Rifle Park on the 23.9.17 the match finished in a high scoring 31 – 31 draw.

DIV 2A

Cashel RFC (4) v Blackrock College (7)

City of Armagh (5) v Galwegians (9)

Galway Corinthians (10) v Greystones (8)

Highfield (2) v Malone (1)

Nenagh Ormond (3) v Queens University (6)

City of Armagh v Galwegians

Armagh coaches Willy Faloon and Chris Parker made a number of changes to their starting xv for the 54 – 24 win over Blackrock College last Saturday. Paul Mullan came in at prop, TC Campbell at scrum half and Ryan Purvis on the wing. The team needed the bonus point win to remain in the chase for a play off place which they achieved with Ryan Purvis scoring two of the teams eight tries. The team will need a favour from somebody against Cashel or Nenagh Ormond over the next two weeks with the players staying focused on making sure they can get a win at the weekend over Galwegians and stay in the hunt for a playoff place when they travel to Greystones for their Round 18 match.

Back row forward Stuart Hooks is unavailable this weekend and will be replaced by James Morton in the match day squad. Winger Robbie Faloon is fit again and will come into consideration for a place in the squad.

When these two teams met at Crowley Park on the 23.9.17 Armagh won 26 – 10. Galwegians have won 2/3 last games played including an away win at Queens University.

Malone v Highfield

One win from their two remaining games and Malone will win Div 2A. They travel to Cork this week to play their nearest challengers Highfield. Despite their seven point advantage Head coach Paddy Armstrong and the players will be looking to win this match and secure the league title in Cork before they return home to play Nenagh Ormond next Saturday 14th April at Gibson Park. The coaches will be without forwards Michael Shiels and Peter Cooper who are both ruled out through injury. Ulster releases include Jack Owens and Joe Dunleavy. Malone will be hoping to welcome back Michael Cartmill and backs coach Josh Pentland who missed the teams 22 – 17 win over Cashel at Gibson Park two weeks ago. Several injuries have provided opportunities for players from the second xv to step up and play their part in clubs ambition to secure promotion in their 125th Anniversary season. The strength in depth at the club was emphasised at the Kingspan stadium on Easter Monday when the second team retained the McCrea Cup after defeating Cooke 21 – 10.

Paddy Armstrong was delighted with the seconds winning the McCrea Cup. They fully deserved it for all the hard work put in by the players and the coaches. Credit to Cooke who were fully committed and pushed the team the whole way. He recognises that Highfield are a well coached side and will provide a big challenge this week. Selection will be finalised later in the week with the coaches awaiting some fitness tests.

When these two teams met at Gibson Park on 23.9.17 Malone won a tight game 21 – 14. In their Round 16 match Highfield won 43 – 36 at Queens Uni. In their rearranged Round 15 match they defeated Greytones 15 -12 last Friday night. The Cork side have only lost once at home this season with Queens Uni winning 16 – 14 on the 30.9.17.

Queens University v Nenagh Ormond

Rugby Consultant Neil Doak and his coaching team of Derek Suffern and DJ Creighton will be looking to see their Queens team end their nine match losing run in the UBL when they travel to Tipperary to play Nenagh Ormond. They lost their Round 16 game at home to Highfield 43 – 36. Nenagh were made to work hard in their rearranged game at home to Galway Corinthians last Friday night winning 15 – 13. In their previous home game against City of Armagh on the 17.2.18 Nenagh Ormond lost 39 – 26.

Ulster releases include: Alexander Clarke and Jonny Stewart with Angus Curtis not released.

When these two teams met at Dub lane on the 23.9.17 Nenagh Ormond won a high scoring game 37 – 31.

DIV 2B

Belfast Harlequins (9) v City of Derry (10)

Dungannon (6) v Sunday’s Well (7)

MU Barnhall (3) v Old Crescent (1)

Rainey OB (2) v Navan RFC (4)

Wanderers (5) v Skerries (8)

Belfast Harlequins v City of Derry

Both Ulster sides occupy the bottom two places in Div 2B with the relegation of City of Derry confirmed last Saturday after losing 15 – 8 at home to Sunday’s Well. Belfast Harlequins have to go through the playoffs to retain their place in Div 2B next season. The team did record a emphatic 56 – 33 win over Skerries at Deramore Park last week to build momentum going into the playoffs.

Quins Head coach Nicky Wells is awaiting late fitness tests before finalising his front row for Saturday. His backline will remain the same with Toby Mannus returning at number 8 in place of the injured Matthew Bourne.

City of Derry backs coach Richard McCarter was delighted to see his side being competitive in their match against Sunday’s Well last Saturday. The team are looking to build on this performance but again they are impacted by player unavailability for selection. Both Adam Bratton and Thomas Cole return to the squad this week.

When these two teams met at the Craig Thompson stadium on the 23.9.17 City of Derry won 32 – 17.

Dungannon v Sunday’s Well

It has been a frustrating couple of months for Head coach Andy Hughes and his players. Five consecutive UBL defeats have knocked the Tyrone side out of contending the playoffs. Two months ago Dungannon defeated Wanderers 24 – 17 at the Aviva stadium on the 27.1.18. The talk was then about being one of the top four contenders with everyone fit and the team going well after five consecutive UBL wins. Now the coach is struggling to get a team out as they fight to finish mid table. As Andy Hughes pointed out. It is the team who can stay injury free that will win the league. The aim now is for the team to put in a strong finish in their two remaining matches. For the coaching staff and the club it is a matter of sitting down at the end of the season to see what the team have to improve on going forward along with trying to retain the playing squad and hopefully strengthen it.

The coach and the players are looking forward to Sunday’s Well coming to Stevenson Park for their last home UBL match. The Cork side are always hard to play against. They bring a lot of energy and compete for everything so he is looking his team to be more clinical at the breakdown and try to limit their error count. He felt the team produced more clean breaks against Old Crescent two weeks ago than they have in any other game this season. But the teams lack of patience in the opposition twenty two meant the players did not get the rewards they deserved in the 31 – 7 defeat.

This weekend Chris Swash returns at out half after injury with Conor McGeough dropping to the bench. The rest of the starting team remains the same as played against Old Crescent with the bench replacements to be named after Thursday night training.

When these two teams met at Irish Independent Park on the 23 .9.17 Dungannon won 19 – 10. The Cork side will be difficult opponents having won their last four UBL games.

Rainey OB v Navan RFC

Head coach John Andrews will be relieved his Rainey side have an eight point advantage over 3rd place MU Barnhall going into their final two games. It is all about securing home advantage in the playoffs. Navan have made their intentions clear winning 3/4 matches played in UBL including a 46 – 12 win over MU Barnhall in Round 16.

The coach has a full squad to pick from with the exception of Paul Pritchard and Brad Roberts. Tommy O’Hagan maybe available depending on game time he gets for Ulster against Edinburgh on Friday night.

Ulster releases include: John McCusker.

When these two teams met at Navan on the 23.9.17 Rainey won 20 – 13.

DIV 2C

Bangor (6) v Seapoint (7)

Bruff (8) v Bective Rangers (10)

Malahide (4) v Sligo (2)

Midleton (5) v Omagh (2)

Thomond (1) v Tullamore (9)

Bangor v Seapoint

Two defeats have seen this Bangor team drop out of the playoffs. They find themselves only six points ahead of 9th place Tullamore who they play away in their final Round 18 match. The game at home to Seapoint on Saturday is a must win game to avoid any late drama in getting caught up in the playoffs. Seapoint have shown in recent matches winning 3, drawing 1 and losing one away to Omagh they will provide stiff opposition for the home side at Upritchard Park on Saturday.

Talking to Bangor Chairman Jonny Watson it is a case of the Bangor squad having to dig deep to field a team against Seapoint on Saturday. Injury and unavailability rule out Phil Whyte, Max Montgomery, Andrew Jackson, David Bradford, James Henley, Ryan Latimer, Jamie Clegg, Ali Lockhart, Lewis Brett, Ross McCloskey, Rob Gamble, Phil Broderick and David Charles. Bangor are fortunate through the efforts of Danny Curran they continue to strengthen their playing squad. Players such as Conor McEvoy, Matt Nesbitt, Charlie Blair, Ethan Murray and Zach Kerr have all trained with the squad this week and will come into contention for a starting place. Second Row Dave Caughey returns after missing the game against Midleton. The Bangor coaches Jason Morgan and Lewis Stevenson will be looking to their experienced players James Leary, Andrew Shaw, Lewis Stevenson, Mike Apsley, Jack Cooke, Mark Widdowson , Mikey Weir and Captain Desi Fusco to steer the team through their remaining two games.

When these two sides met at Seapoint on the 23.9.17 Bangor lost a tight game 12 – 8. Points valuable to both teams this week.

Omagh v Midleton

Can this Omagh side extend their four match unbeaten run when they travel to Cork on Saturday to play a Midleton side who have won 3/4 games played including an emphatic 37 – 8 win over Bangor at Upritchard Park in Round 16.Head coach Philip Marshall is expected to make one change to the squad that won 42 – 22 at Bective Rangers in Round 16 with Richard Hemphill coming in as front row cover. He has yet to finalise his starting xv but is looking to use the same squad to see out the remaining games.

The coach is expecting a very difficult game with Midleton. Any kind of result will do with his side having nothing to fear. It is a great end to a season full of surprises. As he put it his team now know they deserve to be in this company after their performances this season. Omagh conclude their Round 18 fixtures with a match at home to Bruff. Can the impossible happen for a club that has won the hearts and minds of rugby supporters throughout Ulster this season.

When these two teams met at the Thomas Mellon playing fields on the 23.9.17 the match finished in a 29 – 29 draw.

ULSTER RUGBY PREMIERSHIP SECOND XV LEAGUE

Banbridge seconds v Ballynahinch seconds

Malone seconds v City of Armagh seconds

ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT: ROUND 1

Ashbourne RFC (Leinster) v Instonians (Ulster)

Ballina(Connacht) v Bandon (Munster)

Instonians v Ashbourne

Instonians Director of Rugby William Leacock recognises that Ashbourne are a very good team and will present a huge challenge on their home pitch for his team. He is pleased that he has a squad of 20 players to work with on match day. Ben Alexander, Sean Shuttleworth and James Campbell are added to the squad this week. We all wish them well. Can they become the 13th Ulster team competing in the All Ireland league.

ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1

Enniskillen (9) v Coleraine (7)

Carrickfergus (4) v Clogher Valley (10)

Dromore (5) v Cooke (7). Played Thursday 12.4.18. KO 7.30PM

Enniskillen v Coleraine

Head coach Willy Gibson is looking his players to repeat their match winning 17 - 16 win at Ballyclare two weeks ago when they play Coleraine at Mullaghmeen this weekend. A win for Enniskillen will secure their place in Div 1 next season. Coleraine made sure of their place in the Div with a 13 – 8 win at Clogher Valley last Saturday. For the Enniskillen players they have had to face a lot of travelling with seven of their last eight games being played away from home. Their last home game was the 25 – 7 win over CIYMS on the 10.2.18 to make it 4/6 wins at home. Coleraine timed their run by winning 3/4 games after securing promotion from Div 2 last season.

When these two teams met at Rugby Avenue on the 2.12.17 Coleraine won a close game 15 – 5.

Carrickfergus v Clogher Valley

A Carrick win with a bonus point against Clogher Valley will secure 4th place in the league and qualification for the AIL Junior Cup for coaches Davy Scott and Michael Rainey. Two weeks ago Carrick scored eight tries in their 48 – 10 win over Portadown at the Tom Simms Memorial Grounds.

When these two teams met at the Cran on the 2.12.17 Clogher Valley won 21 – 10.

Dromore v Clogher Valley

If Carrick win with a bonus point Dromore will be depending on Instonians returning to the All Ireland league to secure a place in the AIL Junior Cup.

When these two teams met at Shaws bridge on the 2.12.17 Cooke won a close game 14 – 8.

ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2

Ballymoney (3) v Lisburn(9)

Grosvenor (1) v Academy (4)

Larne (6) v Randalstown (2)

Limavady (7) v PSNI (10)

UUC (8) v Ards (5)

Ballymoney v Lisburn

Jonny Hanna was delighted to see his young Ballymoney side compete so well against an experienced Ards team before going down 26 – 21 last Saturday. The team played with real intensity and despite the changes due to unavailability and work commitments the team played well and could have won the game at the end but failed to take their chances. On the other hand Ards had limited chances but took them all and converted two tries early in the second half to take the lead. This week against Lisburn the team will play with the same tactics as they select a young side from a mixture of school leavers along with players coming up through the under 18s and some young players from the second xv who have performed well this year.

Ballymoney will welcome back Daniel Ramage and Michael Allen in the forwards and James Cleland and Martin Irwin in the backs. These four players will give the team the experience through the spine of the team and allow the young players to play rugby against Lisburn. Matthew Steele is unavailable this week.

The coaches Jonny Hanna, James Cleland and Martin Irwin were delighted with the performance of the Ballymoney under 20 team in winning the under 20 tournament at Coleraine on Easter Monday. With the Instonians tournament cancelled there were some strong squads competing with Ballymoney recording wins over Rainey, Letterkenny and City of Derry before defeating Coleraine in the final.

Lisburn Director of Rugby Michael Knowles agrees it is a big couple of weeks coming up for the club. He wasn’t surprised by UUC defeating Larne last Saturday. The students are a good side. He expects them to pick up one more win before the two teams meet at the Sam Logan stadium on the 14th April. This Saturday is vital for Lisburn to win their match at Ballymoney.

Selection for Lisburn is expected to be on similar lines to the side that drew 27 – 27 with Ards two weeks ago. Both Craig Walsh and Matt Edgar are expected to be involved in the game this week.

When these two sides met at Blaris on the 2.9.17 Ballymoney were convincing winners by 41 – 19.

Grosvenor v Academy

What more can you say about this Grosvenor team. 16/16 has the team looking to make it 18/18 with games remaining against Academy and Larne. Limavady were the latest visitors to Gibson Park and conceded eight tries before losing 54 – 12. That make sit 98 tries in their 16 league matches.

For the game against Academy Grosvenor coaches Robert Ford and Michael Smyth have a strong squad to select from with Peter Dawson and Philip Stoops returning to the pack in place of Mark Cartmill and Taylor Pollock. Grosvenor will be looking a win as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary at a Dinner in the Gibson Park clubhouse on Saturday night.

Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn was delighted with his teams 18 – 15 win at Randalstown last Saturday. It leaves Academy with an outside chance of finishing second if they defeat Grosvenor and Larne in their final two games and Randalstown lose at Larne on Saturday. He believes inconsistency has cost his team dearly this year in the league. He is hoping his players can learn from it to take into next season.

When these two teams met at Roughfort on the 2.9.17 Grosvenor won 32 – 17.

Larne v Randalstown

It has been a disappointing run in for both these teams. Larne have lost their last two games away to UUC and Ballymoney with Randalstown losing their last two home games to Academy and Limavady. Not the form we expected from Randalstown as they remain favourites to finish 2nd in Div 2.

Talking to Randalstown 1st xv Manager Willie Allen. They lost another two props to injury on Saturday and had to play most of the second half against Academy with 14 players. Given the injuries in the match the team were pleased to get a point from the game. Willie Allen has been involved with Randalstown 1st xv for 9/10 years and never remembers the team having won a match at Larne although they have been close affairs.

Limavady v PSNI

Head coach Mark Nicholl was impressed by the Grosvenor team despite the 54 – 12 defeat they suffered at Gibson Park. He thought the Grosvenor side did the basics very well and were very clinical with the ball. He felt it was the teams worst performance since November but took nothing away from Grosvenor who were deserving winners on the day and are by far the best team in Div 2.

Two games left for Limavady to play against PSNI and Lisburn. The coach is looking to win both games to finish the season on a positive note.

When these two teams met at Newforge on the 30.12.17 Limavady won 41 – 7.

UUC v Ards

Interesting game with one point separating UUC and Lisburn to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs. With UUC defeating Larne 30 -25 last Saturday could we see another upset at the Sam Logan this week before the students play Limavady on Tuesday night and Lisburn at home on Saturday week. It promises to be exciting eight days for rugby supporters who want to travel to the Sam Logan stadium to take in some student rugby. Ards coaches John West and Scott Young know the dangers that await their team. They are looking to finish their season with wins over UUC and the PSNI.

UUC will welcome back Cameron McAteer and Cori Hamill after missing the game against Larne with Stuart Ballantine retaining the scrum half jersey.

As John West put it. UUC had a good win against Larne last week. It shows that teams fighting at either end of the table will be very hard to beat. He knows his team will have to be at their very best to get something from the game. Again the coaches may consider making changes after the draw at Lisburn and the win over Ballymoney. The seconds play Randalstown this week and the coaches are looking at promoting some of these players up to the 1st xv. It has been a lot different for the Ards coaches after last season. The playing squad is gradually improving both in terms of numbers and their individual skills. The job for the coaches is to keep both these improvements going right through to next season.

When these two teams met at Hamilton Park on the 30.12.17 Ards were comfortable 38 – 0 winners.

UUC v Limavady. Played Tuesday 10.4.18. KO 6PM

When these two teams met at the John Hunter Memorial Fields on the 7.10.17 UUC won 13 – 12.

Lisburn v PSNI. Played Wednesday 11.4.18. KO 7PM.

When these two teams met at Blaris on the 14.10.17 Lisburn won 46 – 0.

Just a not to clubs to help me with publicising the Domestic Club Preview. Every week I am approached by rugby supporters who ask me to add them to my mailing list. What I am discovering there at supporters outside of clubs who want to learn more about the Domestic Game in Ulster. In fact I have had several people say to me that they did not realise we had such an extensive playing programme in Ulster at club level. Most clubs send the preview to their membership but we have several clubs including Malone, Instonians and Bangor who publish the preview on their home page each week. Ulster Rugby publish an edited version of the preview on their website.

Please make the effort to support your local community rugby club this weekend.