The third round fixtures in the Ulster Senior league this wednesday night have two intriguing Derby matches involving Banbridge v Ballynahinch at Rifle Park and Malone entertaining a free scoring Queens team at Gibson Park. Both games will attract large local support with the ‘bragging rights’ very much at stake in the County Down clash. After two opening league defeats Banbridge bounched back with a hard earned Senior Cup win at Armagh last Saturday. Ballynahinch coach Derek Sufferin will want an improved performance from his xv following a below performance in their narrow win at Malone. With the All Ireland League commencing on Sat the 28th September both teams know how important it is to build momentum. There is room for a potential upset in this game with the Bann men to secure their first Ulster Senior League win of the season. At Gibson Park Queens will provide a stern test for Jacque Benades young squad. Having won pre season sevens trophies along with the Dudley Cup in their win against Trinity last week. Queens proved too strong for Belfast Harlequins in the Senior Cup on Sat. Difficult outcome to call. Queens to win. In the other games Dungannon entertain Ards at Stevenson Park. Ards lost their last league outing to Queens 8 – 6. Stewart Porter’s influence has turned the fortunes of the Hamilton Park club around. There is a real potential for Ards to cause an upset in this match. City of Derry should prove too strong for Armagh after their emphatic cup win at Rainey on Saturday. Andy Hughes will have his Armagh team well prepared and dont underestimate the fighting qualities of his squad. Belfast Harlequins and Ballymena meet at Deramore Park following defeats in recent cup and league matches. Both coaches know the importance of building confidence in their preparation for the All Ireland League. Ballymena to win. The final game at Shaws bridge will see Instonians host Rainey. On paper you would predict Rainey to win comfortably. Recent wins by Instonians firsts and seconds will have lifted the mood of Wilbur Leacock’s squad. Rainey will be reeling from their humilating lost at home to City of Derry in the Senior Cup last Saturday. Instonians to win.
The games at Banbridge, Belfast Harlequins, Instonians and Malone kick off at 7.30PM. City of Derry kick off their match at 8PM with the game at Stevenson Park down for a 7.45PM kick off.
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