This weekend we see the Ulster AIL clubs return to contest their provincial competitions before the AIL fixtures resume on the 1st November. For the eleven Ulster AIL clubs they have experienced mixed fortunes in their opening games. Ballynahinch sit mid table in Div 1A with two home wins from their opening four matches. Their ambition will be to make the playoffs in the clubs sixty anniversary season. In Div 1B promoted Ballymena remain one point behind Galwegians after winning their four games. The bonus point win at Thomond over UL Bohemians was particularly pleasing in the absence of nine players from previous matches. Coach Andy Graham has assembled a strong playing squad that possesses strength in depth. The two Belfast clubs, Malone and Belfast Harlequins have disappointed, with only one win from four matches. Both coaches Jacque Benade and Adam Larkin will look to the return of injured players in the coming weeks to reverse their results. The margins of error impact considerably in outcomes at this level and the players will know that every point is vital to retaining their Div 1B status. In Div 2A there was an expectation that Ulster clubs would be contesting the promotion places. Queens are our leading club followed by Banbridge and Rainey, with City of Derry and Dungannon yet to record a win. In Div 2B Armagh remain unbeaten after three wins, with two impressive results away in Munster. Well done to coach Andy Hughes and his players. Ards let slip a 20 – 19 lead to lose 24 – 20 to a last minute try at Boyne last weekend. With returning players coach Stewart Porter is confident his side can secure their first win in the AIL. The First Trust Ulster Senior Cup takes centre stage this weekend with three first round ties down for decision. Current holders Queens Uni travel to Eaton Park to play the inform Ballymena. Meetings between these two sides usually produce a points bonanza for the spectators with both sides keen to make the final at the Kingspan stadium on wed 10th December 2014. Queens like Ballymena will field a strong side with the students contesting the annual Dudley Cup at Trinity the following weekend. The winners of this tie will have a home quarter final against Banbridge on the 25th October. Beaten finalists Ballynahinch will entertain Ards at Ballymacarn Park. With several injuries picked up in their fixture at Boyne, Ards will make a late decision on their playing squad for this match. With Hinch seconds having no match coach Derek Suffern has the opportunity to rest several players and give game time to his fringe players. The winner of this tie will travel to play Armagh in the quarter final. Belfast Harlequins and Dungannon complete the fixtures when they meet at Deramore Park. Both sides meet the following week at Stevenson Park in the Ulster Championship league. Injuries dominate both playing squads with Quins giving youth it’s opportunity this weekend. Dungannon have injury doubts with key players Jack Milligan and James McMahon. The winners of this tie will play City of Derry at home in the quarter final with Rainey OB playing Malone in the final quarter final match. This weekend Banbridge, City of Derry, Malone, Rainey OB and Armagh have received a bye in the first round of the Senior Cup. This will be most welcomed by these clubs, their players and coaches.
First Trust Senior Cup. Kick off 2.30pm
Ballymena v Queens
Ballynahinch v Ards
Belfast Harlequins v Dungannon
In the Qualifying leagues, Instonians remain the only undefeated side in Q 1 with Portadown and Clogher Valley their nearest challengers. Instonians entertain their neighbours Cooke at Shawsbridge. There can be only one outcome with Inst coach William Leacock looking the maximum five points. No doubt this will be a keenly contested local derby with the bragging rights at stake. Clogher Valley will face the inform Dromore at the Cran knowing nothing less than maximum points will maintain their title ambitions after consecutive league defeats. They welcome back the returning talisman David Sharkey along with prop Richard Primrose and utility back Clive Donaldson after injury. Coaches Glen Kyle and Davy Black give debuts to centre Fleming Agnew and forward John Clarke. Out half and Captain Philip Holme is unavailable for this game. Number 8 B J Wilson has been suspended for three weeks after being sent off in the Bangor game. Clogher winger Richard Stott injured his vertebrae in the Bangor game and will be out for eight weeks. We wish him a speedy recovery. Dromore have impressed this season scoring thirteen tries in their last two wins. Coach Graham Cloke will rest forwards Robert Greer and Adam McGregor with centre Aaron Stewart returning. The talented half back pairing of Lee Steenson and Ryan Cobb will pose a real threat for the Clogher side. Two very good teams with the outcome of this match crucial to the ambitions of both clubs this season. Portadown welcome the seasiders Bangor to Chambers Park for another thrilling contest. Bangor will have noted the fact that Donaghadee scored three tries last weekend at the same venue. Once again the dominant Portadown forwards provided the platform for the backrow players Dairmuid O’Kane and Gareth McCoy to score their four tries with O’Kane getting three. After a physical and feisty encounter with Clogher Valley last weekend more of the same will be required by Rupert West and his players to take all four points. There is a quiet confidence within the players they can win this match. The final two games in Q 1 see four teams with different ambitions. CIYMS and Ballyclare pushing for the top four with Ballymoney and Donaghadee seeking their first league wins. CIYMS meet Ballymoney at Belmont with Gareth Fry’s side the favourites to lift all five points. Jason Taggart is in transition with his Ballymoney team and despite their indifferent results the players are confident they are making progress with that first win not far away. Donaghadee Player coach Paul McKenzie senses his team are close to recording their first win after a strong performance away to Portadown. With continuity in selection and a run of games Ballyclare could come unstuck at Donaldson Park. A difficult venue for any visiting team. The Dee side welcome back the ever reliable Billy Allen at fullback. Ballyclare manager Peter Kirk is pleased with the playing depth they are developing in the squad with their confidence growing in every game. They have fitness doubts over backs Dave Crawford, Bobby Smith and back row Dave Chambers. Difficult one to call.
Qual 1. Kick off 2.30pm
CIYMS v Ballymoney
Clogher Valley v Dromore
Cooke v Instonians
Donaghadee v Ballyclare
Portadown v Bangor
In Qualifying Two league leaders Omagh have secured maximum points from their three opening games. They are the pacesetters and have thrown the gauntlet down to chasing pack of Coleraine, Enniskillen and Carrickfergus. The Tyrone side have no match this weekend with the meeting of Enniskillen and Coleraine at Mullaghmeen the stand out game in this league. In their last outing ‘Skins’ won an entertaining Junior Cup match 24 – 19 away to a strong Malone second xv. Their stand out performers were their player coaches full back Ashley Finlay and No 8 Jamie Johnston. Coleraine bounced back from two narrow league and Cup defeats to score six tries in a convincing 39 – 17 win at home to Academy last weekend. They have talented players with AIL experience and are well led by Captain Stephen Dickey. Expect a large and vociferous home support to get behind their side. Carrickfergus can’t afford any further slip ups when UUC are the visitors to the Tom Simms Memorial Park this weekend. A surprising 14 – 0 defeat away to Grosvenor last Sat stalled their league ambitions. It will have been a soul searching week by the coach Warren McClean and his players. The students are an unknown quantity after their 29 – 29 draw at home to Holywood. In the final game Lisburn welcome Academy to Blaris with both clubs needing the win. Injuries continue to decimate Mark Crothers playing squad.
Q. 2 kick off 2.30pm
Carrickfergus v UUC
Enniskillen v Coleraine
Lisburn v Academy
Qual. 3 kick off 2.30pm
Donegal v Larne
Newry v Ophir
PSNI v Limavady
Strabane v Lurgan
Qual. 4 kick off 2.30pm
Civil Service v Cavan
Virginia v Londonderry YMCA
