Domestic Rugby Preview for Sat 17th Nov 2018 by George Millar
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REFEREES
Had the opportunity to catch up with Richard Kerr who has taken over from David Wilkinson as Provincial Referee Development Manager in Ulster. He is keen to hear from clubs and coaches on issues that may impact on officiating in the Domestic game. ( Each week many issues are raised with me about refereeing. Our concerns should be directed to Richard. Engagement is the key to resolving potential conflict) Richard can be contacted on 07493868388 or email Richard.kerr@irfu.ie . I have suggested more interaction between referees and coaches in the form of practical workshops that should be held during the season to address interpretation of the rules during matches. We all know how crucial referees are to club rugby in Ulster and Ireland. In an attempt to increase the numbers of referees in the province the Ulster Society of Rugby referees will be hosting a new referees course commencing on the 1st December. I have also included a video link for those interested in taking up refereeing. In Ulster there is a push to see if we can persuade more former players both professional and amateur to consider taking up the whistle.
If you require any further information please contact Richard. This is an area clubs should be actively engaging themselves in to increase the number of referees.
We will all be aware that Dromore RFC have been deducted five league points from their league game against CIYMS on the 13th October 2018 – Dromore won 54 – 0. CIYMS submitted a letter of protest over Dromore not complying with the current regulations on front row cover when their hooker was yellow carded in the second half. I understand Dromore have now lodged an appeal.
This scenario is not new in the Domestic game in Ulster. When Bangor played in Qualifying One they had points deducted for not complying with regulations on front row cover when they played a game against CIYMS.
In attempt to provide a clearer understanding on this subject I have been told that teams must designate players from their matchday 17 as front row cover in the event of a player being injured or yellow carded in their front row. The regulations make it clear that the designated player has to be available as a replacement at the first time of asking to cover in the front row. In the event of a further injury in the front row a team will go to uncontested scrums and will be reduced to 14 players where there is no player available to play in the front row. There are two exceptions 1) for a blood injury (Only 15mins allowed for blood). 2) For a front row player having to leave the field as a result of foul play.
We are aware that five replacements are permitted in the All Ireland league with front row replacements identified on the match day team list. I understand subject to confirmation that in the Junior leagues in Leinster and Munster teams are permitted to have five replacements. In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship teams are only permitted two replacements. Is it not time the Ulster Branch considered reviewing their restrictions on the number of players who are permitted as replacements in the Ulster Rugby Championship. We have to also recognise that the clubs in Ulster play more fixtures than their counterparts in the other three provinces. Players nowadays are bigger and stronger with the game of rugby being played with a greater intensity with teams having to keep injured players on the pitch during a game when no replacements are available. We have to be mindful of player welfare not to forget our obligations under Health and Safety. As Chris Henry said on announcing his retirement the game had taken its toll on him.
BELFAST METROPOLITAN RUGBY ACADEMY BASED AT CASTLEREAGH COLLEGE MONTGOMERY ROAD BELFAST
Thanks to Nathan Moore who give me the opportunity to gain an insight into the rugby academy that was set up in 2013. In that time 141 students have come through the College Rugby Scholarship programme. Nathan and his staff of eleven provide a rugby programme for 16 – 18 year olds and those over 18 years entering third level education with the College able to take up to 24/28 students per course. The academy schedule provides coaching on improving a players individual skills including passing and tackling along with a strength and conditioning programme to make players bigger, fitter and faster as they transition to playing adult rugby with three days per week set aside for gym work. 50% of the students come from Grammar Schools having completed their GCSE’s. They have already had the experience of being involved in a structured rugby playing programme for five years at their schools. All students applying to enter the course are required to go through a screening process. The excellent facilities ensure the students maintain the high standards required to retain a place within the programme.
One of the most high profile graduates from the Academy has been Ulster hooker Adam McBurney who formerly played for Randalstown and Ballymena and is currently attached to Malone RFC. Other recent graduates include Ballyclare prop Paul McGookin who played for Ulster A in the Celtic Cup and Ulster under 19 prop Seif El Deen who is with Malone RFC.
What impressed me most was Nathan was able to highlight to me from my weekly team lists in the Domestic preview the number of former students/ graduates playing club rugby in the All Ireland league and the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship in Ulster. Students come from right across Ulster with Rainey OB prop Jack McIntosh one of their current graduates. My impression was that Belfast Metropolitan College does not receive the recognition it is surely entitled to receive for developing rugby players to play both professional and club domestic rugby from Ulster Rugby and the Ulster Branch. In Ulster we still look to the Grammar School system for producing players whereas Club Youth structures along with Belfast Metropolitan College also play a key role in producing players to sustain domestic club rugby. I would recommend that club Director’s of Rugby along with coaches should take the opportunity to visit the Belfast Metropolitan College Rugby Academy to see the facilities and speak to the staff. They will be pleasantly surprised.
Students enrolling on the course spend 30 hours per week in class with 15 hours on rugby and 15 hours pursuing their academic studies. The two age group teams include approx 30 players in each squad at under 18 and over 18 years. The under 18 squad compete in the Ulster Carpets U18 East league. Teams completing in the league include Randalstown, Malone, Ballyclare, Carrickfergus, Banbridge and Instonians.
The over 18 team compete in the Students Sport Ireland league and defeated Stranmillis Freshers 38 – 24 on Wednesday the 7th November 2018.
Seven females have come through the Academy with one student Natalie Watson completing her internship with the Scottish Rugby Union as a video analyst.
Nathan Moore is a former pupil of Rainey Endowed School and has previously coached Youth rugby at Rainey OB RFC and was employed as a Development Officer with Ulster Rugby. He has been involved with the Academy at Belfast Met since it opened in 2013 and is assisted by forwards coach Gareth Shortt. Other members of staff I had the pleasure to meet included Jonathan Mooney and Scott Carse. Not many rugby clubs in Ulster would have the staff in place with the technical equipment and expertise to monitor and provide the technical data on the progress of individual students during their time in the college.
Despite the Academy being up and running for five years there is a lack of knowledge within the Rugby Community on the courses provided for young students aged 16 years and over at the Campus on the Castlereagh Road. It is not only rugby the College provide it is the academic pathway that is open to the students into third level education.
The Rugby Academy are awaiting to complete the installation of their Silver Fern Pneumatic ‘Live Scrum Machine’. Nathan has informed me the machine should be available from December with clubs being invited to make use of it. They can do so by contacting Nathan.
If you require any further information please contact Nathan Moore at 07736318065 or e mail address nathanmoore@belfastmet.ac.uk . Belfast Metropolitan Rugby Academy – Facebook page. Phone number 02890265080.
INJURIES IN CLUB RUGBY
We can’t hide the fact that significant numbers of players are picking up serious injuries playing Domestic club rugby in Ulster. Players are bigger, stronger and fitter with the added impact of collisions increasing the likelihood of injuries. What I have noticed is the number of Head injuries with players following return to play protocols. In some cases it is evident that a small number of players are suffering additional symptoms from these injuries.
There is also the increasing number of players suffering ACL injuries that rule a player out for up to 12 months. Why is this happening ?
The ‘High tackle’ I have to say is an area that concerns me. The question I have to ask is why the ‘Choke Tackle’ continues to be allowed in the game. Does it not encourage players to tackle above the chest. The focus for tacklers must be to tackle players below the chest.
Another tackle that should be prohibited is the double tackle. To permit two players to tackle a ball carrier with one player tackling in the chest area and the second tackler tackling around the legs can have only one outcome. Is this not like two cars colliding with one car. Such a collision can only result in potential serious injury.
The question I would ask is anybody within the Governing Body of the IRFU monitoring or looking at the data on the causes of these injuries. Do we not have an obligation to protect players and reduce the incidence of such injuries.
Rugby coaches play a key role in ensuring players are taught how to tackle and be safe. Along with referees they can help reduce the number of injuries. Player welfare is the responsibility of all players. Your actions on a pitch can have a serious impact on another player.
ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
In Div 1B Naas won the Friday night game against Old Wesley 31 – 23 to regain 1st place in the league. It sets up an appetising game at Gibson Park on the 24th November when second place Malone will host Naas.
In Section 2 it was a disappointing weekend for the Ulster sides with only Rainey OB and Omagh winning. Rainey made it three back to back wins in Div 2B with a 27 – 17 win at 10th place Sligo. Dungannon after leading league leaders MU Barnhall at halftime ended up losing 22 – 15 to make it three back to back defeats. Belfast Harlequins after their win at Wanderers suffered a heavy 36 – 0 defeat at home to second place Greystones.
In Div 2C Bangor went down to their second consecutive defeat losing out to Bruff 15 – 10 at Upritchard Park. Omagh scored 8 tries in their comprehensive 55 – 17 win over Tullamore at the Thomas Mellon playing fields to move into the top four with out half Scott Elliott contributing 20 of his teams points.
City of Derry went down to their third consecutive defeat at Malahide 32 – 12.
Looking at the league tables Queens Uni find themselves sitting in 4th place in Div 2A nine points behind leaders Highfield after six rounds of the AIL.
In Div 2B the three Ulster teams Rainey OB, Belfast Harlequins and Dungannon are positioned in the bottom half of the table with six points separating the bottom five teams.
In Div 2C Omagh are in 4th place six points behind leaders Midleton. Bangor have slipped down to 5th place three points behind Omagh with both teams due to meet at Upritchard Park on the 15th December. City of Derry are in 7th place with four points separating the bottom four teams.
The Section 1 teams resume their Round 7 fixtures on the 24th November with the Section 2 sides on the 1st December. The news is encouraging in Div 1B with Malone, Banbridge, City of Armagh and Ballynahinch occupying 2nd – 5th place with five points separating these four Ulster sides. Ballymena remain firmly rooted to 10th place two points behind 9th place Buccaneers. Seven points separate the bottom five teams. You can see how close this league is. The block of three games coming up before Xmas will be crucial to the five Ulster teams in this league.
In Section 2 Queens University and Omagh occupy top four places with the remaining Ulster sides needing to pick up crucial points before the Xmas break.
http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/allirelandleagueandcup/tables.php All Ireland League tables.
ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP
It was not to be for Ballyclare and CIYMS in the All Ireland Junior Cup Quarter Finals. Ballyclare came up just short against a Charlie Butterworth inspired Wicklow team to lose 28 – 20 at the Cloughan. A much changed CIYMS team were holding Clonmel 18 – 18 with ten minutes to go when they conceded two late scores to go down 30 -18.
Ballyclare were unlucky to lose this match. Several handling errors in key areas of the pitch along with giving away needless penalties cost them dearly. Southern sides will punish you with their kicking to their corner followed by the resulting catch and drive over the line. In centre Joel McBride Ballyclare had the outstanding back on the pitch. He scored an outrageous individual try in the opening minutes from 40 metres to evade several would be tacklers and touch down behind the posts. We are told we don’t have players will the skill set to play at the highest level in Ulster. What more has a player like Joel McBride to do to be recognised. Coaches Mike McKeever and Ricky Lutton know the work the players have to improve on to cut out the errors as they continue to challenge for the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Div 1 title.
CIYMS forwards coach Darren Barbour described his teams effort at Clonmel as outstanding. They had to play against a pack that were at least 2 stone per man heavier. The CIYMS scrum was excellent with the front row taking two scrums against the head and the forwards mauling over for two tries. From his perspective he was delighted. The match was tied at 18 – 18 with ten minutes to go. The effort put in by the players caught up with them as they slipped off tackles to allow Clonmel in for two late scores to win 30 -18. All in all the coach was extremely positive given the understrength squad CIYMS travelled with to Munster.
It will be a case of three Leinster sides Ashbourne, Wicklow, Enniscorthy and Munster representatives Clonmel contesting the All Ireland Junior Cup semi finals on the 15th December.
Have to congratulate Ballyclare on the work they put in to look after the hundreds of supporters who attended the match. Volunteers were in place to look after spectator parking with a mobile catering van in place pitch side to provide hot food and drinks for supporters. Nothing less than you would expect from a club who know how to look after supporters and visitors to the Cloughan. Having travelled widely in Ireland to watch All Ireland league matches their facilities would shame many of the clubs in the league. It reminded me of when Cork Constitution travelled to play City of Armagh in the Bateman Cup last season the Cork club could not get over the facilities the club had in place.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
In Div 1 the league table has been dramatically changed this week with Dromore having five points deducted and CIYMS being awarded five points. You can see even at this early stage of the season the impact it has had on league placings. Leaders Ballyclare find themselves 12 points ahead of 2nd and 3rd place Dromore and Instonians who are on 18 points with 4th place Grosvenor two points further behind in 4th place. Ballyclare have already defeated Grosvenor at Gibson Park and with up coming games against Instonians away on the 1st December and Dromore away on the 29th December they will have the opportunity to open up their lead over the chasing pack. With Ballyclare playing a Conference league game at home to City of Armagh seconds on Saturday Dromore, Instonians and Grosvenor have games against Carrickfergus, Coleraine and Enniskillen where they will be looking maximum points to close the gap on the league leaders.
In the bottom half of Div 1 CIYMS find themselves in 7th place on 10 points with the team still looking their first league win of the season. Enniskillen, Portadown and Coleraine are in 8th, 9th and 10th place with one point separating the three teams as they go in search of vital league points this weekend. Both Enniskillen and Coleraine face difficult games away to Grosvenor and Instonians. Portadown travel to Belmont seeking their second league win of the season.
Matches coming up between the 17th November and 29th December for the bottom four teams.
CIYMS play Portadown, Enniskillen and Cooke
Enniskillen play Grosvenor, CIYMS and Portadown
Portadown play CIYMS, Dromore and Enniskillen
Coleraine play Instonians, Grosvenor, Ballyclare and Carrickfergus.
DIV 2
With Limavady and Academy playing Conference league games at the weekend the big match was the meeting of undefeated Clogher Valley and Randalstown at the Cran. Randalstown backed up their last minute win at Ballymoney with another last play score through Captain David Smith to win 19 -12. Ballymoney remain in 5th following their win against UUC. Ards continued their recent good form to make it 3 wins from 4 by defeating Lisburn at Blaris.
Randalstown move back to the top of the table one point ahead of 2nd and 3rd place Limavady and Clogher Valley who are level on 25 pts with Academy a further two points behind on 23 pts. Limavady, Clogher Valley and Academy all have a game in hand on leaders Randalstown. Clogher Valley have a rearranged game at UUC on the 24th November before they travel to play Academy on the 1st December. Every point will be vital in their bid to finish in the top two places.
Both Lisburn and UUC occupy 9th and 10th place with one point separating the two teams as they search out their first league win.
Nathan Moore has taken over as Head coach at Lisburn RFC with Gareth Shortt appointed as forwards coach.
DIV 3
Donaghadee remain the pacesetters in this league with an eight point lead over second place Monaghan. They have four league games coming up against Strabane, Virginia, BHSFP and Newry before they meet Monaghan at Donaldson Park on Saturday the 29th December.
https://www.ulsterrugby.com/rugby-in-ulster/rugby-development/fixtures-and-results/ Ulster Rugby Fixtures/Results and League Tables
DUDLEY CUP
For supporters of the club game there is an opportunity to see the best of University rugby when Queens University entertain UCD in the Dudley Cup at Dub Lane on Friday evening the 16th November 2018 with a 7PM KO.
RESULTS/TEAMS WEEKEND 3.11.18
ALL IRELAND LEAGUE
DIV 2A
Blackrock College 8 Cashel RFC 22
Galwegians 12 Old Crescent 13
Highfield 40 Navan RFC 10
Nenagh Ormond 24 Dolphin 23
UL Bohemians 36 Queens University 24
Queens University team: 1. Toby Jozwiak, 2. Alexander Clarke, 3. Andrew Weir, 4. James Catterson, 5. David Whitten C(apt), 6. James Longwell, 7. Curtis Pollock, 8. Gary Dillon, 9. Conor McAuley, 10. Richie McMaster, 11. Michael Orr, 12. Rory Bell, 13. Mark Keane, 14. Johnny Hunter, 15. Hohnny Milliken, 16. Jack Sleator, 17. Nicky Woods, 18. Callum Cardwell, 19. Robbie Johnston, 20. Matthew keane.
Points scorers: James Catterson, Curtis Pollock, Johnny Hunter 1 x try each, Richie McMaster 3 x cons and 1 x pen.
DIV 2B
Skerries 19 Galway Corinthians 20
Sunday’ s Well 17 Wanderers 22
Belfast Harlequins 0 Greystones 36
Belfast Harlequins team: 1. Mark McGrath, 2. Saul Herdman, 3. James Harrison, 4. Danny Annett (Capt), 5. Troy Webber, 6. Toby Mannus, 7. Daryl Marshall, 8. Ben Alexander, 9. Connor Young, 10. Timmy Emmerson, 11. Peter Dunlop. 12. Mark Gribben, 13. Mark Glover, 14. James McConnell., 15. Ben Sloan, 16. Paul Jackson, 17. Charlie Sairgason, 18. Callum Leckey, 19. David Devine, 20. Joni Siri.
Dungannon 15 MU Barnhall 22
Dungannon team: 1. Ross Stewart, 2. Daniel Maxwell, 3. Sean O’Hagan, 4. Stephen Todd, 5. Guilhem Lopez, 6. David Leyburn, 7. Mark Riddell, 8. Jonah Mau’u, 9. John Russell, 10. John Buckley, 11. Matthew Montgomery, 12. Lucca Avelli, 13. Mervyn Brown, 14. Jonny Toal. 15. Andrew McGregor, 16. Jamie McNeill, 17. Jonathan Gamble, 18. Alex Gormley, 19. Adam Evans, 20. Andrew McPhillips.
Points scorers: Ross Stewart and Mervyn Brown 1 x try each, John Russell 1 x pen, Lucca Avelli 1 x con.
Sligo 17 Rainey OB 27
Rainey OB team: 1. Kieran Donaghy, 2. George Fritz, 3. Aidan McSwiggan, 4. John McCusker, 5. Michael McCusker, 6. Charlie Clarke, 7. Paul Pritchard (Capt), 8. Paddy Magowna, 9. Jason Bloomfield, 10. Andrew Magrath, 11. Andrew Donaghy, 12. Conor Fitzsimons, 13. Oisin Quinn, 14. Scott McLean, 15. Michael O’Neill, 16. Michael Nevin, 17. Fintan Quinn, 18. Calvin Smith, 19. Andrew Browne, 20. Mark Mulholland.
Points scorers: Jason Bloomfield, Oisin Quinn and Scott McLean 1 x try each, Andrew Magrath 3 x cons and 2 x pens
DIV 2C
Seapoint 23 Ballina 39
Thomond 15 Midleton 38
Bangor 10 Bruff 15
Bangor team : 1. Philip Whyte, 2. Andrew Shaw, 3. James Leary, 4. Lewis Stevenson, 5. Michael Ferguson, 6. Matt Nesbitt, 7. Jamie Clegg, 8. Mikey Weir, 9. Liam Preston, 10. Declan Maguire, 11. Desi Fusco (Capt), 12. Adam Alexander, 13. Mark Widdowson, 14. Nathan Graham, 15. Phil Broderick, 16. Andrew Jackson, 17. Evan Wellard – McMillen, 18. Orran McIImurray, 19. Dave Caughey, 20. Ali Lockhart.
Malahide 32 City of Derry 12
City of Derry team: 1. James Hamilton, 2. David Ferguson, 3. Sam Duffy, 4. Adam Bratton, 5. Conor McMenamin, 6. Tiarnan Thorton, 7. Craig Huey, 8. Stephen Corr (Capt), 9. Simon Logue, 10. Richard McCarter, 11. James Perry, 12. Denis Posternik, 13. David Graham, 14. David Jackson, 15. Thomas Cole, 16. Colm Cregan, 17. Chris Shields, 18. Gareth Doherty, 19. Alex McDonnell, 20. Phil Duffy.
Points scorers: David Graham and Simon Logue 1 x try each, Richard McCarter 1 x con
Omagh 55 Tullamore 17
Omagh team: 1. Kyle Alexander, 2. Phil Ewing, 3. Richard Smyth, 4. Johnny Sproule, 5. Kaine Holden, 6. Mervyn Edgar, 7. Adam Longwell, 8. Stewart Allen, 9. Stewart McCain (Capt), 10. Scott Elliott, 11. Matthew Eccles, 12. Luke Hanson, 13. Scott Barr, 14. Neil Brown, 15. Scott MacLaine, 16. Richard Hemphill, 17. Peter Todd, 18. Martin Clyde, 19. Eoin Murnaghan, 20. Ryan Mitchell.
Points scorers: Neil Brown and Luke Hanson 2 x tries each, Ryan Mitchell, Scott Barr and Adam Longwell 1 x try each, Scott Elliott 1 x try, 6 x cons and 1 x pen. ( 20 x points).
ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS
Waterpark 3 Ashbourne 23
Enniscorthy 23 Dundalk 18
Ballyclare 20 Wicklow 28
Ballyclare team: 1. Rory Henderson, 2. Matthew Coulter, 3. Al Boyd, 4. Robert Boyd, 5. Grant Bartley (Capt), 6. Aaron Playfair, 7. Gary Weatherup, 8. Ryan Tweed, 9. Andy Eastop, 10. Robbie Reid, 11. Michael Kirk, 12. Joel McBride, 13. Willie Stewart, 14. Owen Kirk, 15. Gary Clotworthy, 16. Jack Black, 17. Dean Jones, 18. Paul Robinson, 19. Niall Lawther, 20. Callum Wilson.
Points scorers: Joel McBride and Dean Jones 1 x try each, Robbie Reid 2 x cons and 2 x pens
Clonmel 30 CIYMS 18
CIYMS team: 1. Michael Lilly, 2. Scott McNarry, 3. Johnny Jordan, 4. Cory Tipping, 5. Paddy Agnew, 6. Scott Dowle, 7. Cameron Smith, 8. Alan Freeburn, 9. Cameron Stewart, 10. Paddy Beverland, 11. Matty Butler, 12. Gareth Peden, 13. Tim Hart, 14. Euan Nelson, 15. Jeremy Jacquin, 16. Matt Brown, 17. Gareth Fry.
Points scorers: Matt Brown and Cory Tipping 1 x try each, Cameron Stewart 1 x con and 2 x pens.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONF DIV 1
Coleraine 0 Ballynahinch seconds 71
Ballynahinch team; No details available.
Ballynahinch points scorers: Ronan Patterson 3 x tries, Tom Martin and Johnny McCoubrey 2 x tries each, Graeme Mckitterick, Paddy Wright, Jason Barr and Jonny Blair 1 x try each, Matthew Norton 8 x cons
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 2
Clogher Valley 12 Randalstown 19
Clogher Valley team: 1. Philip Hopper, 2. Kyle Cobane, 3. Neil Henderson, 4. Mark McKenna, 5. Rodney Bennett, 6. David Sharkey, 7. Ross Finlay, 8. Ryan Wilson, 9. Mark Ellis, 10. Reece Smyton, 11. Josh Coulter, 12. Andrew Johnston, 13. Paul Armstrong, 14. Dylan Crawford, 15. Ewan Haire, 16. Aaron Dunwoody, 17. Timmy Smyton.
Points scorers: Rodney Bennett and Ewan Haire 1 x try each, Paul Armstrong 1 x con.
Randalstown team: 1. Matty McBrien, 2. Marty O’Neill, 3. Scott Stevenson, 4. Dean McCroary, 5. David Millar, 6. Ian Hume, 7. Peter Knowles, 8. David Smith (Capt), 9. Tommy Holland, 10. Martin Connolly, 11. Coby Mason, 12. Paul Laverty, 13. Conor Murray, 14. Eoin Letters, 15. Michael Smith, 16. Scott McClenaghan, 17. Neil Foster.
Points scorers: David Smith 1 x try, Martin Connolly 1 x con and 4 x pens, (14 x points)
Lisburn 5 Ards 33
Lisburn team: 1. Jamie Dickson (Capt), 2. Pete Graham, 3. Uate Caquea, 4. Cameron Brough, 5. James Welling, 6. Dave Curry, 7. Adam Jameson, 8. Andy Barron, 9. Andy Neely, 10. Richard McGregor, 11. Conor Gascoigne, 12. Scott Colligan, 13. Epi Ratu, 14. Craig Walsh, 15. Dinis Manso, 16. Phil Jefferson, 17. Gareth Gardiner.
Points scorers: Andy Barron 1 x try.
Ards team: 1. Andrew Foster (Capt), 2. Tom Arthur Donnan, 3.Matty Kane, 4. Ross Torney, 5. Danny Patton, 6. Ryan Thompson, 7. Onisi Burekama, 8.Graeme Taylor, 9. Alex Hendrickse, 10. Mark Banford, 11. Paul Cox, 12. Jamie Cardwell, 13. David Armstrong, 14. Trevor Devlin, 15. Aaron May, 16. Paddy Bond, 17.Adam McKee.
Points scorers: Danny Patton, Matty Kane, Ryan Thompson, Tom Arthur Donnan and David Armstrong 1 x try each, Paul Cox 4 x cons.
UUC 0 Ballymoney 34
UUC team: No details available on selection.
Ballymoney team: No details available on selection
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONF DIV 2
Ballymena seconds 50 Larne 5
Ballymena team: 1. Andrew Ferguson, 2. James Taggart, 3. Jack Francis, 4. Reuben Russell, 5. Chris McLeister, 6. Ryan Mattison, 7. Matthew Dick, 8. Inoke Knox, 9. Chris Smyth, 10. Eoin Ritson, 11. Jonny Rossborough, 12. Alan smyth, 13. James Wheeler, 14. Jack lewis, 15. Scott Willoughby, 16. Matthew Norris, 17. Connor Agnew.
Points scorers: James Wheeler and Inoke Knox 2 x tries each, Ryan Mattison, Andrew Ferguson, Matthew Norris and Alan Smyth 1 x try each, Eoin Ritson 5 x cons.
Larne team: No details available on selection.
Limavady 7 Malone seconds 26
Limavady team: 1. John McCollum, 2. Michael Rice, 3. Rogan Bell, 4. John Purcell, 5. Dylan Purdy, 6. Luke Montgomery, 7. Michael McMullan, 8. Ben Riley, 9. David Craig, 10. Peter Wilson, 11. Stuart Roddy, 12. Jim McCartney, 13. Robert Lamberton, 14. Jason Kerr, 15. Rohan Mulligan, 16. Clive Scott, 17. Graham McAleese.
Points scorers; Ben Riley 1 x try, Peter Wilson 1 x con
Malone team: 1. Gary Crawford, 2. Philip Eadie, 3. Seif EI Deen, 4. Lee Barlow, 5. Josh Davidson, 6. Tom Dullage, 7. Matthew Fisher, 8. Max Porter (Capt), 9. Connor Spence, 10. Shane Kelly, 11. Jack Knox, 12. Ricky McCullough, 13. Matthew Hadden, 14. Jack McMurtry, 15. Mark O’Connor, 16. Jonny Caskey, 17. Callum Jeffrey.
Points scorers: Matthew Hadden 2 x tries, Tom Dullage 1 x try, Mark O’Connor 1 x try and 3 x cons.
Lurgan 19 Banbridge seconds 27
Banbridge team: 1. Ross Haughey, 2.Andrew Jackson, 3. James McCrum, 4. Keith Adams, 5. Alex Megaw, 6. Paul Ross, 7. Robin Hewitt, 8. Dale Carson, 9. Chris Patterson, 10. McCauley Little, 11. Adam Buller, 12. Ross Cartmill, 13. Ben Cross, 14. John Porter, 15. Ben Thompson, 16. John Wilson, 17. N/K
Points scorers: Adam Buller, John Porter and Chris Patterson 1 x try each, McCauley Little 3 x cons and 2 x pens.
Omagh seconds 21 Academy 29
Omagh team: 1. Nathan Kilfedder, 2. Timmy McKeown, 3. Ethan McKeown, 4. Glen McKinley, 5. Jamie Sproule, 6. Richard Harpur, 7. Jack Mitchell, 8.Michael Gibson, 9. Adam Beattie, 10. Kyle Beattie, 11. Oscar Nelson, 12. Taine lagan, 13. Dean Kane, 14. Richard Elkin, 15. David ward, 16. Matthew Hill, 17. Andrew Monteith.
Points scorers: Timmy McKeown 2 x tries, Michael Gibson 1 x try, David Ward 3 x cons.
Academy team: 1.Peter Jackson, 2. Adam Martin, 3. Troy Wilson, 4. Brian Cahill, 5. Jamie Watts, 6. Matt Corkey, 7. Cathal Davis. Stewart Martin, 9. David Kenny, 10. Chris Cooper, 11. Jamie Wilson, 12. Stephen Fawcett, 13. Mark Wylie, 14. Conor O’Neill, 15. Simon Beattie, 16. Chris Nash, 17. Robbie Jamison.
Points scorers: Mark Wylie and Simon Beattie 1 x try each, Chris Cooper 2 x tries, 3 x cons and 1 x pen. (19 x points)
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 3
Cavan 22 Strabane 24
Civil Service v Virginia. Postponed Water logged pitch.
Donaghadee 79 Ophir 0
Holywood 20 BHSFP 5
Monaghan 45 Letterkenny 7
PSNI 28 Newry 14
FIXTURES SATURDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2018
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP DIV 1
CIYMS v Portadown
Carrickfergus v Dromore
Grosvenor v Enniskillen
Instonians v Coleraine
CIYMS v Portadown
Despite their heroic performance at Clonmel in the All Ireland Junior Cup CIYMS coaches Gareth Fry and Darren Barbour were without up to 12 players last weekend. Injuries and unavailability again will determine selection for this crucial league match with Portadown at Belmont on Saturday. CIYMS are still seeking their first league win as both teams need the points to avoid 9th and 10th place. CIYMS selection will not be finalised until Thursday night.
Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley will finalise his selection on Thursday night. Hooker Robert Reid is unavailable with full back Jack Orr ruled out due to injury. Several players are carrying knocks from the league win over Coleraine two weeks ago.
Carrickfergus v Dromore
Carrickfergus coaches Davy Scott and Michael Rainey will be looking to end the teams three match losing run against Ballyclare, Waterpark and Grosvenor when they welcome second place Dromore to the Tom Simms Memorial Grounds.
Dromore coaches Jonny Cullen and Jamie Kirk will be hoping the five point deduction the team suffered will not impact on their performance at Carrickfergus this week. With an appeal pending their team will be looking to keep the pressure on Ballyclare with both teams due to meet at Barban Hill on the 29th December. Games coming up against Carrickfergus, Portadown, Grosvenor and Ballyclare could determine their league ambitions this season.
Hooker Fraser Mulholland makes a long awaited return to the team starting on the bench. Andrew Rutledge returns from injury and will replace Graeme McCandless in the centre.
Grosvenor v Enniskillen
Head coach Robert Ford was disappointed to see his side lose their match with Instonians two weeks ago. He felt his players lacked that bit of composure at key times in the game. Centre Stuart McIIwaine and prop Pearce Jamison are unavailable this week with winger Davy Egner likely to be in contention for a starting place after returning from injury.
Enniskillen Head coach Stevie Welsh welcomes back James Carleton to the pack this week. Centre Mark O’Shea is unavailable with winger Jarlath Maguire ruled out with a fractured hand. He felt his side let themselves down against Cooke when they were in control of the game. He is looking for a reaction from his players this week.
Instonians v Coleraine
Talking to Instonians Director of Rugby Anthony McKibben there was a sense of relief when the team came through in a late 18 -14 win at Grosvenor two weeks ago. With two home games coming up against Coleraine this weekend and leaders Ballyclare on the 1st December there is an opportunity for the Instonians playing squad to narrow the lead of Ballyclare. For the Instonians players it is all about winning their remaining league games following their opening day defeat at Dromore. They know to achieve their goal they will have to defeat Ballyclare home and away and Dromore and Grosvenor at home.
The focus for the players is securing maximum points against 10th place Coleraine at Shaws bridge.
For the game this weekend centre Matthew Kilpatrick who scored two tries against Grosvenor will be unavailable along with prop Alan Whitten. Michael Melville who returned from injury in the Grosvenor match had to leave the pitch with a reoccurring elbow injury that will rule him out to the new year. Winger Ross O’Donnell who was red carded in the Grosvenor match has been suspended for 4 weeks. Hooker Cameron Barr and number 8 James Martin picked up injuries in the Grosvenor game have come through training this week to be available for selection. Gareth Burns – Delaney and Tom Matthews will also be in contention for a starting place this week. Players who have impressed for the seconds including Daryl Smith, Jack Scott and Jonny Mooney are players who will come into contention for selection this week.
The Instonians coaches John Andress and Paul Marshall have options with selections with Cameron Barr able to play hooker/backrow, Suspended Ross O’Donnell who can play scrum half/winger, Paddy Bell who can play centre/back row. Paul Marshall who can play scrum half, out half and full back.
For Anthony McKibben this week is all about the team focusing on the Coleraine game. It is understanding the need to win and pick up the bonus point. The team had difficult games with Coleraine last season and will expect no less from them despite their 10th place. He has faith in this squad that they can achieve the goals and objectives the squad set for themselves at the start of the season.
KUKRI ULSTER RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP/CONF DIV 1
Ballyclare v City of Armagh
Ballynahinch seconds v Cooke
DUDLEY CUP
Queens University v UCD. Played Friday 16.11.18. KO 7.30PM
Cheers
George
