Congratulations to Ballynahinch 1st xv on their impressive win at UCD by 32 – 26 in Div 1A last Saturday. They remain second from bottom in their league with two wins. In Division 1B only Belfast Harlequins secured a win against Ulster neighbours Dungannon 13 – 3 at Stevenson Park. Malone secured their fourth losing bonus point from their last four matches in losing 10 – 3 to Corinthians in Galway. Once again a key decision by the match officials denied them a memorable win against the Connacht side after leading their opponents for seventy minutes. Instead of losing their last four AIL games they should have recorded four wins only for decisions by match officials in the latter stages of their games denying them deserved victories. Unfortunatley Dungannon and Malone continue to occupy the bottom two positions in Division 1B with Harlequins holding their mid table position. It is interesting to note that out of sixteen fixtures played away by the four Ulster sides in Division 1A and 1B in Leinster, Munster and Connacht only Ballynahinch & Dungannon have recorded one win. It is also worthy of note that Ballynahinch have six losing b/points, Malone five losing b/points, Belfast Harlequins four losing b/points and Dungannon nil from their opening nine games. The Ulster clubs in Division 1A and 1B have two weeks off before they resume AIL action on the weekend of the 24/25th January.
This weekend we follow the progress of the Ulster clubs in Division 2A and 2B. The news is much brighter with five points separating the top five sides in Div 2A. Galwegians took over as league leaders following their 11 – 7 win at Banbridge last Sat. Ballymena are second with Queens third City of Derry fourth and NUIM Barnhall occupying fifth place. There is an exciting Ulster derby down for decision at Judges Road where City of Derry meet Ballymena.
Division 2A
Bruff v Galwegians
City of Derry v Ballymena
NUIM Barnhall v Banbridge
Old Crescent v Highfield
Old Wesley v Bective Rangers
Rainey v Naas
Seapoint v Queens
UCC v Cashel
Derry v Ballymena
The clash of Derry and Ballymena at Judges Road is sure to attract one of the biggest crowds to an Ulster AIL fixture this season. Both clubs have ambitions to secure promotion to Division 1B. Derry have already recorded a 15 -13 USL win over the County Antrim side this season. Ballymena coach Andy Graham had asked his squad players to make a push for 1st xv places during the USL window. Their response was impressive with three wins over Ards 50 – 0, Rainey 43 – 16 and Instonians 62 – 3 – scoring twenty two tries. Their seconds also recorded a 24 – 3 win against Qualifying league champions Portadown at Chambers Park last Saturday. The only concern for the coaching staff this weekend will be how many of their 1st xv squad will be used by the Ulster Ravens in their British Irish Cup game against Jersey on Saturday. In previous games Matthew Rea, Adrian Hamilton, Ricky Andrew and Dave Shanhan have all played for the Ravens. City of Derry dont have any players involved with the Ulster Ravens and coaches Mark Nicholl and Ashley Blair have rotated their squad to maintain competition within their squad during the USL window. The gulf between the two squads was emphasised last weekend when City of Derry seconds were beaten 48 – 10 by Bangor in the Towns Cup. Home advantage may count for City of Derry who are still missing influential out half Richard McCarter. The Braid side want an immediate return to Division 1B this year. Ballymena to win
Barnhall v Banbridge
For Daniel Soper and his players the disappointment of coming up short in several games this season has put the County Down side under pressure as they look to push clear of the relegation zone. The trip to Barnhall this weekend will be difficult as the County Kildare side continue their push for promotion. Bann were missing their influential leader Jonny Graham last weekend as their pack continue to impress. The coaches have yet to settle on their backline as they try out different combinations. The performances of half backs Lee Steenson and Adam Doherty have the potential to steer the Bann side to a mid table position. Barnhall to win
Rainey v Naas
The Magherfelt side have suffered three defeats during their USL programme. Injuries continue to present selection problems for coach Richard Boyd as his side look to bounce back from three consescutive defeats in the AIL. After going through AIL 2B last season as undefeated champions the South Derry side have gone from potential promotion contenders to eleventh place in the league. Captain Neil O’Kane will look to the experience of Stephen Rutledge, Michael Shiels, Paul Heaney, Colin Mitchell along with backs Nicholas Stirling and Mark O’Connor to guide the younger players through this difficult period. Naas will be difficult opponents as Queens and Ballymena will testify. Rainey to win
Seapoint v Queens
Ulster Senior Cup holders Queens have experienced a difficult USL league window with injuries depleting the playing resources available to coach Patrick Armstrong. Two defeats to Banbridge and Ballynahinch were followed by a narrow 16 – 13 win over Armagh. The four week break for several of their senior players will enable the students to come back ready to push for promotion. Ulster Ravens call ups this weekend will hopefully not weaken the team as they face diffcult opponents in Dublin. Captain Stuart McIIwaine and his talented backline will look to their hard working back row of Ryan and Matt Clarke along with Stuart Hooks to provide much needed ball for the backs. Queens to win
Division 2B
Suttonians v Boyne
Instonians v Armagh
Navan v Greystones
Richmond v Ards
Skerries v Thomond
Sligo v Nenagh Ormond
Sundays Well v DLSP
Tullamore v Midleton
Instonians v Armagh
The Ulster derby at Shawsbridge between Instonians and Armagh has importance for both sides as Armagh look to maintain their promotion challenge whilst Instonians need a win to move away from the relegation zone. Eight points separate ten sides with Suttonians bottom – yet to win a game this season rooted to the bottom. Instonians have won two of their seven matches in the AIL, both at home. Armagh have five wins from seven with two disappointing away defeats to Richmond and Navan positioning them in fourth place – nine points behind league leaders Nenagh. Inst No 8 Andy McKeen remains an influential leader in the young Inst pack. The lost of their injured winger Matt Kilpatrick, has been a blow to William Leacock’s side. Armagh recorded a narrow 17 – 16 win over the Inst side at the Palace grounds before Xmas in the USL after coming back from 16 – 3 down. One impressive 6 – 0 win over Dungannon was overturned by a 62 – 3 defeat at home to Ballymena in the USL. Armagh coach Andy Hughes will not want his side to lose their third consecutive away game in the AIL. Their only defeat in the USL window was a last minute 16 – 13 defeat away to Queens. Armagh half backs Harry Doyle and Richard Reaney will have a vital role to play in the outcome of this game. Armagh to win.
Richmond V Ards
For both sides this game in Limerick is crucial as these two teams look to push clear of the relegation zone. Ards are in tenth place whilst Richmond sit in fiftenth place three points behind Ards. After a bright start to their AIL campaign where they won three out of their opening four league games: Ards have lost three consecutive AIL matches. During the USL window the club struggled with player unavailability and injuries – leading to three heavy defeats to Ballymena, Armagh and Malone. The return of several injured players has strengthen the playing squad travelling to Limerick with the inclusion of John Dowey, Jonny Wylie and Mattie Weir in the forwards and Davy Parkhill in the backs. The County Down team will travel with a degree of confidence. Ards to win
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