Ulster Bank League 2013-2014 talk/gossip/rumours

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

How is he ineligible do you mind me asking? He's capped for Ireland League side i believe and its Irish Clubs so is the pick of the league is it not?

Not sure. just heard that he was. Yes he's played rugby league for ireland but im fairly sure he cant play for club international side

The Lost Sheep

Highlights of the UCD Galwegians Bateman Cup game from the weekend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1nNydN4dY4&feature=em-uploademail

Will have preview of weekends games up this evening or maybe tomorrow. Plenty of games that could end promotion hopes this weekend and worsen chances of relegation for others

The Lost Sheep

Division 2B leaders Nenagh Ormond shouldnt have too much difficulty on Saturday when they host seventh placed Navan in New Ormond Park and should eke out a win to keep their promotion hopes intact. While they had some difficulties against Sligo last time out, leading comfortably 21-8 with 15 minutes to go before conceding 2 trys, they closed out the win and coaches Trevor Hogan and Derek Corcoran will be delighted with how the side dealt with themselves on that occasion. Navan lost out to second placed Greystones on the Saturday before last in horrible conditions with the result of 7-0 to the Wicklow side saying it all.
Nenagh to win by 10 and with the Ormond men yet to play the teams currently in second, third and fourth every point is vital.
The big clashes of the day however will be in Liam Fitzgerald Park and Towns Park where the results will go a big way in helping decide matters at both the top and bottom of the table come April.
In Limerick second place Greystones travel to fourth placed Thomond. The hosts lost 13-5 up in Skerries in round 8 and will be eager to bounce back and keep their shot at promotion alive while their visitors on Saturday will be determined to keep the leaders, Nenagh, within range ahead of their clash in mid March.
Midleton host Instonians in the tie that has big implications at the wrong end of the table and with both sides having a tricky enough fixture list coming up 4 points will be a must on Saturday.

Galwegians should remain in control of division 2A on Saturday as they host the students of UCC in Crowley Park. Both sides had comfortable wins over sides in the lower half of the table last weekend and the students, who have an outside promotion shot, will be mindful of how the 4 sides between themselves and the leaders are all on similar points and have more favourable fixtures this weekend and their shot at promotion/promotion playoff should end on Saturday unless they can stop the Galwegians express, which has averaged 28 points a game so far in the league.
There is several big games that are key to the relegation battle with Old Crescents visit to Donnybrook slightly more relevant than Seapoints trip to Woodleigh Park. Bective lost in the Donnybrook derby 2 weeks ago while Crescent lost by the narrowest of margins to Highfield. Bective and Highfield to win this weekend.

With the last round of games in 1B having been split with some games played prior to Christmas and the rest played two weeks ago this is the first full round of games since December 7th, when leaders Terenure put 63 on Dungannon.
Terenure travel to Annacotty this weekend to take on third placed UL Bohemians and should maintain their significant lead at the top of the standings. With second placed Corinthians hosting the struggling students of Dublin University a win for the Limerick side in the tie of the division coupled with a bonus point win for Corinthians in Galway could really open up the division as we enter the second half of the league.

Tie of the day across all the divisions see's first and third in the top flight clash in Greenfields. The clash between these two sides at the end of November produced a high scoring 46-28 points victory to the league leaders and the potential for another result like that on Saturday is very high. Both sides won narrowly last time out and this game should be a close one. Tarf to sneak a win and keep on track for league glory.
Belvedere will be hoping Munster's can do them a favour on Saturday and topple the leaders and capitalise with victory over St Marys on Angelsea road which would put them top.
Dolphin make the long trek from Cork up north to take on Ballynahinch in a big relegation face off. A win for the hosts could lift them above their opponents on Saturday while 4 points for the visitors could turn the relegation battle into a two horse race between Ballynahinch and Marys

Fixtures:
Div1A
Saturday 25/1 all 2.30 kickoffs
Ballynahinch (9th) v Dolphin (7th)
Cork Con (6th) v UCD (5th)
Lansdowne (4th) v Garryowen (10th)
Old Belvedere (2nd) v St Marys (8th)
Young Munster (3rd) v Clontarf (1st)
Div 1B
Fri 24/1 7.30
Dungannon v Malone
Sat 25/1 all 2.30
Blackrock (7th) v Shannon (5th)
Buccaneers (4th) v Belfast Harlequins (6th)
Corinthians (2nd) v Dublin University (8th)
UL Bohs (3rd) v Terenure (1st)
Div 2A
25/1
all 2.30 kickoffs
Ballymena (4th) v Cashel (9th)
Banbridge (13th) v City of Derry (3rd)
Bective Rangers (12th) v Old Crescent (14th)
Galwegians (1st) v UCC (6th)
Highfield (15th) v Seapoint (11th)
Naas (10th) v Bruff (16th)
Queens Un (2nd) v Old Wesley (7th)
Rainey OB (8th) v NUIM Barnhall (5th)
Div 2B
25/1
all 2.30 kickoffs
Ards (12th) v Skerries (5th)
Armagh (3rd) v Boyne (11th)
DLSP (9th) v Sligo (14th)
Midleton (13th) v Instonians (15th)
Nenagh (1st) v Navan (7th)
Sundays Well (8th) v Richmond (10th)
Suttonians (16th) v Tullamore (6th)
Thomond (4th) v Greystones (2nd)

Interestingly the Scottish club international side that will face the chosen Irish club players two weeks on Friday in Cork played the Scottish under 20 side today and won 36-24.

bamboozle

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Ben Reilly another to add. Have heard Liam Og Murphy is joining/already joined Clontarf after returning from America, former Young Munster Backrower

Liam Og joined after Christmas and has played a couple of seconds games to get up to speed. Tarf have had 3 first choice backrowers injured in Cutriss, Crawford and Karl Moran.
Mick McGrath has to be a shoe in for the team, in his current form he deserves to be seriously considered by one of the provinces, he's only turned 23. Killian Lett is injured also i think. Would be surprised if Joyce wasnt included & Hirst has been excellent all season and Reilly has dominated lineouts as he has done for the last few seasons. Belvo should have a few involved also. Dont want too many tarf lads involved for fear of injuries though!

Big match this weekend down in Tom Clifford Park, YM v Tarf.

CGD

My predictions this week;

Div1A

Ballynahinch (9th) v Dolphin (7th) - Dolphin
Cork Con (6th) v UCD (5th) - Cork Con
Lansdowne (4th) v Garryowen (10th) - Lansdowne
Old Belvedere (2nd) v St Marys (8th) - Belvo
Young Munster (3rd) v Clontarf (1st) - Fancy YM for an upset

Div 1B

Dungannon v Malone - Malone
Blackrock (7th) v Shannon (5th) - Shannon
Buccaneers (4th) v Belfast Harlequins (6th) - Buccs
Corinthians (2nd) v Dublin University (8th) - Corinthians
UL Bohs (3rd) v Terenure (1st) - Terenure

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

Serious coup for Tarf signing a player of his quality!! Major addittion.

My predictions are:

Div1A

Ballynahinch (9th) v Dolphin (7th) - Hinch
Cork Con (6th) v UCD (5th) - UCD
Lansdowne (4th) v Garryowen (10th) - Lansdowne
Old Belvedere (2nd) v St Marys (8th) - Belvo
Young Munster (3rd) v Clontarf (1st) - Tarf

Div 1B

Dungannon v Malone - Malone
Blackrock (7th) v Shannon (5th) - Shannon
Buccaneers (4th) v Belfast Harlequins (6th) - Buccs
Corinthians (2nd) v Dublin University (8th) - Corinthians
UL Bohs (3rd) v Terenure (1st) - Terenure

Huge weekend at the bottom of 2A! Bruff lose and their as good as gone, they win and highfield/Banbridge lose that pulls them right into the mix with the loser of Bective/OC. Weigens to stay top, definitely the standout side in that division

Stainalert

bamboozle wrote: »

Liam Og joined after Christmas and has played a couple of seconds games to get up to speed. Tarf have had 3 first choice backrowers injured in Cutriss, Crawford and Karl Moran.
Mick McGrath has to be a shoe in for the team, in his current form he deserves to be seriously considered by one of the provinces, he's only turned 23. Killian Lett is injured also i think. Would be surprised if Joyce wasnt included & Hirst has been excellent all season and Reilly has dominated lineouts as he has done for the last few seasons. Belvo should have a few involved also. Dont want too many tarf lads involved for fear of injuries though!

Big match this weekend down in Tom Clifford Park, YM v Tarf.

That's a decent signing for Tarf - Imagine Munsters will look forward to meeting up with him again if he is involved this weekend! That'll be some bun fight in the backrow when they are all fit

good_afternoon

Are there many contracted players playing this weekend?
They always have a big influence on games.
Munster had a week off this week and rumor has it that most have jetted off for the weekend and forgot about their clubs?
Also the 23 man squad for the 20s opener against Scotland has been named and teams will have to do without guys involved in that.
Bohs will miss JOD, YM will miss Dan Goggin. Burke and Abbot havent been as heavily involved with Con, while Wooton and Cullen probably wont make much of a difference to the faith of their respective clubs Garryowen and Bruff.

Can we expect to see Furlong with Tarf, Fanning and Co. with Marys??

The Lost Sheep

good_afternoon wrote: »

Are there many contracted players playing this weekend?
They always have a big influence on games.
Munster had a week off this week and rumor has it that most have jetted off for the weekend and forgot about their clubs?
Also the 23 man squad for the 20s opener against Scotland has been named and teams will have to do without guys involved in that.
Bohs will miss JOD, YM will miss Dan Goggin. Burke and Abbot havent been as heavily involved with Con, while Wooton and Cullen probably wont make much of a difference to the faith of their respective clubs Garryowen and Bruff.

Can we expect to see Furlong with Tarf, Fanning and Co. with Marys??

20s extended 28 has been named not 23 for Scotland game.
Dont think there will be a huge number of contracted players playing as provincial coaches can look to this as down time and rest players with 4 games in February without anyone or at least very few from the 6 nations set up involved.

.ak

Wouldn't be surprised to see YM beat Tarf. Tarf have been on a roll but it'll be a tough game and YM will be looking for a bit of revenge - the scoreline IIRC in Castle Avenue wasn't pretty for them. Hopefully they can do a job on YM tho.

good_afternoon

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

20s extended 28 has been named not 23 for Scotland game.
Dont think there will be a huge number of contracted players playing as provincial coaches can look to this as down time and rest players with 4 games in February without anyone or at least very few from the 6 nations set up involved.

It may not be gone public yet, but the players involved have actually been notified.
Yeah very true. There will, as always, be a few surprises im sure.
Tarf look set to win the league and no doubt there will be another Dublin replacing a Limerick team again this year.
Bohs are creeping up behind in third tho and could be good for an upset. They did it two years ago.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

.ak wrote: »

Wouldn't be surprised to see YM beat Tarf. Tarf have been on a roll but it'll be a tough game and YM will be looking for a bit of revenge - the scoreline IIRC in Castle Avenue wasn't pretty for them. Hopefully they can do a job on YM tho.

YM have always struggled to beat Tarf since they've come back up to 1A from 1B. Tarf tbh luck unstoppable, they've got so much physicality, and scoring power across the park even with all their injuries!! YM have struggled with their physical dominance across the pack and backs, more so backs, Tarf to win the collisions and win the game for me

Stainalert

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

20s extended 28 has been named not 23 for Scotland game.
Dont think there will be a huge number of contracted players playing as provincial coaches can look to this as down time and rest players with 4 games in February without anyone or at least very few from the 6 nations set up involved.

Shows how little the provinces and by default IRFU care about the club game that they allow these players away for the week when there is AIL games where the younger guys could get some game time. There are full-time players that have less than 5 games under their belts this season and this is not down to injury.

good_afternoon

Stainalert wrote: »

Shows how little the provinces and by default IRFU care about the club game that they allow these players away for the week when there is AIL games where the younger guys could get some game time. There are full-time players that have less than 5 games under their belts this season and this is not down to injury.

Andrew Conway isnt even linked to a club.. has played very few games.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

good_afternoon wrote: »

Andrew Conway isnt even linked to a club.. has played very few games.

I thought all Irish players had to have a club! Foreign signings are no longer allowed but was pretty sure Irish lads had to be affiliated with a club side

good_afternoon

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

I thought all Irish players had to have a club! Foreign signings are no longer allowed but was pretty sure Irish lads had to be affiliated with a club side

I thought so too.. I could also be wrong.
Anyone know if Conway is affiliated to a club team? Definitely not in limerick as far as i know and he would be either Con or Dolphin is cork.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

good_afternoon wrote: »

I thought so too.. I could also be wrong.
Anyone know if Conway is affiliated to a club team? Definitely not in limerick as far as i know and he would be either Con or Dolphin is cork.

It says on Munster website he's still with B'Rock so that could be the case. Would be same as Connacht lads playing with G'owen, Shannon etc....

The Lost Sheep

good_afternoon wrote: »

I thought so too.. I could also be wrong.
Anyone know if Conway is affiliated to a club team? Definitely not in limerick as far as i know and he would be either Con or Dolphin is cork.

He is living in Limerick according to interviews he's done.

Any predictions on division 2 games ahead of this weekend?
IRFU previews below
2A: http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/30543.php
2B: http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/30546.php

good_afternoon

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

It says on Munster website he's still with B'Rock so that could be the case. Would be same as Connacht lads playing with G'owen, Shannon etc....

Connacht lads only come down as there is not enough 1A/1B teams for them to play with. No need for Conway to be playing with Rock. Rings a bell that he lives in Limerick, with Keatley i think.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

good_afternoon wrote: »

Connacht lads only come down as there is not enough 1A/1B teams for them to play with. No need for Conway to be playing with Rock. Rings a bell that he lives in Limerick, with Keatley i think.

Ya i'd heard flutterings when he left Leinster that he was being sent YM's direction but that simmered out fairly quickly! Heard nothing after that! Would make sense alright that he should be playing within Munster rather than with Rock.

The Lost Sheep

9 or 10 clubs, across all four divisions, have their teams named in the Independent ahead of tomorrows games including UCD, Dublin University, Terenure, Bective Rangers, Bruff and Nenagh. Below are some of those teams named.

UCD team: Andy Boyle, Tom Fletcher, Alex Kelly, Jordan Coghlan, Barry Daly, James Thornton, Luke McGrath,
Rory Harrison, Adam Clarkin, Liam Hyland, Gavin Thornbury, Emmet McMahon, Shane Grannell, Josh van der Flier.

Terenure team: James O Donoghue, Ian Hanley, John Bolland, Ryan Roopnarinesingh, Shane Donovan, Mark O Neill, Kevin O Neill,
Gary Hamilton, Robbie Smyth, Keith Dooley, Alex Dunlop, Kevin O Dwyer, Robert Duke, James O Neill, Kyle McCoy

Bruff team: Declan Bannon, Andrew Breen, Robbie Finn, Brian Carroll, Barry Enright, Brian Cahill, Willie Casey,
David Horan, Cathal O Regan, Colm O Sullivan, Barry Laffan, Brian Morrissey, John Clery, Andrew White, Daniel Keogh

Nenagh team: John Lillis, Donal Fogarty, Derek Corcoran, Nathan Daly, Ger Hermse, Mike Fogarty, Eoin Gardner
Fergal Brislane, Peter O Connor, John Coffey, Jamie Quigley, Kevin O Flaherty, Shane O Callaghan, Mike Slattery, Lemaki Vaipulu

The Lost Sheep

Malone beat Dungannon in Dungannon 13-3 in 1B in only AIL game played tonight.
The win lifts Malone up to 7th on points difference ahead of Blackrock. Dungannon are still bottom.

Also anyone going to Bohs v Terenure tomorrow the game has been moved from Annacotty to the 4G pitch in UL

Stanza2

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Malone beat Dungannon in Dungannon 13-3 in 1B in only AIL game played tonight.
The win lifts Malone up to 7th on points difference ahead of Blackrock. Dungannon are still bottom.

Also anyone going to Bohs v Terenure tomorrow the game has been moved from Annacotty to the 4G pitch in UL

I thought that Bohs would have a chance of causing an upset there, but that move to UL will only help Nure.

The Lost Sheep

Stanza2 wrote: »

I thought that Bohs would have a chance of causing an upset there, but that move to UL will only help Nure.

Annacotty passed pitch inspection today. Game not being played in UL after all.

IRFU also tweeted weather permitting they will film the Clontarf Young Munster game

JPCN1

Just back from Stradbrook, match abandoned due to an injury to one of the Shannon players. Hope he's okay but was lying out on a cold pitch for 40 minutes.

The Lost Sheep

JPCN1 wrote: »

Just back from Stradbrook, match abandoned due to an injury to one of the Shannon players. Hope he's okay but was lying out on a cold pitch for 40 minutes.

It was Paddy Butler and Shannon put up on facebook in the last few minutes that he is ok.

sdevine89

Taken before the disgraceful scenes in Stradbrook today (No neck brace, no ambulance at the match, no doctor pitchside). One of the leagues stalwarts David O'Donovan, a true Shannon man, alone he stands.


Alone He Stands by StephenDevine, on Flickr

The Lost Sheep

Poor form no ambulance or doc. Thought it was mandatory that both a doc and ambulance had to be at an AIL game.
Its home side's duty to have ambulance etc present

Anyway my round up of the weekend games
Il start with the bottom division and work my way up.
No change at the top of the division with leaders Nenagh drawing at home to Navan in a windy New Ormond Park. Navan took it to the home side and led 10-5 at half-time before a strong second half performance from the hosts brought them back to get a draw and it could have been more with a bit of luck. Fourth placed Thomond's win over second placed Greystones in Liam Fitzgerald Park means Nenagh, despite losing their winning streak, are now 6 points clear of 'Stones in second placed.
Big changes at the other end of the table with wins for De La Salle Palmerston, Richmond and Ards all pulling each side up the table.
Ards had a very big win over Skerries who will be very disappointed as they will have been looking for a win to keep themselves right in contention for promotion.
Suttonians lost again without a bonus point and with both Sligo and Instonians, 14th and 15th currently, both losing but getting losing bonus points the gap between Suttonians and safety has increased yet again.

There is plenty of change in the standings in the third division following todays games however at the very top and bottom there is no change with Galwegians still leading from Queens University while Bruff are still rooted to the bottom of the league.
The leaders were narrow 23-17 victors over UCC, who remain in sixth place, in Crowley Park while Queens had an 18-10 win against Old Wesley.
Ballymena and NUIM Barnhall despite losing today won losing bonus points and actually move up the table to third and fourth respectively following City of Derry's somewhat surprising 28-13 loss to Banbridge.
Highfield moved out of the automatic relegation places following a 15-10 win over Seapoint down in Woodleigh Park combined with Old Crescent losing 8-3 in a dogfight in Donnybrook against Bective Rangers.

Terenure, following Nenaghs draw, are now the only team across the four divisions of the league with a perfect record and the 'nure are now 10 wins from 10 games. Malone's win last night over Dungannon are up to 7th on points difference just ahead of Blackrock College who may move ahead of Malone if they win a point from their re-arranged game against Shannon which was abandoned today following an injury to Shannon's Paddy Butler(who is ok according to reports on twitter). Belfast Harlequins 1 point victory in Dubarry Park lifts them above Shannon into 5th.

Clontarf pulled clear in the second half to win by 19 in Tom Clifford Park with David Joyce scoring 16 points as the Dublin side beat their hosts 26-9 to remain top of the table of the top tier.
Belvedere and Marys played out a 22-22 draw and remain 2nd and 8th respectively.
Lansdowne's win over Garryowen lifts them to 3rd and keeps their opponents rooted to the bottom and even with a losing bonus point today Garryowen are 11 points adrift of 9th place Ballynahinch.

Division 1A:
Ballynahinch 0 Dolphin 13
Cork Constitution 14 UCD 6
Lansdowne 13 Garryowen 9
Old Belvedere 22 St. Mary's College 22
Young Munster 9 Clontarf 26

Division 1B:
Dungannon 3 Malone 13
Blackrock College v Shannon in Stradbrook - Match abandoned due to injury
Buccaneers 18 Belfast Harlequins 19
Corinthians 23 Dublin University 22
UL Bohemians 6 Terenure College 15

Division 2A:
Ballymena 7 Cashel 8
Banbridge 28 City of Derry 13
Bective Rangers 9 Old Crescent 3
Galwegians 23 UCC 17
Highfield 15 Seapoint 10
Naas 15 Bruff 26
Queen's University 18 Old Wesley 10
Rainey Old Boys 13 NUIM Barnhall 8

Division 2B:
Ards 19 Skerries 12
Armagh 14 Boyne 6
De La Salle Palmerston 12 Sligo 10
Midleton 11 Instonians 6
Nenagh Ormond 15 Navan 15
Sunday's Well 7 Richmond 13
Suttonians 8 Tullamore 24
Thomond 16 Greystones 3

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

Some big results in most Divisions. Tarf capitalizing Belvo drawing with Mary's to extend their lead at the top of the table. Garryowen and Hinch losing makes no difference to the bottom of the table, but G'owen's lbp could count for a lot if they can pick up a win this weekend at home to Hinch, should they lose its all but mathematically guaranteed they'll be in 1B next season following automatic relegation.

In 1B Nure had a good, hard fought win over UL Bohs in Annacotty, Nure captain James O Neill scoring all their points with a hat trick for the run away league leaders now 9 points clear at the top. At the bottom end of the table, Dungannon are closing in on Malone, Rock (who have a game in hand following the abandonment of the Shannon game due to Paddy Butler's injury, thankfully he's alright) and Dublin Uni. Should Shannon win that repeat fixture than the bottom 4 will be really congested!

In 2A Weigens are still sitting pretty on top of the tree, look good money to finish there, very strong outfit. This division is extremely tight at the bottom with just 10 points between bottom side Bruff and 11th placed Banbridge. Both sides had big wins at the weekend with Banbridge impressively seeing off City of Derry while Bruff finally got off the mark with a convincing win over Naas. That result pulls Naas down into the mix for Relegation in a big way. With Highfield starting to come good too of late it'll be a very interesting run in with Bruff having to play Banbridge this weekend, Highfield and Seapoint also. Could make for a cracking end to the season at the both ends of the table.

Nenagh remained unbeaten with 15 all Draw with Navan. Nenagh seem set for 2A after a few years of coming close. This season looks to be the time they finally make the jump. At the other end, Suttonians look set for the drop with 8 points between them and Suttonians and further 2 and 4 points between them Sligo and Boyne respectively. Will be a very interesting run in at the bottom of both of the Division 2 leagues!

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Some big results in most Divisions. Tarf capitalizing Belvo drawing with Mary's to extend their lead at the top of the table. Garryowen and Hinch losing makes no difference to the bottom of the table, but G'owen's lbp could count for a lot if they can pick up a win this weekend at home to Hinch, should they lose its all but mathematically guaranteed they'll be in 1B next season following automatic relegation.

In 1B Nure had a good, hard fought win over UL Bohs in Annacotty, Nure captain James O Neill scoring all their points with a hat trick for the run away league leaders now 9 points clear at the top. At the bottom end of the table, Dungannon are closing in on Malone, Rock (who have a game in hand following the abandonment of the Shannon game due to Paddy Butler's injury, thankfully he's alright) and Dublin Uni. Should Shannon win that repeat fixture than the bottom 4 will be really congested!

In 2A Weigens are still sitting pretty on top of the tree, look good money to finish there, very strong outfit. This division is extremely tight at the bottom with just 10 points between bottom side Bruff and 11th placed Banbridge. Both sides had big wins at the weekend with Banbridge impressively seeing off City of Derry while Bruff finally got off the mark with a convincing win over Naas. That result pulls Naas down into the mix for Relegation in a big way. With Highfield starting to come good too of late it'll be a very interesting run in with Bruff having to play Banbridge this weekend, Highfield and Seapoint also. Could make for a cracking end to the season at the both ends of the table.

Nenagh remained unbeaten with 15 all Draw with Navan. Nenagh seem set for 2A after a few years of coming close. This season looks to be the time they finally make the jump. At the other end, Suttonians look set for the drop with 8 points between them and Suttonians and further 2 and 4 points between them Sligo and Boyne respectively. Will be a very interesting run in at the bottom of both of the Division 2 leagues!

Nenagh going strong. Mixing predominantly home developed players with good signings from elsewhere(averaging 16 or 17 of 20 in match day squad having played underage rugby in Nenagh). They have a tough set of fixtures to come as following their trip to Boyne next Saturday they have to play the sides currently in 2nd, 3rd and 4th albeit with two of them at home and none of them are played one week after the other with a one week break between each. So some very good games coming up in 2B.
Unfortunatley for Suttonians they still have to play Armagh, Thomond, Nenagh though at the same time they will also play the two sides currently in 14th and 15th in Sligo and Instonians but with the North Dublin side having to play the sides currently in 1st, 3rd and 4th I cant see them bridging the gap and surviving.
Plenty of big games next Saturday. Wont preview them now as will do it later in week when more is known on line ups etc

RuPi

I thought the club international squad was to be released last week? Did I just miss it?

The Lost Sheep

RuPi wrote: »

I thought the club international squad was to be released last week? Did I just miss it?

Clubs and players notified. Whole squad yet to be named

The Lost Sheep

Division 2B leaders Nenagh will be looking to bounce back from last weekend when they drew at home to Navan last weekend and with second hosting third a big win for the Tipp men could, coupled with an away win in the big game of the day, increase the gap at the top come 4pm Saturday afternoon.
The big game of the day sees second placed Greystones host third place Armagh. Greystones defence is the leakiest of the sides chasing down Ormond by a considerable amount and their defence and discipline will want to be at its best to keep this strong Armagh side from coming away with the 4 points.
Regardless of the result in Wicklow a win of any kind over last placed Suttonians will see fourth place Thomond move into a promotion/play-off spot Saturday afternoon. Suttonians are in a bad way, 8 points adrift of second bottom and ten of fourteenth place. Not looking good for the senior status of the North Dublin club in any way.
The big game at the bottom end of the table see's Sundays Well make the long trek up from Cork to the North West to face Sligo. With both sides very much in the battle to avoid that 15th place and the playoff against second in the round robin four points for either side will be huge.

NUIM Barnhall, second in division 2B last season, are having a superb season back in the second last tier which they last competed in in 07/08 season, and are remarkably up in fourth after nine rounds of games and should have no issues remaining in fourth this weekend as they host tenth placed Bective Rangers in Parsonstown. The Rangers have been in the AIL since it began over twenty years ago and remarkably have been in the same division for all but one of those seasons. Bective's narrow win over Old Crescent last weekend pretty much secured their survival in 2A for another season.
The afore-mentioned Old Crescent face a huge challenge on Saturday as they seek to keep their division 2A status when they host Naas in Rosbrien. The hosts defence is not the worst in the division but they cannot seem to score with only 91 points scored in their 9 games to date and this lack of attacking prowess will not get them over the line against Naas on Saturday. The top two in the division should remain the same following Saturdays games with both Galwegians and Queens University expected to defeat Seapoint and Cashel respectively.

Terenure to continue their march to division 1A with another win as they host Blackrock College in Lakelands Saturday afternoon. With a bigger points difference than all but two of the sides in this divisions actually have scored this game against a struggling Blackrock side should only end one way in a huge win for the nure. Blackrock only lost by a point in round two to Terenure but since then the fortunes of each club have went in very different paths.
Malone versus Buccaneers will be a very interesting game up in Gibson Park. The hosts are in 7th with only two wins from their ten games but have amassed five losing bonus points from their eight losses and with some luck could be much higher up the table but their opponents Buccaneers should travel back to Athlone with the victory.

In the top flight the big game of the weekend kicks the action off on Friday night when second host third.
Belvedere are right on the coat tails of the leaders and a win Friday could possibly turn the title race into a two horse race with seven rounds to go. However an away win for Lansdowne, who will be without head coach Mike Ruddock who will be on Irish under 20s duty in Athlone, will keep the league as a three horse race.
UCD who many were predicting to be there or there abouts as winners of the league back in August/September have not done as well as people thought but if the Belfield students win as expected in Templeville Road Friday night they could really shake things up in the chase for the top few positions
Garryowen host Ballynahinch Saturday afternoon in Dooradoyle knowing a win is a must if they want to have any hope of getting off the bottom and getting a win before the end of the season. However Ballynahinch should have the strength to come down to Limerick and take the four points on offer and effectively relegate Garryowen with seven rounds still to be played.
Fixtures:
Div 1A
Friday 7.30pm
Old Belvedere (2nd) v Lansdowne (3rd)
St Marys (8th) v UCD (6th)
Saturday 2.30pm
Clontarf (1st) v Cork Con (5th)
Dolphin (7th) v Young Munster (4th)
Garryowen (10th) v Ballynahinch (9th)

Div1B
Sat 2.30pm
Belfast Harlequins (5th) v UL Bohemians (3rd)
Dublin University (9th) v Dungannon (10th)
Malone (7th) v Buccaneers (4th)
Shannon (6th) v Corinthians (2nd)
Terenure College (1st) v Blackrock College (8th)

Div2A
Sat 2.30pm
Bruff (16th) v Banbridge (11th)
Cashel (9th) v Queens University (2nd)
City of Derry (5th) v Highfield (14th)
NUIM Barnhall (4th) v Bective Rangers (10th)
Old Crescent (15th) v Naas (13th)
Old Wesley (8th) v Rainey Old Boys (7th)
Seapoint (12th) v Galwegians (1st)
UCC (6th) v Ballymena (3rd)

Div 2B
Sat 2.30pm
Boyne (13th) v Nenagh Ormond (1st)
Greystones (2nd) v Armagh (3rd)
Instonians (15th) v De La Salle Palmerston (8th)
Navan (7th) v Ards (10th)
Richmond (9th) v Tullamore (6th)
Skerries (5th) v Midleton (11th)
Sligo (14th) v Sundays Well (12th)
Thomond (4th) v Suttonians (16th)

The Lost Sheep

Old Belvedere beat Lansdowne 19-13 and St Marys beat UCD 26-15 in 1A games played tonight

The Lost Sheep

Games off today:
1B
Shannon v Corinthians
2A
Old Wesley v Rainey Old Boys
UCC v Ballymena
2B
Instonians v DLSP
Richmond v Tullamore

While Sligo's game against Sundays Well has been moved to Sligo Grammar School.

The Lost Sheep

19 of the 24 games scheduled went ahead in tough conditions across the country.

Clontarf losing to Cork Con combined with Belvedere's 6 point win last night means Tarf and Belvedere are now tied at the top of the top flight with Tarf's significantly bigger points difference keeping them top.
Garryowen finally got their first win of the season in the league when they defeated Ballynahinch by 9 points on an 18-9 score-line all the more impressive considering they came from 9-0 to finally get 4 valuable match points. Trys from Anthony Kavanagh and Harry McNulty with 8 points from Jamie Gavin sealed the win for the Dooradoyle side.
Depending on how Young Munster do in their re-arranged game against Dolphin the two leaders could be 10 points clear of the rest with 7 full rounds of games remaining.

Terenure are still unbeaten with 11 wins from their 11 games following a 20-8 victory against Blackrock today. Looks like nobody will stop Terenure in their march to 1A. Malone finally came good in a close game today when they defeated the travelling Buccaneers 13-8 while Dublin Universitys narrow 25-19 win against Dungannon in Monkstown lifts the students to 8th above Blackrock College.

2A leaders Galwegians narrowly won 5-0 in a closer than expected game against Seapoint in the Dublin venue today and their lead is 8 points from NUIM Barnhall and Queens Univeristy. The Belfast Students will be disappointed with a 16-3 loss in Cashel today but today was never going to be a day for traditional students style rugby and they'll bounce back.
The bottom 2 remain the same with Bruff rooted to the bottom 8 points adrift and Old Crescent on 15 points, 1 point behind Naas who slip behind Highfield following the Cork sides huge win up in Derry against fourth placed City of Derry.

In the bottom tier the top 2 remain the same with Nenagh Ormond bouncing back from dropping their first points of the season last time out with a hard fought 20-10 win over Boyne who are still deep in the fight to avoid the drop to junior ranks.
The big game of the day saw second place Greystones keep pace with Nenagh as they defeated Armagh 21-5 while Thomond did their promotion chances no harm with a comfortable 39-0 win over a doomed(IMHO) Suttonians side.

results:
1A
today
Clontarf 8 Cork Constitution 9
Garryowen 18 Ballynahinch 9
Dolphin Young Munster postponed
last night
Old Belvedere 19 Lansdowne 13
St Marys 26 UCD 15

1B
all today
Belfast Harlequins 20 UL Bohs 0
Dublin University 25 Dungannon 19
Malone 13 Buccaneers 8
Shannon Corinthians postponed
Terenure 20 Blackrock 8

2A
Bruff Banbridge postponed
Cashel 16 Queens University 3
City of Derry 14 Highfield 17
NUIM Barnhall 15 Bective Rangers 13
Old Crescent 15 Naas 7
Old Wesley Rainey Old Boys postponed
Seapoint 0 Galwegians 5
UCC Ballymena postponed

2B
Boyne 10 Nenagh 20
Greystones 21 Armagh 5
Instonians DLSP postponed
Navan 17 Ards 10
Richmond Tullamore postponed
Skerries 13 Midleton 0
Sligo 11 Sundays Well 17
Thomond 39 Suttonians 0

The Lost Sheep

Club International Squad to play Scotland Clubs

15. Danny Riordan (Old Belvedere RFC)
14. Cian Aherne (Lansdowne FC)
13. Stuart Morrow (Ballynahinch RFC)
12. Mark Roche (Lansdowne FC)
11. Mick McGrath (Clontarf FC)
10. David Joyce (Clontarf FC)
9. Gerry Hurley (Cork Constitution FC) capt
8. William Ryan (Cork Constitution FC)
7. Charlie Butterworth (Lansdowne FC)
6. Willie Earle (Lansdowne FC)
5. Fergal Walsh (Terenure College RFC)
4. Dean Moore (Old Belvedere RFC)
3. Christy Condon (Dolphin RFC)
2. Ger Slattery (Young Munster RFC)
1. Colm McMahon (St. Mary's College RFC)
Substitutes
16. Tyrone Moran (Lansdowne FC)
17. Ian Hirst (Clontarf FC)
18. Declan Lavery (Old Belvedere RFC)
19. Sean Walsh (Cashel RFC)
20. James Ryan (Cork Constitution FC)
21. Neil Cronin (Garryowen) / Sam Cronin (Clontarf FC)
22. Ritchie McMaster (Queens RFC)
23. Barry Daly (UCD)

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Club International Squad to play Scotland Clubs

15. Danny Riordan (Old Belvedere RFC)
14. Cian Aherne (Lansdowne FC)
13. Stuart Morrow (Ballynahinch RFC)
12. Mark Roche (Lansdowne FC)
11. Mick McGrath (Clontarf FC)
10. David Joyce (Clontarf FC)
9. Gerry Hurley (Cork Constitution FC) capt
8. William Ryan (Cork Constitution FC)
7. Charlie Butterworth (Lansdowne FC)
6. Willie Earle (Lansdowne FC)
5. Fergal Walsh (Terenure College RFC)
4. Dean Moore (Old Belvedere RFC)
3. Christy Condon (Dolphin RFC)
2. Ger Slattery (Young Munster RFC)
1. Colm McMahon (St. Mary's College RFC)
Substitutes
16. Tyrone Moran (Lansdowne FC)
17. Ian Hirst (Clontarf FC)
18. Declan Lavery (Old Belvedere RFC)
19. Sean Walsh (Cashel RFC)
20. James Ryan (Cork Constitution FC)
21. Neil Cronin (Garryowen) / Sam Cronin (Clontarf FC)
22. Ritchie McMaster (Queens RFC)
23. Barry Daly (UCD)

Any surprise omissions/inclusions? Think its a fair reflection on how the league is at the moment! Mick McGrath the standout along with Danny Riordan. Roirdan to captain the side?

Is Ritchie McMaster the OH with Queens?

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Any surprise omissions/inclusions? Think its a fair reflection on how the league is at the moment! Mick McGrath the standout along with Danny Riordan. Roirdan to captain the side?

Is Ritchie McMaster the OH with Queens?

I know its up to clubs to nominate players but dont think there's any real surprise omissions . Sean Walsh is interesting listed as is only none 1A/1B player named in squad.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

I know its up to clubs to nominate players but dont think there's any real surprise omissions . Sean Walsh is interesting listed as is only none 1A/1B player named in squad.

Only noticed now, how's Gerry Hurley eligible? He's a pro!!

Lad there from queens there, no one from nure, Corinthians or Galweigens. Thought could've warranted selection!

Stainalert

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

I know its up to clubs to nominate players but dont think there's any real surprise omissions . Sean Walsh is interesting listed as is only none 1A/1B player named in squad.

Pretty sure the selection is not limited to only players who have been nominated by their clubs

stars20

Can't see the point in playing Gerry Hurley. He is a pro. He has played in the Rabo this year. Surely its more worthwhile giving other guys a chance.

Also surprised only one Terenure man has made the squad. Not sure what more they can do. Same can be said for Corinthians as they have won most of their games.

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Only noticed now, how's Gerry Hurley eligible? He's a pro!!

Lad there from queens there, no one from nure, Corinthians or Galweigens. Thought could've warranted selection!

There is 1 from 'nure. Side always is dominated by 1A players

Stainalert wrote: »

Pretty sure the selection is not limited to only players who have been nominated by their clubs

Its not. Never said it wasnt. Said clubs can nominate players if they want to.

.ak

Wasn't at the game myself but I heard that Joyce had to come off early with a knock and it contributed to Cork Con winning the game due to the fullback taking up kicking duties. Pity.

good_afternoon

Gerry Hurley is only on a training contract which doesnt count apparently. Hugh Mc Grath from Munsters had been playing well and the Tarf 8 is good.

The Lost Sheep

Other players that possibly could have been considered include Derek Corcoran, now player coach with Nenagh Ormond in 2B but has played on this side before when he was starring with the cookies in Division 1.

Ballymena beat Malone 14-3 tonight in Ulster Senior League/Friendly tonight. No AIL this weekend but any more friendlies etc this weekend?

RuPi

Hinch beat Instonians 73-0 in the Ulster Senior League, a lot more Ulster Senior League games tomorrow evening

The Lost Sheep

RuPi wrote: »

Hinch beat Instonians 73-0 in the Ulster Senior League, a lot more Ulster Senior League games tomorrow evening

Inst are a strange package. Never know what you're going to get when you play them. Would think they'd be higher than 2B considering their the old boys club of RBAI.

Looking at Munsterfans the Munster Senior Plate final has been pushed back to the end of the season. Munsters v Nenagh. Due to some messing by YM with the original scheduling of the final it seems the final whenever it is played will be played in Nenagh. Would be good season for the North Tipp side to combine winning promotion and the 2B title with second plate victory in a row

shaungil

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Other players that possibly could have been considered include Derek Corcoran, now player coach with Nenagh Ormond in 2B but has played on this side before when he was starring with the cookies in Division 1.

Is trevor Hogan coach there too?

The Lost Sheep

shaungil wrote: »

Is trevor Hogan coach there too?

Yes Trevor is still coaching Nenagh