Ulster Bank League 2013-2014 talk/gossip/rumours

ormond lad

Leinster League Cup & Shield and Charity Cups in Munster begin this weekend
League Cup
Section A
Wesley v Lansdowne & UCD v Blackrock
Section B
Marys v Bective & Clontarf v Terenure
League Shield
Section A
Skerries v Naas & Suttonians v DLSP
Section B
Greystones v Boyne & Tullamore v NUIM Barnhall

Charity Cups
Limerick
Nenagh v Garryowen & Clare County v UL Bohs

Should be some very good games across the provinces. Great to see all money raised at games in Limerick Charity Cup this weekend going to Shane Delaney Trust, a fund for former Nenagh player hurt in OZ earlier this year

CGD

ormond lad wrote: »

Leinster League Cup & Shield and Charity Cups in Munster begin this weekend
League Cup
Section A
Wesley v Lansdowne & UCD v Blackrock
Section B
Marys v Bective & Clontarf v Terenure
League Shield
Section A
Skerries v Naas & Suttonians v DLSP
Section B
Greystones v Boyne & Tullamore v NUIM Barnhall

Charity Cups
Limerick
Nenagh v Garryowen & Clare County v UL Bohs

Should be some very good games across the provinces. Great to see all money raised at games in Limerick Charity Cup this weekend going to Shane Delaney Trust, a fund for former Nenagh player hurt in OZ earlier this year

Hope people turn out to watch good cause an weather use to be good this weekend

Stainalert

Belvo well beaten by Leinster 20s on Tuesday apparently

turtleshead

Any further news on transfers to and from limerick clubs? Clubs are back a few weeks now so we should start seeing who is signed for who at this stage?

ormond lad

turtleshead wrote: »

Any further news on transfers to and from limerick clubs? Clubs are back a few weeks now so we should start seeing who is signed for who at this stage?

Havent heard anything but the Limerick Charity Cup starts with games between Nenagh and Garryowen and Clare County and Bohs this weekend so more should be known about signings for these clubs after their 2 games

ormond lad

Nenagh beat Garryowen 24-22 in Limerick Charity Cup. Had been 15-7 down at halftime but great performance in 2nd half led to well deserved win for Nenagh. Any other games played tonight?

bamboozle

ormond lad wrote: »

Nenagh beat Garryowen 24-22 in Limerick Charity Cup. Had been 15-7 down at halftime but great performance in 2nd half led to well deserved win for Nenagh. Any other games played tonight?

Terenure beat Clontarf by a point in the Leinster league, they were nineteen point down at one stage,? Tarf have signed Peter du toit, Irish u20 scrum half a few seasons back.

ormond lad

Leinster Senior League Cup and Shield results from the weekend. Some very big margins in section A of Cup. Didn't expect that big a margin in either game though winning team is not unexpected.
Barnhall look strong for 2B sides. rude awakening for Tullamore going up senior
League Cup
Section A:
Old Wesley 6, Lansdowne 56; UCD 57, Blackrock College RFC 13;
Section B:
St Marys College RFC 31, Bective Rangers 17; Terenure College RFC 28, Clontarf 27;
League Shield
Section A:
Naas 37, Skerries 31; Suttonians 10, De La Salle Palmerston 11;
Leinster Senior League Shield
Section B:
Tullamore 12, NUIM Barnhall 45; Greystones 27, Boyne 14;

madds

ormond lad wrote: »

Barnhall look strong for 2B sides. rude awakening for Tullamore going up senior
League Cup

Heard Tullamore were poor enough to be honest. Could be a long campaign for them.

ormond lad

madds wrote: »

Heard Tullamore were poor enough to be honest. Could be a long campaign for them.

They wont go down anyway and will get the 2/3 wins they need to stay safe. Tullamore may have been poor but Barnhall are a 2A side and will be strong on back of last seasons promotion.
Jonny Moylan will have Tullamore well prepared for the season and his experience as coach with us in Nenagh will really stand to him and Tullamore

Stainalert

Big win for UCD over Lansdowne this weekend

blackdog1

Was at the game ucd very well drilled...landsdowne were like a team that just got out of bed..more knock ons and simple mistakes. Both teams missing alot of players. Ucd were very good at breakdown and counter attacks. Andrew boyle very impressive 15 for ucd and leinster academy

Stainalert

Kenny of UCD going to London Irish?

lurtz

Stainalert wrote: »

Kenny of UCD going to London Irish?

yeah hes gone I hear. Well deserved and good signing for them,was playing for their A side at 6 the other night

The Lost Sheep

Munster senior Cup starts today with 1st round today ahead of AIL start next weekend
8 games across the province with 5 in Limerick and 3 in Cork. My predictions underlined
Dolphin v Thomond
Midleton v Sundays Well
Old Crescent v Highfield ??
Richmond v Garryowen
Shannon v Bruff
UCC v Nenagh ??
UL Bohs v Cork Con
Young Munster v Cashel

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

YM beaten by Cashel 27-18, Dolphin hammered Thomond. Garryowen put 70 on Richmond. OC won after ET by 4, 22-18. Shannon beat Bruff 30-20 after ET. Bruff kicker missed last minute conversion to win it. UCC beat Nenagh. Cons beat Bohs by 20 and Midleton beat Sundays Well.

Poor result for YM!!

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

YM beaten by Cashel 27-18, Dolphin hammered Thomond. Garryowen put 70 on Richmond. OC won after ET by 4, 22-18. Shannon beat Bruff 30-20 after ET. Bruff kicker missed last minute conversion to win it. UCC beat Nenagh. Cons beat Bohs by 20 and Midleton beat Sundays Well.

Poor result for YM!!

Kind of. Cashel going strong this season. Beat Dolphin by 20 points or so in Charity Cup few weeks ago so beating YM isn't that much of a surprise.
No surprises on Dolphin, G'owen wins though margin would be worrying for Richmond.

Risteard

There were some positives for us despite the scoreline. Got our maul going a few times and scrum held up well for about 60 mins. taking one against the head and forcing a knock on. Lineout went well too. Garryowen were just very very clinical and exposed a few weaknesses in defence that will be worked on. Playing probably one of the best teams in Ireland is a big ask for a team so used to junior rugby. Our tries were pretty decent as well. Have to adapt pretty quickly with the league next week.

Stainalert

Great win for Terenure over Marys - Looks like they will go well this year

Stainalert

Division 1A odds

http://www.oddschecker.com/rugby-union/irish-rugby/all-ireland-league-division-1a/winner

CGD

Jeez Belvo favourites for the drop! Would that be right?

Stainalert

They have been poor in Leinster League so far - probably will have 5 or 6 to come back from Leinster ranks including Crosbie which should make a big difference

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

CGD wrote: »

Jeez Belvo favourites for the drop! Would that be right?

I'd have Munsters, Belvo as favourites to go down. UCD my pick to win it out. Nure loosing Willie Staunton back to YM

CGD

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

I'd have Munsters, Belvo as favourites to go down. UCD my pick to win it out. Nure loosing Willie Staunton back to YM

Clontarf my pick, UCD will be in the shake up but when the bad weather hits they might slip up. Will be an interesting weekend ahead

.ak

Will any games be covered on TV at this end of the seaosn?

turtleshead

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

I'd have Munsters, Belvo as favourites to go down. UCD my pick to win it out. Nure loosing Willie Staunton back to YM

Is Willie Staunton moving confirmed? I heard rumours a few weeks back but nothing concrete, I think that will boost Munsters chances of staying up.

mightymonster

I feel Dolphin will contend this year but not winners . Solid squad with quality and depth .
Lansdownes favourites tag is strong having won both AIL trophys last year but no Ronaldson
Clontarf will be very effective too

The Lost Sheep

Ulster Bank League starts this weekend with a full programme of fixtures across the 4 divisions all kicking off at 2.30pm Saturday afternoon.
5 clubs(Cork Con, Dolphin, Young Munster, Ballynahinch and Garryowen) will be attempting to stop the 5 Dublin clubs (Old Belvedere, St Marys Lansdowne, UCD and Clontarf) from once again bring the Division 1A title back to the capital and will attempt to become the first non Dublin side to win the title of best club in the country in 4 seasons.
Ballynahinch will fancy their chances as the sole Ulster represntative and clubs will not enjoy the trip up to county Down to face a side that is Ulster's first representative in the top flight since the restructuring of the leagues in 2009.
UCD dispite only winning a place in the top flight after a playoff are tipped by many to do very well and possibly even win the league out.
Predictions
Champions: Lansdowne
Relegated: Old Belvedere, Young Munster

This season will mark the first time since the AIL was established 22 seasons ago that the competition’s most successful club.Shannon, will not be in the top flight and the 'island' side will find it difficult to regain their spot in the top tier with Buccaneers and Dublin University as well as UL Bohemians, relegated alongside Shannon last season, all looking for promotion to the top flight.
Predictions
Champions: Dublin University
Promoted: Buccaneers
Relegated: Blackrock, Corinthians

Much has changed with division 2A from last season with 3 sides on the way up from division 2B and 2 on their way down from division 1B.
Of the relegated sides Bruff have started this season on a positive note although the results will show otherwise. A close 5 point defeat to UL Bohemians in the Limerick Charity Cup showed promise and they followed that performance up by taking Charity Cup winners Shannon to extra time in the opening round of the Munster Senior Cup.
Ballymena, also relegated at the end of last season host Connacht kingpins Galwegians. The Galway side normally the dominant side out west have been overtaken by their city rivals, Corinthians, and will want to show their still top dog in the City of the Tribes.
Predictions
Champions: Ballymena
Promoted: Galwegians
Relegated: Old Crescent, Naas

Division 2B normally the toughest division to pinpoint kicks off Saturday with several games that could already be pinpointed as must wins for several sides.
Thomond and Sundays Well both struggled at times last season with both ending the season just over the relegation playoff spot and will want to start this season in a different fashion. Both havent started well in either the Charity Cups or the Munster Senior Cup so a win for either will be a great boost to morale.
Sides eyeing promotion will also want to make a statement on the league and 2 sides who will want to make a big impression are Nenagh and Boyne.
Nenagh have been consistently in the top 6 for the past 4/5 seasons and will want to reach the next level and push on and look to this season as the best since reaching the final in 2009 to do so.
This is Boyne's third season as a senior club and since their promotion to the senior ranks for the 11/12 season have impressed greatly. After finishing 5th last season behind the aforementioned Nenagh they will be eager to push on to the next level.
Champions: Boyne
Promoted: Nenagh
Relegated: Suttonians

Rightwing

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Ulster Bank League starts this weekend with a full programme of fixtures across the 4 divisions all kicking off at 2.30pm Saturday afternoon.
5 clubs(Cork Con, Dolphin, Young Munster, Ballynahinch and Garryowen) will be attempting to stop the 5 Dublin clubs (Old Belvedere, St Marys Lansdowne, UCD and Clontarf) from once again bring the Division 1A title back to the capital and will attempt to become the first non Dublin side to win the title of best club in the country in 4 seasons.
Ballynahinch will fancy their chances as the sole Ulster represntative and clubs will not enjoy the trip up to county Down to face a side that is Ulster's first representative in the top flight since the restructuring of the leagues in 2009.
UCD dispite only winning a place in the top flight after a playoff are tipped by many to do very well and possibly even win the league out.
Predictions
Champions: Lansdowne
Relegated: Old Belvedere, Young Munster

This season will mark the first time since the AIL was established 22 seasons ago that the competition’s most successful club.Shannon, will not be in the top flight and the 'island' side will find it difficult to regain their spot in the top tier with Buccaneers and Dublin University as well as UL Bohemians, relegated alongside Shannon last season, all looking for promotion to the top flight.
Predictions
Champions: Dublin University
Promoted: Buccaneers
Relegated: Blackrock, Corinthians

Much has changed with division 2A from last season with 3 sides on the way up from division 2B and 2 on their way down from division 1B.
Of the relegated sides Bruff have started this season on a positive note although the results will show otherwise. A close 5 point defeat to UL Bohemians in the Limerick Charity Cup showed promise and they followed that performance up by taking Charity Cup winners Shannon to extra time in the opening round of the Munster Senior Cup.
Ballymena, also relegated at the end of last season host Connacht kingpins Galwegians. The Galway side normally the dominant side out west have been overtaken by their city rivals, Corinthians, and will want to show their still top dog in the City of the Tribes.
Predictions
Champions: Ballymena
Promoted: Galwegians
Relegated: Old Crescent, Naas

Division 2B normally the toughest division to pinpoint kicks off Saturday with several games that could already be pinpointed as must wins for several sides.
Thomond and Sundays Well both struggled at times last season with both ending the season just over the relegation playoff spot and will want to start this season in a different fashion. Both havent started well in either the Charity Cups or the Munster Senior Cup so a win for either will be a great boost to morale.
Sides eyeing promotion will also want to make a statement on the league and 2 sides who will want to make a big impression are Nenagh and Boyne.
Nenagh have been consistently in the top 6 for the past 4/5 seasons and will want to reach the next level and push on and look to this season as the best since reaching the final in 2009 to do so.
This is Boyne's third season as a senior club and since their promotion to the senior ranks for the 11/12 season have impressed greatly. After finishing 5th last season behind the aforementioned Nenagh they will be eager to push on to the next level.
Champions: Boyne
Promoted: Nenagh
Relegated: Suttonians

Shame the AIL league has fallen off so badly, used to be great interest in it years ago.

The Lost Sheep

Rightwing wrote: »

Shame the AIL league has fallen off so badly, used to be great interest in it years ago.

Plenty of interest still in the league. By years ago... How far you going back??
Think the league stull has plenty of interest in it. Even with the rise of the A provincial sides and introduction of the B&I Cup the AIL is still the competition where most of the top young players will cut their teeth in adult rugby before they rise up the ranks of provincial A, Pro12, H Cup, International rugby

Rightwing

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Plenty of interest still in the league. By years ago... How far you going back??
Think the league stull has plenty of interest in it. Even with the rise of the A provincial sides and introduction of the B&I Cup the AIL is still the competition where most of the top young players will cut their teeth in adult rugby before they rise up the ranks of provincial A, Pro12, H Cup, International rugby

Early to mid 90's. Haven't been to an AIL game in over 10 years,

The Lost Sheep

Rightwing wrote: »

Early to mid 90's. Haven't been to an AIL game in over 10 years,

There is still huge interest in the AIL. Look at the rise of provincial clubs like Bruff, Nenagh, Naas, Boyne, Navan, Cashel all senior in past 10 years and now well established senior clubs.
You may not have been to an AIL game in over a decade but plenty have and they are the heart and soul of Irish Rugby and are where everyone with an interest in being more than simply a spectator gets involved.
The AIL has IMO even picked up in interest the past season or two despite some issues and will strengthen again over next few years. Not to degree where there will be thousands and thousands at club games but will still be very strong

Rightwing

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

There is still huge interest in the AIL. Look at the rise of provincial clubs like Bruff, Nenagh, Naas, Boyne, Navan, Cashel all senior in past 10 years and now well established senior clubs.
You may not have been to an AIL game in over a decade but plenty have and they are the heart and soul of Irish Rugby and are where everyone with an interest in being more than simply a spectator gets involved.
The AIL has IMO even picked up in interest the past season or two despite some issues and will strengthen again over next few years. Not to degree where there will be thousands and thousands at club games but will still be very strong

No doubt it has risen in the provincial towns. Some of the traditional clubs stung fans with H cup tickets over the years, many fans have turned their back on them since then.

The Lost Sheep

Rightwing wrote: »

No doubt it has risen in the provincial towns. Some of the traditional clubs stung fans with H cup tickets over the years, many fans have turned their back on them since then.

I would disagree with that. Some clubs went ott on H Cup ticket prices and would have lost some members as a result but wouldn't say they lost many.

Anyway any opinions on the rugby this weekend?

Stainalert

Anyone any idea how Ballynahinch are shaping up? Have they many Ulster academy players?

Rightwing

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

I would disagree with that. Some clubs went ott on H Cup ticket prices and would have lost some members as a result but wouldn't say they lost many.

Anyway any opinions on the rugby this weekend?

Afraid not, but I enjoyed reading your previews. Hadn't realised once strong clubs like Ballymena had fallen so much. Old Crescent, Old wesley too to a lesser extent.

turtleshead

Anyone have any predictions for this weekend, here are mine:

1A Fixtures
Ballinahinch vs Cons - Ballinahinch
Garryowen vs Dolphin - Garryowen in a close one
Lansdowne vs UCD - Close one high scoring game with UCD sneaking it with BP win Lansdowne could take 2 match points though
St Marys vs YM - Marys BP win
Old Belvedere vs Clontarf - Tarf with a BP win

1B Fixtures
Belfast Harlequins vs Buccs - Buc's win with LBP for Belfast Harlequins
Dublin Uni Vs Corinthians - Home win with 4 try BP
Malone V Dungannon - Malone win LBP for Dungannon
Shannon vs Blackrock - Shannon BP win
Terenure Vs UL Bohs - Terenure BP win

CGD

My predictions for this weekend:

1A Fixtures

Ballinahinch vs Cons - Con
Garryowen vs Dolphin - Dolphin
Lansdowne vs UCD - Very Close - UCD
St Marys vs YM - Marys BP win
Old Belvedere vs Clontarf - Tarf with a BP win

1B Fixtures

Belfast Harlequins vs Buccs - Buc's
Dublin Uni Vs Corinthians - Trinity
Malone V Dungannon - Malone
Shannon vs Blackrock - Shannon BP win
Terenure Vs UL Bohs - Terenure BP win

the perfect ten

I'll be very surprised if Lansdowne don't come away with a win.

Despite the players they have lost they are still a quality side.

Clontarf may be the team to watch this season.

Gracelessly Tom

1A Fixtures

Ballinahinch vs Cork Con - 'Hinch
Garryowen vs Dolphin - Garryowen
Lansdowne vs UCD - Lansdowne
St Marys vs YM - Marys
Old Belvedere vs Clontarf - Tarf

1B Fixtures

Belfast Harlequins vs Buccs - Bucc's
Dublin Uni Vs Corinthians - Trinity
Malone V Dungannon - Malone
Shannon vs Blackrock - Shannon
Terenure Vs UL Bohs - Terenure

Wouldn't be too confident on BP wins as it's the first game of the season, I'd say all sides will be happy with the 4 points (stating the blindingly obvious there I know!)

I think Garryowen could be a (slight) dark horse this season, Lansdowne could suffer the same fate that befell Belvo and Mary's the year after they won the league and have a mediocre or poor season.

Predictions for the Season

1A Champs - Garryowen
Relegated - Belvo and 'hinch

1B Champs - Terenure (and it sickens me to say that!! :eek:)
Promoted - Shannon
Relegated - Rock and Corinthians

blackdog1

1A Fixtures
Ballinahinch vs Cons - Con. Dont know much about hinch squad wise
Garryowen vs Dolphin - Garryowen but close
Lansdowne vs UCD - ucd. Too many landsdowne players injured
St Marys vs YM - Marys
Old Belvedere vs Clontarf - Tarf

bamboozle

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

1A Fixtures

Ballinahinch vs Cork Con - 'Hinch
Garryowen vs Dolphin - Garryowen
Lansdowne vs UCD - Lansdowne
St Marys vs YM - Marys
Old Belvedere vs Clontarf - Tarf

1B Fixtures

Belfast Harlequins vs Buccs - Bucc's
Dublin Uni Vs Corinthians - Trinity
Malone V Dungannon - Malone
Shannon vs Blackrock - Shannon
Terenure Vs UL Bohs - Terenure

Wouldn't be too confident on BP wins as it's the first game of the season, I'd say all sides will be happy with the 4 points (stating the blindingly obvious there I know!)

I think Garryowen could be a (slight) dark horse this season, Lansdowne could suffer the same fate that befell Belvo and Mary's the year after they won the league and have a mediocre or poor season.

Predictions for the Season

1A Champs - Garryowen
Relegated - Belvo and 'hinch

1B Champs - Terenure (and it sickens me to say that!! :eek:)
Promoted - Shannon
Relegated - Rock and Corinthians

Dolphin have recruited strongly and have 2 serious future players in Scannell at hooker and the U20's no 8 from last season Ryan Murphy, plus Christy Condon will destroy props at scrumtime- on the flip side Dolphin's game over the last number of years has always struck me as a limited 10 man game which wont be enough to win the league.
Garryowen and YM have weaker teams than last season even with WS returning to YM.
Ballynahinch could prove strong if they can consistenly call on ulster fringe players.
Lansdowne wont have Ronaldson and will be missing Sexton and probably moore in their front row, plus think Boucher has retired.
Mary's have recruited Marsh from Trinity and he should have a big impact and Fanning will still probably play a bit of AIL.
UCD despite the big names will struggle when the ground gets heavier but will prob still be top 3 with a lot of bonus point wins - Barry Daly to light up the league.
Clontarf have added a serious pair of half backs in du toit and david Joyce so for once have strength in depth at half back. Last seasons top try scorer Mick McGrath and Max Macfarlane on the wings will be big threats.
Belvo have struggled badly in the leinster league.

Tarf, Mary's, Dolphin, Lansdowne and UCD to fight out for top stop.

Belvo have done well to avoid the drop last 2 seasons, if they can get A'auva on the pitch and interested and Conan and Crosbie they might stay up but i cant see it.

Terenure have been going very well in Leinster league, they will push in 1B...can see Shannon struggling to stay top half. Trinity have lost Joyce, Marsh and Hirst - cant see them going too strongly.

shaungil

Division 2B normally the toughest division to pinpoint kicks off Saturday with several games that could already be pinpointed as must wins for several sides.
Thomond and Sundays Well both struggled at times last season with both ending the season just over the relegation playoff spot and will want to start this season in a different fashion. Both havent started well in either the Charity Cups or the Munster Senior Cup so a win for either will be a great boost to morale.
Sides eyeing promotion will also want to make a statement on the league and 2 sides who will want to make a big impression are Nenagh and Boyne.
Nenagh have been consistently in the top 6 for the past 4/5 seasons and will want to reach the next level and push on and look to this season as the best since reaching the final in 2009 to do so.
This is Boyne's third season as a senior club and since their promotion to the senior ranks for the 11/12 season have impressed greatly. After finishing 5th last season behind the aforementioned Nenagh they will be eager to push on to the next level.
Champions: Boyne
Promoted: Nenagh
Relegated: Suttonians[/QUOTE]

Think Boyne might struggle they've lost 5 playes and and have a new coach . They've not won a game yet this year AFAIK. Skerries might be a dark horse with a young team having gained a years more experience.

The Lost Sheep

shaungil wrote: »

Think Boyne might struggle they've lost 5 playes and and have a new coach . They've not won a game yet this year AFAIK. Skerries might be a dark horse with a young team having gained a years more experience.

I don't think they will struggle. Reason I included them as promotion contenders and title winners is the strength of the side last year. I know they have had some poor performances in the Leinster Shield including conceding 70 to Barnhall but I have a feeling their opening games against Richmond at home tomorrow and away to Sligo next weekend will settle them ahead of the remainder of the league
Skerries will also push for the top of the league. Young team that play nice brand of rugby

lurtz

Trinity have lost such a huge amount of key players this year

student1990

Luke McGrath and Conor Gilsenan starting for UCD

Dooley starting for landsdowne

The Lost Sheep

Big wins and statement of intents across the divisions from Dolphin, UCD in 1A, Corinthians and Terenure in 1B, Barnhall, Ballymena and City of Derry in 2A and Tullamore, Nenagh, Thomond and Skerries in 2B
http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/news/29796.php

Beery Eyed

Great win, and a big surprise, by Belvo over Clontarf 24-21 today. I think everyone was expecting a win for Tarf there, and for Belvo to struggle. Good to see the AIL throwing up surprises as always!

Stanza2

Is the scorer of Corinthians 15 points today in their first ever league 1B game young 18 year old Sean O'Hagan? Fair play if it was, that's a tough breeding ground for a young fella. Did not think that he would play first team rugby at that age.

porterbelly

Stanza2 wrote: »

Is the scorer of Corinthians 15 points today in their first ever league 1B game young 18 year old Sean O'Hagan? Fair play if it was, that's a tough breeding ground for a young fella. Did not think that he would play first team rugby at that age.

That's him