Ulster Bank League 2014-2015 talk/gossip/rumours

vienne86

Wow - it sounds like Terenure had a great comeback there. They're unstoppable! Hope it was a good match.

Quint2010

FellasFellas wrote: »

Ed Byrne did his cruciate against Edinburgh, Barry Daly did his knee against YM, JVDF, Leavy and Coghlan I guess weren't released by Leinster; and Boyle has moved to New Zealand

Is Ed Byrne not playing for Clontarf?

FellasFellas

Quint2010 wrote: »

Is Ed Byrne not playing for Clontarf?

Nope, that would be Bryan and Thomas.

The Lost Sheep

Thoughts on this weekend?
Terenure going strong in 1A. Richmond struggling at bottom of 2B
The changes in league structure for next season will really help boost how Divisions 2A/2B are played out this season

stellenbosch

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Thoughts on this weekend?
Terenure going strong in 1A. Richmond struggling at bottom of 2B
The changes in league structure for next season will really help boost how Divisions 2A/2B are played out this season

Was at Trinity Shannon-Trinity full value for their win and should have won by more. 2 good wins in a row against Limerick opposition. Shannon very disappointing and were out scrummaged as well. Fitzgerald played on the wing for Shannon. Will be a class act going forward. Fromm outstanding for Trinity in the centre.

Teferi

Watching the Nure game there on Friday I think UCD were the better team for about 70 minutes. Something I've noticed from watching them though is that Nure never panic and just keep chipping away which they did against College and turned the game around in the end.

ArmchairQB

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

The changes in league structure for next season will really help boost how Divisions 2A/2B are played out this season

How so?

The Lost Sheep

stellenbosch wrote: »

Was at Trinity Shannon-Trinity full value for their win and should have won by more. 2 good wins in a row against Limerick opposition. Shannon very disappointing and were out scrummaged as well. Fitzgerald played on the wing for Shannon. Will be a class act going forward. Fromm outstanding for Trinity in the centre.

Surprised at how Shannon are going this season. Thought theyd be doing much better

Teferi wrote: »

Watching the Nure game there on Friday I think UCD were the better team for about 70 minutes. Something I've noticed from watching them though is that Nure never panic and just keep chipping away which they did against College and turned the game around in the end.

That they have such a settled squad of players is a real boost to them. They've the same squad for past 3/4 seasons that's got them up from division 2 has built up a unity not there as much for other clubs IMO.

ArmchairQB wrote: »

How so?

You have to be in the top 10 In 2A if you are to stay in 2A for next season so the mid table teams will be fighting for positions there to the very end of the league. If the league wasn't changing structure teams who are 7th/8th/9th etc and are safe from relegation and nowhere near promotion would have nothing to play for in last few rounds of the league but the changes to 10 team divisions means all sides will want to be in top 10 and stay in 2A. And in 2B teams will want to make the top 4 to ensure theyre in the new 2B and not the new 2C division that's being created. While teams at bottom of 2B this season have to be much more careful as 2 teams are getting relegated automatically to junior while 3rd bottom playoffs off against the round robin winner. Much more to play for which will greatly boost the league this season

vienne86

How many games have Terenure won on the trop now?

Quint2010

vienne86 wrote: »

How many games have Terenure won on the trop now?

Think it's 29 league games.

The Lost Sheep

vienne86 wrote: »

How many games have Terenure won on the trop now?

29.
5 in the 12/13 season in division 2A, 18 in 1B last season and 6 this season in 1A

vienne86

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

29.
5 in the 12/13 season in division 2A, 18 in 1B last season and 6 this season in 1A

Incredible progression up the divisions....that's the way to do it!

Hagz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWJdq7dx3tE

The Lost Sheep

vienne86 wrote: »

Incredible progression up the divisions....that's the way to do it!

Its very good(and not dismissing what 'nure have done) but I rate the progression by clubs such as Bruff and Cashel who progressed from junior clubs to winning AIL lower tier titles in 3/4 seasons as much better achievements and stronger achievements considering the differences in resources each club would have

ArmchairQB

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

You have to be in the top 10 In 2A if you are to stay in 2A for next season so the mid table teams will be fighting for positions there to the very end of the league. If the league wasn't changing structure teams who are 7th/8th/9th etc and are safe from relegation and nowhere near promotion would have nothing to play for in last few rounds of the league but the changes to 10 team divisions means all sides will want to be in top 10 and stay in 2A. And in 2B teams will want to make the top 4 to ensure theyre in the new 2B and not the new 2C division that's being created. While teams at bottom of 2B this season have to be much more careful as 2 teams are getting relegated automatically to junior while 3rd bottom playoffs off against the round robin winner. Much more to play for which will greatly boost the league this season

That makes for an exciting season good to see.

Stainalert

Looking forward to Lansdowne Terenure game this Friday - Should be a good one

The Lost Sheep

ArmchairQB wrote: »

That makes for an exciting season good to see.

It really should. Change next season will be a big one but should boost the league.

Stainalert wrote: »

Looking forward to Lansdowne Terenure game this Friday - Should be a good one

Hopefully it is. Getting to stage where we really know who's who..

With the change to 5 divisions of 10 do people see in near future we could see league drop the 5th division and go to 40 senior clubs or will IRFU be willing to take clubs on something like that?

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

Can anyone answer me as to why Mike Kelliher is playing 2nd row/back row now for Richmond??

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Can anyone answer me as to why Mike Kelliher is playing 2nd row/back row now for Richmond??

Is he? Or are you reading teams listed in newspaper/online as 1-15 when its listed 15-9 then 18 and he is 5th/6th name listed so is actually playing scrum half or outhalf..

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Is he? Or are you reading teams listed in newspaper/online as 1-15 when its listed 15-9 then 18 and he is 5th/6th name listed so is actually playing scrum half or outhalf..

He is, seen it myself, thought was crazy! Anyone have any idea why?

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

He is, seen it myself, thought was crazy! Anyone have any idea why?

They are seriously struggling to survive and with 2 teams going down to junior, a desperate attempt to at least get a win to maybe push up the table somehow? As would have thought theyd have plenty of forwards but little in line of backs so put all best guys in pack and hope pack can do enough on its own to win games???

Hagz

And the streak comes to an end. Lansdowne beat Terenure 15-13.

vienne86

Hagz wrote: »

And the streak comes to an end. Lansdowne beat Terenure 15-13.

Terenure will be disappointed. Still fairly untouchable at the top of the table.

The Lost Sheep

Hagz wrote: »

And the streak comes to an end. Lansdowne beat Terenure 15-13.

Was going to happen sometime. Possibly may benefit them to an extent as they wont have that kind of pressure on them to keep it going. I cant see them losing a few games now that they've lost one but if they bounce back well they'll be fine

vienne86 wrote: »

Terenure will be disappointed. Still fairly untouchable at the top of the tabele.

They will but wouldn't say they're fairly untouchable at top of the table. Wins for Young Munster/Clontarf and their will be 2/3 teams within 1 game(5 points) of them in the table.

vienne86

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

They will but wouldn't say they're fairly untouchable at top of the table. Wins for Young Munster/Clontarf and their will be 2/3 teams within 1 game(5 points) of them in the table.

That loss will hopefully galvanise them.

The Lost Sheep

vienne86 wrote: »

That loss will hopefully galvanise them.

Maybe but I still don't see in any way how they're untouchable at top of the table

Shannon off bottom of 1B after derby win tonight against Bohs. Highfield now 5 from 5 in 2B and no matter what results tomorrow will still be top as theyre 7 points clear of second place

Tonights results
Div 1A
Lansdowne 15 Terenure 13

Div 1B
Shannon 20 UL Bohs 16

Div 2B
DLSP 12 Navan 17
Highfield 24 Kanturk 3

thebaz

Hagz wrote: »

And the streak comes to an end. Lansdowne beat Terenure 15-13.

was it strange to have a top table game on same time as Ireland/Scotland ?

bad planning I would think, if they want to boost attendances at league.

The Lost Sheep

thebaz wrote: »

was it strange to have a top table game on same time as Ireland/Scotland?

bad planning I would think, if they want to boost attendances at league.

Its tough enough getting crowds to games and avoiding the provinces and national rugby team without thinking about the soccer team. No I don't think it was strange. Yes with the rugby international Sunday all games could have been in the traditional Saturday afternoon time but clubs prefer the Friday nights to get crowds to games

The Lost Sheep

Some very interesting results.
Remarkably that was Dolphin's third draw of the season so far.
Terenure's run finally ended.
Trinity getting another decent result in what is a very tight division 1B with 7 points between 3rd and 10th
City of Derry down to last in 2A but got yet another losing bonus. They'll beat quite a few sides this season but are in a bit of a rut at the moment. Wesley look very strong in 2A.
Draw for Richmond is huge against a Sligo side going well at top of table
Even at this stage of season it looks like Ards will be one of the two clubs who will definitely be junior next season

All results here:
Division 1A:
Lansdowne 15 Terenure College 13, Ballynahinch 7 Dolphin 7, Cork Con 13 Clontarf 10, Old Belvedere 25 UCD 13, St Marys 21 Young Munster 15

Division 1B:
Buccaneers 20 Dublin University 20, Corinthians 26 Belfast Harlequins 15, Galwegians 34 Malone 25, Garryowen 32 Ballymena 24, Shannon 20 UL Bohemians 16

Division 2A:
Banbridge 23 NUIM Barnhall 17, Bective Rangers 10 Old Wesley 30, Cashel 23 UCC 18, Dungannon 13 Blackrock College 37, Naas 23 Rainey Old Boys 31, Nenagh 21 City of Derry 7, Queen's University 26 Seapoint 13, Thomond 16 Skerries 13

Division 2B:
Ards 19 Greystones 75, Midleton 27 Boyne 0, Richmond 10 Sligo 10, Sunday's Well 10 Old Crescent 0, Tullamore 24 Bruff 23, Wanderers 11 Armagh 6, DLSP 12 Navan 17, Highfield 24 Kanturk 3,

one man clappin

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Some very interesting results.
Remarkably that was Dolphin's third draw of the season so far.
Terenure's run finally ended.
Trinity getting another decent result in what is a very tight division 1B with 7 points between 3rd and 10th
City of Derry down to last in 2A but got yet another losing bonus. They'll beat quite a few sides this season but are in a bit of a rut at the moment. Wesley look very strong in 2A.
Draw for Richmond is huge against a Sligo side going well at top of table
Even at this stage of season it looks like Ards will be one of the two clubs who will definitely be junior next season

All results here:
Division 1A:
Lansdowne 15 Terenure College 13, Ballynahinch 7 Dolphin 7, Cork Con 13 Clontarf 10, Old Belvedere 25 UCD 13, St Marys 21 Young Munster 15

Division 1B:
Buccaneers 20 Dublin University 20, Corinthians 26 Belfast Harlequins 15, Galwegians 34 Malone 25, Garryowen 32 Ballymena 24, Shannon 20 UL Bohemians 16

Division 2A:
Banbridge 23 NUIM Barnhall 17, Bective Rangers 10 Old Wesley 30, Cashel 23 UCC 18, Dungannon 13 Blackrock College 37, Naas 23 Rainey Old Boys 31, Nenagh 21 City of Derry 7, Queen's University 26 Seapoint 13, Thomond 16 Skerries 13

Division 2B:
Ards 19 Greystones 75, Midleton 27 Boyne 0, Richmond 10 Sligo 10, Sunday's Well 10 Old Crescent 0, Tullamore 24 Bruff 23, Wanderers 11 Armagh 6, DLSP 12 Navan 17, Highfield 24 Kanturk 3,

Do you get a bonus point by losing by 14 points?

The Lost Sheep

one man clappin wrote: »

Do you get a bonus point by losing by 14 points?

Ah crap. I didn't include a sentence there..
they were very unlucky not to get a bonus point considering they were so dominant for good periods of the game. Down to last but they'll pick up quite a few wins and they've already played several of the teams who're at top of table so things should be that bit easier from now on and they'll push up the table over the next 3 or 4 rounds

Stainalert

So with Terenure's record run of AIL victories coming to an end does anyone know what the record is for most consecutive 1A games?

The Lost Sheep

Stainalert wrote: »

So with Terenure's record run of AIL victories coming to an end does anyone know what the record is for most consecutive 1A games?

This was discussed a short while back here. Shannon probably have most consecutive division 1/1A wins through their 3/4 in a row success..

Stainalert

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

This was discussed a short while back here. Shannon probably have most consecutive division 1/1A wins through their 3/4 in a row success..

Anyone from Shannon have the stats?

The Lost Sheep

Stainalert wrote: »

Anyone from Shannon have the stats?

I looked it up. Terenure have the most consecutive wins. Shannon didn't play as many games a season and went though each season losing at least a game

Huge movement in 1B with everyone but Galwegians in first and Belfast Harlequins in last the only sides not to move position following todays results


Division 1A:
Clontarf 27 Ballynahinch 16
Terenure College 34 Old Belvedere 27
Dolphin 18 St. Mary's College 27
tomorrow
Lansdowne v Young Munster
UCD v Cork Con
Division 1B:
Dublin University 31 Corinthians 13
Ballymena 43 Shannon 15
Galwegians 31 Belfast Harlequins 19
Malone 12 Garryowen 16
UL Bohs 16 Buccaneers 21

Teferi

One of the chaps who came off the bench for Belvo today in 1A played in Division 6 last year. Fair play to the guy for making the jump in less than a year...

The Lost Sheep

Teferi wrote: »

One of the chaps who came off the bench for Belvo today in 1A played in Division 6 last year. Fair play to the guy for making the jump in less than a year...

So jumped from 3rds/4ths in a season. Good going.

Lansdowne beat Young Munster 28-21 today while UCD and Cork Con drew 25-25

Next weekend see's halfway point of 1A/1B as its round 9...

Bridge93

So do we think those at the top of each division at the minute will stay there or does anybody think differently?

The Lost Sheep

Bridge93 wrote: »

So do we think those at the top of each division at the minute will stay there or does anybody think differently?

1A looking like it'll be Terenure or Lansdowne as theyre 7 clear of 3rd. Lots of rugby to be played but after 8 rounds they've lost 1 and 2 games respectively while everyone else has lost 4 except for Con, in 5th, who have drawn 2 games. Dolphin look fecked at bottom of 1A. Very close for 9th though

In 1B Galwegians going well and are 7 clear at the top but Ballymena and Garryowen are chasing hard.. tight at bottom 6 points between all 5 in the bottom half

In 2A Wesley are looking very strong. Cant see anyone getting near them. The second promotion spot is anyone's guess at this stage. Could be anyone of 3 or 4 teams. This division is going to be very interesting this season with the battle to be in the top 10 and the new 2A next season. Impossible to discuss anything on that at this stage though if the league stays as close as it currently is(Rainey old Boys in 10th are on 11 points while City Of Derry are last(16th) on 9 points) the end of the season could be unbelievable

In 2B the key is to be in the top 4 so as to be in the new 2B for next season. Highfield going very well at the top but the remaining spots completely up for grabs and only 4 points separate the next 7 sides.
Bottom of 2B will be a bigger scrap than usual as 2 clubs automatically go to junior and 3rd bottom faces a playoff for survival. At this stage its looking very likely that Ards, Richmond and Boyne will be the 3 clubs who will be in the 3 worst positions to finish in in the AIL this season but who knows about rest of the season

damianmcr

The clubs ranked 5-13 in Division 2B at the end of the 2014/15 regular league season will form Division 2C with the winners of the play-off game between the 14th-ranked club in Division 2B and the winners of the Provincial Qualifying League Championship.

How does the game between the 14th ranked club and winners of the Provincial Qualifying League Championship? Whats the format of it? One or two games? How is the venue decided?

Thanks

The Lost Sheep

damianmcr wrote: »

How does the game between the 14th ranked club and winners of the Provincial Qualifying League Championship? Whats the format of it? One or two games? How is the venue decided?

Thanks

I think it will be only one leg. These playoffs are only ever one leg and the venue will be the same as they always are for these kinds of games - the team in the higher division is at home

turtleshead

Any predictions for the weekend here are mine for 1A and 1B but it is difficult given the B&I fixtures the weekend, think lansdowne are missing a few so Dolphin may catch them especially at home

Div 1A
Hinch v Terenure - Nure
Cons v Belvo - Belvo
Dolphin v Lansdowne - Lansdowne
Marys v UCD - Marys
YM V Clontarf - Clontarf

Div 1B
Garryowen V Galwegians - Garryowen
Shannon V Malone - Shannon
Belfast Harlequins - Dublin University - Dublin Uni
Buccaneers v BAllymena - Buccaneers
Corinthians v UL Bohs - Corinthians

Stainalert

Div 1A
Hinch v Terenure - Terenure
Con v Belvo - Con
Dolphin v Lansdowne - Dolphin upset
Marys v UCD - UCD
YM V Clontarf - Clontarf

Div 1B
Garryowen V Galwegians - Galwegians
Shannon V Malone - Shannon
Belfast Harlequins - Dublin University - Trinity
Buccaneers v BAllymena - Buccs
Corinthians v UL Bohs - Corinthians

Hagz

Oomph

Bridge93

Weird Terenure dont lose for absolutely ages then two come along so quickly. Good win for Hinch.
Gap at the top down to a point with Lansdowne winning against Dolphin.
Dramatic win for Cork Con with a drop goal with the last play to beat Old Belvo.
UCD had a good win at St Marys too.
Only 3 points seperate 3rd and 8th

Div 1A:
Cork Con 18-17 Old Belvo
Dolphin 6-13 Lansdowne
St Marys 17-25 UCD
Ballynahinch 14-10 Terenure
Young Munster 18-17 Clontarf

Bridge93

Div 1B:
Galwegians and Ballymena march on.
Galwegians with a good 10-6 win at Garryowen. Ballymena were comfortable 23-8 winners at Buccs.
Trinity win again 27-13 at Belfast Harlequins.
Shannon 12-10 Malone
Corinthians 12-14 UL Bohs.

hard to see past Galwegians as winners but 2nd could be a good contest with Trinity coming back into it with Garryowen and Ballymena.

Bridge93

In 2A Wesley and Blackrock seem to be top of the pile, both got bonus points wins today against Cashel and Thomond respectively. NUIM Barnhall won the Kildare derby with Naas and our close behind.

In 2B Highfield put 69 points on Ards to stay top while Tullamore won again at Boyne to stay 2nd.

vienne86

Bridge93 wrote: »

Weird Terenure dont lose for absolutely ages then two come along so quickly. Good win for Hinch.
Gap at the top down to a point with Lansdowne winning against Dolphin.
Dramatic win for Cork Con with a drop goal with the last play to beat Old Belvo.
UCD had a good win at St Marys too.
Only 3 points seperate 3rd and 8th

Div 1A:
Cork Con 18-17 Old Belvo
Dolphin 6-13 Lansdowne
St Marys 17-25 UCD
Ballynahinch 14-10 Terenure
Young Munster 18-17 Clontarf

What? Terenure lost. Tighter table now.

Bridge93

vienne86 wrote: »

What? Terenure lost. Tighter table now.

Yeah was as suprised as you are.
One point between the top two, then a 9 point gap to Cork Con. 3 points down to UCD in 8th where there is a 6 point gap to Marys then Dolphin.

The Lost Sheep

vienne86 wrote: »

What? Terenure lost. Tighter table now.

Why such surprise? They were bound to lose again and were not going to keep on winning even with the unbeaten run having gone and then won

Bridge93 wrote: »

In 2A Wesley and Blackrock seem to be top of the pile, both got bonus points wins today against Cashel and Thomond respectively. NUIM Barnhall won the Kildare derby with Naas and our close behind.

In 2B Highfield put 69 points on Ards to stay top while Tullamore won again at Boyne to stay 2nd.

Wesley are top and will stay there. The other position is up for grabs in my opinion and could be anyone of three/four sides

Bridge93 wrote: »

Div 1B:
Galwegians and Ballymena march on.
Galwegians with a good 10-6 win at Garryowen. Ballymena were comfortable 23-8 winners at Buccs.
Trinity win again 27-13 at Belfast Harlequins.
Shannon 12-10 Malone
Corinthians 12-14 UL Bohs.

hard to see past Galwegians as winners but 2nd could be a good contest with Trinity coming back into it with Garryowen and Ballymena.

Trinity are really going well at the moment. They could really push on in next year or two as they're such a young inexperienced side this season