Ulster Bank League 2015-2016 Talk/Gossip/Rumours

GavMan

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

They wouldn't have given any side a good run last year and I think gelling is key especially going up to a completely different kind of league which the difference from 2A to 1B is.

Ah come on. I seen a good bit of OW last season and they were very good.

They would have given any 1B basement dweller a good game. Not saying they would win but they would have able enough for Malone or Corinthians (who in fairness, dropped off a cliff performance wise compared to 2013/14). OW pack are excellent

The Lost Sheep

GavMan wrote: »

Ah come on. I seen a good bit of OW last season and they were very good.

They would have given any 1B basement dweller a good game. Not saying they would win but they would have able enough for Malone or Corinthians (who in fairness, dropped off a cliff performance wise compared to 2013/14). OW pack are excellent

Ok sorry but the suggestions that they will go straight up are far from the mark. Theyre a good side but not that good.

Stainalert

Good win tonight for Clontarf away to UCD even more impressive if you consider the players they have to come back in. UCD really should have done better.

Big win for Belvo over Terenure - didn't see that coming

Hagz

Most of the UCD v Tarf game has been uploaded by the IRFU Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R08qDUbJcI

Squidgy Black

Interesting to see Carberry's playing at 10 when the general consensus was he'd be playing at 9.

Cracker of a try by McGrath though.

funtime93

2 tries by Mick McGrath.First one was quality.He really shouldn't be playing this level rugby IMO.

.ak

funtime93 wrote: »

2 tries by Mick McGrath.First one was quality.He really shouldn't be playing this level rugby IMO.

He loves that chip!

Yeah I agree but I do wonder about his conditioning at times, also he seems to be a bit of a specialist in attack but his positioning in defence is a bit weird... He rarely drops back deep, often the 10 or 15 supports his pocket. It's weird though cuz it almost seems like a tactic, I wonder if he's just not trusted in an aerial contest. I've seen it for both Leinster and tarf.

But it'll be a real shame in Leinster don't give him a few caps for an opportunity during the rwc. The guy can't stop scoring tries and he'd probably be the most explosive winger in the squad.

funtime93

What's wrong with his conditioning? Looks like a legit rugby player to me. Almost too big for a winger even. His positioning in defence is questionable though. A try Treviso scored last year up the short side sticks out in my memory.

rrpc

Galwegians 12 - 11 Cork Con.

d-gal

rrpc wrote: »

Galwegians 12 - 11 Cork Con.

Cracker of a win. Con scored late to make it tense but Galwegians were the better side, unlucky not to get a couple more tries. Impressive considering we are missing half our backline

Mc Love

Shannon lost away to Bucaneers

turtleshead

Tough day at the office for YM, always knew it would be difficult only 5 starters featured in the semifinal, and both half backs still under 20. Kept with lansdowne for 40 mins but they dominated the second, unlucky with some tries but still a lot to come into the team. Missing Dave O'Mahoney, Gearoid lyons, Dan goggin, the South African 9, James O'Connor, Ben Kilkenny, Darren Gallagher, Ben Betts all who will start when available.

The Lost Sheep

All results
Division 1A:
Galwegians 12 Cork Constitution 11, Garryowen 14 Ballynahinch 10, Lansdowne 29 Young Munster 6, Old Belvedere 27 Terenure College 8, UCD 16 Clontarf 24

Division 1B:
Ballymena 27 Belfast Harlequins 23, Buccaneers 21 Shannon 11, St. Mary's College 46 Dolphin 10, UL Bohemians 5 Old Wesley 33, Blackrock College 11 Dublin University 10

Divison 2A:
Corinthians 18 Queen's University 30, Malone 20 Banbridge 23, Thomond 15 Cashel 16. Skerries 0 Naas 16

Division 2B:
Armagh 21 Dungannon 20, Bective Rangers 28 Highfield 27, MU Barnhall 20 City of Derry 32, Seapoint 18 Rainey Old Boys 21, Sundays Well 15 Greystones 20

Division 2C:
Boyne 31 Midleton 29, Dundalk 16 Bruff 35, Kanturk 27 Wanderers 32, Navan 54 Sligo 10, Tullamore 12 Old Crescent 13

Fine win for wegians. Was in glenina this morning for short while but couldn't stay but great win for them first time out
Surprise results for me are Bective beating Highfield considering their seasons last season

Leinster5

Was at the Old Belvedere vs Tereunre and Lansdowne vs Young Munster games.

Old Belvedere look very strong this year, they've been crying out for a quality hooker and out-half as of late and they seem to have fixed that. They bullied Terenure for most of the game in horrible conditions. Strong set-piece and Staunton was superb at keeping them on the front foot. Terenure looked a touch off the pace but will no doubt bounce back.

Lansdowne impressed me hugely with their back line and powerful scrum. Horan, Predeville and Roche stood out for me even when they were without Kelleher, Dooley and Fitzpatrick. I was told they had 4 new faces in the squad(Allen, O'Rourke, Darcy and Mills) and all featured. They've lost several players but look just as strong. Young Munster clearly missed their absent key men and fell apart in the 2nd half.

Stainalert

I know we're a game into the season already but saw this preview on Knockon.ie - Well written with some good stats

http://www.knockon.ie/2015/09/11/ubl-1a-tier-1-season-preview/

garryowenman

Does anyone know where I'd find the starting teams for the Yesterdays UBL 1A+b games

Stainalert

garryowenman wrote: »

Does anyone know where I'd find the starting teams for the Yesterdays UBL 1A+b games

Can usually get on limerickrugby.ie but not there this week.

The Lost Sheep

garryowenman wrote: »

Does anyone know where I'd find the starting teams for the Yesterdays UBL 1A+b games

Rob Murphy has round up including teams on knockon.ie

Stainalert

Going to get these in early because I think the world cup is likely to dominate peoples thinking as we get closer to the weekend:

1A
Clontarf v Old Belvedere - Very tight with home advantage to shade it for Clontarf

Young Munster v Garryowen - Difficult place to go and will depend on how many Munsters get back - Garryowen

Ballynahinch v UCD - UCD likely to have a lot of their Leinster players available - UCD

Cork Con v Lansdowne - Con got off to a poor start last weekend and under pressure to deliver - Con

Terenure v Galwegians - Really surprised with Terenure last week think they will bounce back - Terenure

1B
Dolphin v Ballymena - Ballymena can see Dolphin continuing to struggle although should be stronger this week

Bel. Harlequins v UL Bohs - Harlequins

Old Wesley v Buccaneers - Great match up going to side with Old Wesley

Shannon v Blackrock - Shannon

Tarf1234

Stainalert wrote: »

Going to get these in early because I think the world cup is likely to dominate peoples thinking as we get closer to the weekend:

1A
Clontarf v Old Belvedere - Very tight with home advantage to shade it for Clontarf

Young Munster v Garryowen - Difficult place to go and will depend on how many Munsters get back - Garryowen

Ballynahinch v UCD - UCD likely to have a lot of their Leinster players available - UCD

Cork Con v Lansdowne - Con got off to a poor start last weekend and under pressure to deliver - Con

Terenure v Galwegians - Really surprised with Terenure last week think they will bounce back - Terenure

1B
Dolphin v Ballymena - Ballymena can see Dolphin continuing to struggle although should be stronger this week

Bel. Harlequins v UL Bohs - Harlequins

Old Wesley v Buccaneers - Great match up going to side with Old Wesley

Shannon v Blackrock - Shannon

Hard to disagree
1A
Tarf v OB - Tarf only going to get stronger with a few players back from what I've heard. Tarf win
YM v Garryowen - Going to back Garryowen. YM sound like they've gone backwards even though on paper they looked decent last week.
Ballynahinch v UCD - UCD looked leaderless and terribly disciplined last week (same as in LL). Both will get players back from provinces - Ballynahinch
Con v Lansdowne - Con looked like they had a good side out last week. On paper Lansdowne look down powered. Con
Nure v Wegians - Nure second season syndrome? Wegains coming up with confidence. Wegians.

1B
Dolphin v Ballymena - Not an easy trip but going with Ballymena
B Quins v UL - Quins to take the home win
Old Wesley v Buccs - Great start last week for Wesley. I think they'll keep it going
Shannon v Rock - Too former giants hard to really gauge either. Shannon

The Lost Sheep

Any thoughts on lower division games?
Cashel Nenagh should be interesting and probably tie of the weekend though Terenure and Galwegians could be a super game. Cashel have to be favourites and have won both league encounters between the 2 sides since Cashel went senior but hard to say in derby games.

The Lost Sheep

Cashel Nenagh game scheduled for tonight is off as a mark of respect to Eddie Connolly, who passed away last night, and his family connections in Cashel RFC

turtleshead

1A

Clontarf v Old Belvedere - Clontarf

Young Munster v Garryowen - Garryowen, Munsters seriously weakened at the moment, and Garryowen have signed half the Academy

Ballynahinch v UCD - UCD

Cork Con v Lansdowne - Lansdowne too good Con badly missing their general

Terenure v Galwegians - Terenure

1B
Dolphin v Ballymena - Dolphin

Bel. Harlequins v UL Bohs - Harlequins

Old Wesley v Buccaneers - Old Wesley

Shannon v Blackrock - Shannon

phog

YM v Garryowen ended with a draw.

Duncan Casey set to play with Shannon tomorrow v Blackrock

The Lost Sheep

Last nights results
Division 1A:
Clontarf 20 Old Belvedere 14
Young Munster 16 Garryowen 16

Division 2B
Highfield 24 Sunday's Well 11
Division 2C
Wanderers 31 Boyne 13

The Lost Sheep

Anyone care to give a round up of todays results etc?
Stand out result....

Bridge93

Can't say I saw or heard of much else due to the Ireland or Japan games but Rock won down in Shannon for their second win of the season already

The Lost Sheep

All results
http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/35580.php#.Vf50B03bLcs

Stainalert

That's a big result for UCD

Clontarf looking pretty strong as well

The Lost Sheep

Stainalert wrote: »

That's a big result for UCD

Clontarf looking pretty strong as well

Theyd half a dozen academy guys playing so you'd expect them to do well at this time of year....

Next weekends fixtures. Might try go to a game in Limerick if not refereeing as no games in Galway next weekend....
1A
Friday
Lansdowne v Terenure College
Saturday
Clontarf v Ballynahinch
Garryowen v Cork Con
Old Belvedere v Galwegians
UCD v Young Munster
1B
Saturday
Ballymena v Dublin University
Buccaneers v Blackrock College
St Marys College v Shannon
UL Bohemians v Dolphin
4.30 Old Wesley v Belfast Harlequins
2A
Saturday
Malone v Galway Corinthians
Naas v UCC
Nenagh Ormond v Queens University
Skerries v Cashel
Thomond v Banbridge
2B
Saturday
2pm Bective Rangers v Rainey Old Boys
Armagh v Highfield
Dungannon v Greystones
Seapoint v MU Barnhall
Sundays Well v City Of Derry
2C
Saturday
Boyne v Sligo
Dundalk v Tullamore
Kanturk v Old Crescent
Midleton v Wanderers
Navan v Bruff

Tarf1234

Stainalert wrote: »

That's a big result for UCD

Clontarf looking pretty strong as well

OB had a man sent off very early for Head-butting. They'll be happy enough with the LBP considering that.

The Lost Sheep

Will be interesting to see how Trinity do against Ballymena next weekend after this last few days in Oxford where they finished runners up in the inaugural World Universities Cup.
Trinity beat Siberian Federal University 14-3, University of British Columbia 8-0, New Zealand Universities 11-10 in group stage. They beat the hosts 21-0 in the semi final but lost final to University of Cape Town 17-0

Stainalert

Looking forward to the Terenure Lansdowne game this Friday - should be a cracker

Braken

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Will be interesting to see how Trinity do against Ballymena next weekend after this last few days in Oxford where they finished runners up in the inaugural World Universities Cup.
Trinity beat Siberian Federal University 14-3, University of British Columbia 8-0, New Zealand Universities 11-10 in group stage. They beat the hosts 21-0 in the semi final but lost final to University of Cape Town 17-0

What is the criteria for qualification for this event...how come UCD,UCC,Queens aren't there?

The Lost Sheep

Braken wrote: »

What is the criteria for qualification for this event...how come UCD,UCC,Queens aren't there?

It was invite only and only 1 Irish side was invited and imagine Tony Smeeth with all his connections in England, the US etc. Trinity most prestigious university in country as well got them the place.
These are the 8 sides who competed:
Trinity College Dublin, University of Oxford Blues, University of Oxford Greyhounds, University of Cape Town, New Zealand Universities, Waseda University (Japan), University of British Columbia (Canada), Siberian Federal University (Russia)

Oxford had a second side due to Stanford pulling.

The Lost Sheep

So thoughts on this weekends games?

Tarf1234

Looking forward to a few games. Lansdowne v Nure standout game for me.

1A
Lansdowne v Nure - should tell us a lot about both teams. Looking forward to seeing Lansdowne really challenged at home.

Tarf v Ballynahinch - Tarf should take this. Ballynahinch seem to be struggling word is they've lost a lot of players. Hopefully Conor O'Brien back for tarf after inter pros

Garryowen v Con - will be interesting too. Judging by results so far you'd have to go with Con. Who I believe were unlucky not to win last week.

OB v Wegians - OB struggling for depth already but still think they'll be too good for wegians. Did well to get a BP last week with a player sent off after 20/30 mins. Slattery and Riordan hugely important to their season.

UCD v YM - UCD should have loads of academy lads again and will probably win. They won't enjoy player munsters though.

1B
Ballymena v Trinity - would have to back Ballymena. Interesting to see what trinners are like this week after the universities. Strong possibility of a literal hangover.

Buccs v Rock - Home advantage to take it for Buccs. Both look like they're going well so far.

Marys v Shannon - Hard to know where Marys are having only played Dolphin who look like the whipping boys this year. However, if they have fanj and their 20s players involved they should win fairly comfortably.

UL v Dolphin - Dolphin look like they are seriously struggling. UL win

Old Wes v B'Quins - One thing is for sure Wesley will score lots of points!! Must already be odds on to be the highest scoring team in all 5 div's. Apparently they love their astro and just know how to play on it better than anyone else can

Not going to do lower divisions as I'm have little or no knowledge on them!

Tarf1234

Looking forward to a few games. Lansdowne v Nure standout game for me.

1A
Lansdowne v Nure - should tell us a lot about both teams. Looking forward to seeing Lansdowne really challenged at home.

Tarf v Ballynahinch - Tarf should take this. Ballynahinch seem to be struggling word is they've lost a lot of players. Hopefully Conor O'Brien back for tarf after inter pros

Garryowen v Con - will be interesting too. Judging by results so far you'd have to go with Con. Who I believe were unlucky not to win last week.

OB v Wegians - OB struggling for depth already but still think they'll be too good for wegians. Did well to get a BP last week with a player sent off after 20/30 mins. Slattery and Riordan hugely important to their season.

UCD v YM - UCD should have loads of academy lads again and will probably win. They won't enjoy playing munsters though.

1B
Ballymena v Trinity - would have to back Ballymena. Interesting to see what trinners are like this week after the universities. Strong possibility of a literal hangover.

Buccs v Rock - Home advantage to take it for Buccs. Both look like they're going well so far.

Marys v Shannon - Hard to know where Marys are having only played Dolphin who look like the whipping boys this year. However, if they have fanj and their 20s players involved they should win fairly comfortably.

UL v Dolphin - Dolphin look like they are seriously struggling. UL win

Old Wes v B'Quins - One thing is for sure Wesley will score lots of points!! Must already be odds on to be the highest scoring team in all 5 div's. Apparently they love their astro and just know how to play on it better than anyone else can

Not going to do lower divisions as I'm have little or no knowledge on them!

Stainalert

1A
Lansdowne v Terenure - Don't think Lansdowne will be happy with last week so would expect to see some sort of reaction

Tarf v Ballynahinch - Tarf will win well

Garryowen v Con - Depends a lot on whether Con can take their opportunities which by all accounts they didn't against Lansdowne last week. Going to go with home advantage here.

Old Belvedere v Galwegians - Belvo - agree with Slattery and Riordan comments.

UCD v YM - UCD will have way too much energy and fitness for Munsters although if Munsters can slow the game down they have a chance.

1B
Ballymena v Trinity - Agree Ballymena. Still think Trinity will do well this season though

Buccs v Rock - Buccs but Rock to be very competitive

St Marys v Shannon - Marys

UL v Dolphin - Definitely Bohs

Old Wesley v B'Quins - Wesley by a stretch

.ak

Might try and catch the Tarf game on Saturday. Last saturday before our season starts so we never really get to watch the seniors has our matches clash.

lukey967

Tarf1234 wrote: »

Looking forward to a few games. Lansdowne v Nure standout game for me.

1A
Lansdowne v Nure - should tell us a lot about both teams. Looking forward to seeing Lansdowne really challenged at home.

Tarf v Ballynahinch - Tarf should take this. Ballynahinch seem to be struggling word is they've lost a lot of players. Hopefully Conor O'Brien back for tarf after inter pros

Garryowen v Con - will be interesting too. Judging by results so far you'd have to go with Con. Who I believe were unlucky not to win last week.

OB v Wegians - OB struggling for depth already but still think they'll be too good for wegians. Did well to get a BP last week with a player sent off after 20/30 mins. Slattery and Riordan hugely important to their season.

UCD v YM - UCD should have loads of academy lads again and will probably win. They won't enjoy player munsters though.

1B
Ballymena v Trinity - would have to back Ballymena. Interesting to see what trinners are like this week after the universities. Strong possibility of a literal hangover.

Buccs v Rock - Home advantage to take it for Buccs. Both look like they're going well so far.

Marys v Shannon - Hard to know where Marys are having only played Dolphin who look like the whipping boys this year. However, if they have fanj and their 20s players involved they should win fairly comfortably.

UL v Dolphin - Dolphin look like they are seriously struggling. UL win

Old Wes v B'Quins - One thing is for sure Wesley will score lots of points!! Must already be odds on to be the highest scoring team in all 5 div's. Apparently they love their astro and just know how to play on it better than anyone else can

Not going to do lower divisions as I'm have little or no knowledge on them!

Heard Con were very good in the 1st half last week against Lansdowne, then very poor in 2nd half. Same with lansdowne, poor in 1st half and improved in the 2nd half.
I think Young Quinlan, unfortunately, let Lansdowne off the hook!
This weekend will be interesting

madlad88

Im a 2A man so ill have a go:

Malone v Corinthians - Malone as Corinthians seem to be struggling to adapt to life in the 2nd division

Naas v UCC - Naas will have learned a lot from blowing a massive lead last week, would fancy their bigger pack to overpower UCC

Nenagh v Queens - Nenagh dont tend to loose at home but seeing as they will be very rusty, I would fancy Queens to win by a very slim margin.

Skerries v Cashel - Very hard to call, Skerries dont like losing at home but are struggling with injuries so i will say Cashel by a score.

Thomond v Ban - Thomond very strong at home but Ban were very impressive in 1st 2 games so Banbridge by a score.

Tarf1234

Exactly what I had heard. I think they'll really miss Gerry Hurley this year. Best 9 in the league for years and one of those Danny Riordan/Barry O'Mahony type players who could almost single handily win a match. Hopefully Quinlan learns and improves from it but I'd rather Daragh Lyons at 10 if I was a con man.

Really interested to see how Willie Staunton goes for the season for OB. Could prove to be a great signing but could easily backfire not work out and piss Crosbie off by pushing him to 12 consistently.

The Lost Sheep

Tarf1234 wrote: »

Looking forward to a few games. Lansdowne v Nure standout game for me.

1A
Lansdowne v Nure - should tell us a lot about both teams. Looking forward to seeing Lansdowne really challenged at home.

Tarf v Ballynahinch - Tarf should take this. Ballynahinch seem to be struggling word is they've lost a lot of players. Hopefully Conor O'Brien back for tarf after inter pros

Garryowen v Con - will be interesting too. Judging by results so far you'd have to go with Con. Who I believe were unlucky not to win last week.

OB v Wegians - OB struggling for depth already but still think they'll be too good for wegians. Did well to get a BP last week with a player sent off after 20/30 mins. Slattery and Riordan hugely important to their season.

UCD v YM - UCD should have loads of academy lads again and will probably win. They won't enjoy player munsters though.

1B
Ballymena v Trinity - would have to back Ballymena. Interesting to see what trinners are like this week after the universities. Strong possibility of a literal hangover.

Buccs v Rock - Home advantage to take it for Buccs. Both look like they're going well so far.

Marys v Shannon - Hard to know where Marys are having only played Dolphin who look like the whipping boys this year. However, if they have fanj and their 20s players involved they should win fairly comfortably.

UL v Dolphin - Dolphin look like they are seriously struggling. UL win

Old Wes v B'Quins - One thing is for sure Wesley will score lots of points!! Must already be odds on to be the highest scoring team in all 5 div's. Apparently they love their astro and just know how to play on it better than anyone else can

Not going to do lower divisions as I'm have little or no knowledge on them!

Hard to say on UCD/Munsters. As you say UCD wont enjoy things too much versus the cookies
Agree with you on Tarf, Con. Think Wegians will beat Belvo and Lansdowne to win.
In IB I think Trinity in spite of being away will do enough if they don't have too many injuries from the oxford trip. That final was Monday and they got some very good tests in 40 minute games over the 3 game days and they'll do ok bar above..
Buccs, Bohs, Shannon and Wesley to win others

madlad88 wrote: »

Im a 2A man so ill have a go:

Malone v Corinthians - Malone as Corinthians seem to be struggling to adapt to life in the 2nd division

Naas v UCC - Naas will have learned a lot from blowing a massive lead last week, would fancy their bigger pack to overpower UCC

Nenagh v Queens - Nenagh dont tend to lose at home but seeing as they will be very rusty, I would fancy Queens to win by a very slim margin.

Skerries v Cashel - Very hard to call, Skerries dont like losing at home but are struggling with injuries so i will say Cashel by a score.

Thomond v Ban - Thomond very strong at home but Ban were very impressive in 1st 2 games so Banbridge by a score.

Don't think Corinthians are struggling to adapt back in division 2 and may edge a win. Naas should beat UCC
I think Nenagh will still beat Queens. Very few sides as you say win there and they have had strong seconds sides out by looks of it and had a good friendly or two and they wont be very rusty and if they can survive first 30 minutes they'll win.
Cashel have been hit by injuries as well so hard to say how this goes. Thomond to win in Liam Fitz

lukey967

Tarf1234 wrote: »

Exactly what I had heard. I think they'll really miss Gerry Hurley this year. Best 9 in the league for years and one of those Danny Riordan/Barry O'Mahony type players who could almost single handily win a match. Hopefully Quinlan learns and improves from it but I'd rather Daragh Lyons at 10 if I was a con man.

Really interested to see how Willie Staunton goes for the season for OB. Could prove to be a great signing but could easily backfire not work out and piss Crosbie off by pushing him to 12 consistently.

Where has Gerry Hurley gone to? Still playing?

Tarf1234

Somewhere in France apparently. Not sure of club or league but assume pro2

The Lost Sheep

lukey967 wrote: »

Where has Gerry Hurley gone to? Still playing?

Playing federale 1 in France

Stainalert

Was at the Terenure Lansdowne game. Lansdowne were well on top. Terenure were missing their two first choice out halves and it showed. Peter Dooley for Lansdowne was outstanding. Terenure also got hit with a spate of injuries during the game. Finished up 24 10 to Lansdowne.

Leinster5

Good win for Lansdowne and from what I was told, Peter Dooley was the stand out player. I see that Rael was on the bench for Lansdowne last night, last I heard he was at Old Belvedere but interesting signing if that's true. I'd worry about Terenure to be honest, haven't convinced in those first 3 games from what I hear, Young Munster putting it up to UCD currently here at the Bowl and from what I hear, 'Tarf and 'Belvo are struggling in their games.

Squidgy Black

Can hardly say Clontarf are struggling, only team unbeaten so far in the league.