Ulster Bank League 2015-2016 Talk/Gossip/Rumours

GavMan

Any pictures or links you can post?

What did you make of the Rock Mary's game? Sounds like one Rock could have shut out

SA09

Tarf1234 wrote: »

On a separate point, has anyone heard anything about the Lansdowne pitch being set on fire? Horrific to see. Saw a picture and looks like someone threw some petrol on it. I'd imagine it will cost a lot to fix.

The pitch is out of action for a month apparently. Awful to see such vandalism.

Imagine Lasdowne will be using their facilities in Ballycorus for the month which could favour away teams - taking them off the all weather surface which they are so used to and other teams not so used to.

Stainalert

Tarf1234 wrote: »

On a separate point, has anyone heard anything about the Lansdowne pitch being set on fire? Horrific to see. Saw a picture and looks like someone threw some petrol on it. I'd imagine it will cost a lot to fix.

unce09f

Academy & contracted provincial players playing last weekend.

Prop
Oisin Heffernan(Leinster) - started at 3 for Terenure.
Jeremy Loughman(Leinster)- started at 3 for UCD.
Ian Hirst(Leinster) started at 3 for Clontarf.
Rory Burke(Munster) - started at 3 for Cork Con.
Jacob Walshe(Connacht) - started at 1 for Buccaneers.
Kyle McCall(Ulster) - stated at 3 for Ballynahinch.
Ricky Lutton(Ulster) - started at 3 for Belfast Harlequins.
Michael Lagan(Ulster) - started at 1 for Ballymena.
Ross Kane(Ulster) - started at 3 for Ballymena.
JP Phelan(Munster) - sub for Garryowen.
Liam O'Connor(Munster) - sub for Cork Con.

Hooker
Sean McNulty(Leinster) - started at 2 for UCD.
Shane Delahunt(Connacht) - started at 2 for Buccaneers, 1 try.
Paul Jackson(Ulster) - started at 2 for Belfast Harlequins.
Jack Dinneen(Connacht) - sub for Galwegians.

Lock
David O'Connor(Leinster) - started at 5 for St. Marys.
Gavin Thornbury(Leinster) - started at 5 for UCD.
Daniel Qualter(Connacht) - started at 5 for Buccaneers.
Alan O'Connor(Ulster) - started at 4 for Ballymena.
Alex Thompson(Ulster) - started at 5 for Queens.
John Madigan(Munster) - sub for Dolphin.

Backrow
Peadar Timmins(Leinster) - started at 8 for UCD.
Ben Kilkenny(Munster) - started at 8 for Young Munster.
Conor Oliver(Munster) - started at 7 Garryowen.
Shane Buckley(Munster) - started at 6 for Garryowen.
Marc Kelly(Connacht) - started at 8 for Galwegians.
Steven McVeigh(Connacht) - started at 6 for Buccaneers.
Rory Moloney(Connacht) - started at 7 for Buccaneers.
Conor Joyce(Ulster) - stared at 6 for Ballynahinch.
Lorcan Dow(Ulster) - started at 7 for Ballynahinch, 2 tries.
Frankie Taggart(Ulster) - started at 6 for Belfast Harlequins, 1 try.
Nick Timoney(Ulster) - started at 8 for Queens.

Scrumhalf
Nick McCarthy(Leinster) - started for UCD, 1 try.
Ryan Foley(Munster) - started at 9 for Cork Con.
Neil Cronin(Munster) - started at 9 for Garryowen, 1 try, 2 cons & 1 pen.
Paul Rowley(Ulster) - started at 9 for Ballynahinch.
Connor Young(Ulster) - started at 9 for Belfast Harlequins.
Charlie Rock(Leinster) - sub for Old Belvo.
Caolin Blade(Connacht) - sub for Galwegians.
Conor Lowndes(Connacht) - sub for Buccaneers.

Outhalf
Joey Carbery(Leinster) - started at 10 for Clontarf, 2 cons & 3 pens.
Tomas Quinlan(Munster) - started at 10 for Cork Con, 4 pens & 1 con.
Conor McKeon(Connacht) -started at 10 for Buccaneers.

Centre
Steve Crosbie(Leinster) - started at 12 for Old Belvo, 1 con & 2 pens.
Tom Farrell(Leinster) - started at 13 for Lansdowne, 1 try.
Harrison Brewer(Leinster) - started at 12 for Terenure.
Ned Hodson(Munster) - started at 13 for Cork Con.
Cian Bohane(Munster) - started at 12 for Dolphin.

Back Three
Rory O'Loughlin(Leinster) - started at 11 for Old Belvo, 2 tries
Mick McGrath(Leinster) - started at 11 for Clontarf, 1 try.
Darren Sweetnam(Munster) - started at 14 for Cork Con, 1 try.
Alex Wootton(Munster) - started at 15 for Garryowen.
Steven McMahon(Munster) - started at 14 for Garryowen, 1 try.
Stephen Fitzgerald(Munster) - started at 14 for Shannon.
Ciaran Gaffney(Connacht) - started at 15 for Galwegians, 1 try.
Ed O'Keeffe(Connacht) - started at 14 for Galwegians, 2 tries.
David Busby(Ulster) - started at 14 for Ballynahinch.
Darragh Fanning(Leinster) - sub for St. Marys.
Darragh Leader(Connacht) - sub for Galwegians, 1 dg.

ArmchairQB

GavMan wrote: »

Any pictures or links you can post?

What did you make of the Rock Mary's game? Sounds like one Rock could have shut out

On reflection I would say Rock will be happy enough with a loosing bonus away home advantage would have been a big one in that game

How good must Mary's starting wingers be if Fanj can't get a game!?

Doogle1234

I was at the wegians game on saturday , looking like a serious outfit not many teams give lansdowne a hidding like that!

unce09f

Doogle1234 wrote: »

I was at the wegians game on saturday , looking like a serious outfit not many teams give lansdowne a hidding like that!

weakest lansdowne side they've put out in awhile.

still a great result for wegians.

shaungil

Dundalk have lost 5 of their team from last year. Two retirements a player back to New Zealand and their player coach to Connacht. None replaced. having followed a team fromsenior ranks to Leinster League and back up i think a team can survive easier in lower AIL than get promoted out of Leinster league if you can pick up a few home results. They've a new coach with a good track record but i guess he;ll need time to bed in.

Tarf1234

unce09f wrote: »

weakest lansdowne side they've put out in awhile.

still a great result for wegians.

Is the team up anywhere?

Stainalert

Tarf1234 wrote: »

Is the team up anywhere?

http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/ulsterbankleagueandcup/35730.php

wp_rathead

Ed O'Keefe looks very promising winger for Wegians, was very good for Connacht 7's side in Limerick

Tarf1234

Stainalert wrote: »

http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/ulsterbankleagueandcup/35730.php

That is miles away from full strength. Not great all compared to their usual side

GavMan

ArmchairQB wrote: »

On reflection I would say Rock will be happy enough with a loosing bonus away home advantage would have been a big one in that game

Rock were at home. Still, probably an OK result but when you're in a position to win, its never nice to lose

Tarf1234

GavMan wrote: »

Rock were at home. Still, probably an OK result but when you're in a position to win, its never nice to lose

Marys look to have a fairly impressive team. Didn't realise Ivan Dineen went there. very good signing, surprised to see him on the bench though

Doogle1234

wp_rathead wrote: »

Ed O'Keefe looks very promising winger for Wegians, was very good for Connacht 7's side in Limerick

Ya he is looking really good ! Scored a contender for try on the season at the weekend ! Wegians back line is starting to gel really nicely

wp_rathead

Doogle1234 wrote: »

Ya he is looking really good ! Scored a contender for try on the season at the weekend ! Wegians back line is starting to gel really nicely

Good to hear, shame there is no Against The Head to get highlights

The Lost Sheep

wp_rathead wrote: »

Good to hear, shame there is no Against The Head to get highlights

Yes but IRFU are providing some highlights of some games on their website. Always option of clubs recording games/talking to local companies to cover games - irish tv could be an option.

shaungil wrote: »

Dundalk have lost 5 of their team from last year. Two retirements a player back to New Zealand and their player coach to Connacht. None replaced. having followed a team fromsenior ranks to Leinster League and back up i think a team can survive easier in lower AIL than get promoted out of Leinster league if you can pick up a few home results. They've a new coach with a good track record but i guess he;ll need time to bed in.

Shame for them. Its always going to be easier to survive in the bottom division of AIL than get promoted out of your provincial league.

Only 2 games this weekend. Trinity Marys in 1B under lights tomorrow in College Park and Nenagh and Queens in 2A on Saturday

unce09f

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Yes but IRFU are providing some highlights of some games on their website.

IRFU don't do near enough.

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Always option of clubs recording games/talking to local companies to cover games - irish tv could be an option.

is this a serious recommendation?

every game is being videoed, IRFU could easily colate all these games and produce weekly highlight package. The suggestion that individual clubs should try and organise national tv coverage is laughable.

Tarf1234

unce09f wrote: »

IRFU don't do near enough.



is this a serious recommendation?

every game is being videoed, IRFU could easily colate all these games and produce weekly highlight package. The suggestion that individual clubs should try and organise national tv coverage is laughable.

Have to agree, most games will have both teams videoing. Why the IRFU don't ask for both and put a highlight package together is ridiculous.

If I were working with the IRFU I'd mention the idea that any of the media-centric Universities would probably love the idea of being able to offer the production of such a programme to their students as a course/elective/module.

If I were a media student I would be absolutely delighted to get "Producer of IRFU UBL Rugby" on my CV, genuine worthwhile experience being in charge of a genuine, worthwhile product...

That benefit could be offered at almost zero cost to the IRFU other than taking a chance on students, and answering the occasional request for a reference.

connemara man

[Deleted User] wrote: »

If I were working with the IRFU I'd mention the idea that any of the media-centric Universities would probably love the idea of being able to offer the production of such a programme to their students as a course/elective/module.

If I were a media student I would be absolutely delighted to get "Producer of IRFU UBL Rugby" on my CV, genuine worthwhile experience being in charge of a genuine, worthwhile product...

That benefit could be offered at almost zero cost to the IRFU other than taking a chance on students, and answering the occasional request for a reference.

A great idea in theory but you would end up with the different levels of production values week to week and year to year which would draw it's own criticism of amateur hour IRFU.

I say that as someone who went to college to do TV production. Given the nature of how courses are run every job would have to be rotated for the learning benefit of the students

I think there should be a dedicated TV half hour for the UBL it'd give casual fans of rugby an insight into the club game which would hopefully boost attendances and club numbers

connemara man

connemara man wrote: »

A great idea in theory but you would end up with the different levels of production values week to week and year to year which would draw it's own criticism of amateur hour IRFU.

I say that as someone who went to college to do TV production. Given the nature of how courses are run every job would have to be rotated for the learning benefit of the students

I think there should be a dedicated TV half hour for the UBL it'd give casual fans of rugby an insight into the club game which would hopefully boost attendances and club numbers

It absolutely would have issues, and values would vary massively, but there would be a product!

It's a cheap/free way of getting the product started, and seeing if the market is there. I'd rather that than nothing.

connemara man

[Deleted User] wrote: »

It absolutely would have issues, and values would vary massively, but there would be a product!

It's a cheap/free way of getting the product started, and seeing if the market is there. I'd rather that than nothing.

But if it looks rubbish and is inconsistent any market for it will lose the interest and good will towards it and overall damaging the league.

It doesn't take much to put a highlights package together. But when relying on clubs there are too many variables. Like standard of camera, the camera man being used for the match, sound quality, the time it takes for a volunteer to get the footage together,

It needs to be a top down initiative with a small amount of professional guidance and nous. With help given to all the clubs at the moment it's too get what we can up online

The Lost Sheep

unce09f wrote: »

IRFU don't do near enough.

They don't but they are providing some coverage. Clubs could look at other means for coverage.

is this a serious recommendation?

Why isn't it?
every game is being videoed, IRFU could easily colate all these games and produce weekly highlight package. The suggestion that individual clubs should try and organise national tv coverage is laughable.[/QUOTE]If the IRFU could easily do it then why don't they. My suggestion isn't laughable at all. Look at Irishtv. Channel 191 on Sky.
This is what they say about themselves on their website

our motto is to broadcast local stories to a global audience. As long as there are stories to tell from Irish communities, there will be people at home and abroad who want to hear them in a new and engaging way – on Irish TV

There is no reason why clubs couldn't talk to this channel and cover games.

GavMan

All well and good, Sheep.

But now you're into the kind of territory where one has to ask if the clubs would even have the authority to give away broadcast rights to outlet.

Your solution to any issue raised here is that the clubs should do more. At that rate, the clubs may as well break away and form their own leagues.

Tarf1234

GavMan wrote: »

All well and good, Sheep.

But now you're into the kind of territory where one has to ask if the clubs would even have the authority to give away broadcast rights to outlet.

Your solution to any issue raised here is that the clubs should do more. At that rate, the clubs may as well break away and form their own leagues.

I know that is not a serious comment but with the lack of interest they show in us I agree with the sentiment of moving away from the professional IRFU and Branches... Not that it would be practical but at least we would be in control of ourselves and work towards our goals

Stainalert

1A

All home wins in 1A I reckon

Old Belvedere v Lansdowne - Belvo

UCD v Terenure - UCD

Ballynahinch v Young Munster - Hinch

Clontarf v Cork Con - Clontarf

Garryowen v Galwegians - Garryowen

1B

UL Bohs v Shannon - Bobs

Ballymena v Blackrock - Ballymena

Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin - Dolphin

Buccaneers v St Marys - St Marys

Old Wesley v Trinity - Old Wesley

Tarf1234

1A

All home wins in 1A I reckon

Old Belvedere v Lansdowne - Lansdowne, must bounce back after last match. Can't be missing as many players again.

UCD v Terenure - Nure, Leinster must be holding back a few UCD players.

Ballynahinch v Young Munster - Hinch, tough to call but hinch win big treck from Limerick

Clontarf v Cork Con - Clontarf, hopefully we have enough to take this. Con seem a bit hit and miss

Garryowen v Galwegians - Garryowen, both going well for newly promoted sides. Wegains may still be on a high from the thumping they gave Lansdowne.

1B

UL Bohs v Shannon - UL, Shannon seem in serious trouble already.

Ballymena v Blackrock - Ballymena, very strong start to the season so far.

Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin - Dolphin, quins really struggling too

Buccaneers v St Marys - Bucs, will fanj be released to Marys again?

Old Wesley v Trinity - Old Wesley, Trinity really coming together apparently and will love the astro but OW too strong at home.

ArmchairQB

Old Belvedere v Lansdowne - Belvo going well

UCD v Terenure - Terenure to shade it

Ballynahinch v Young Munster - Fancy the Cookies to keep improving

Clontarf v Cork Con - Con to stop Tarfs good early season form

Garryowen v Galwegians - Garryowen

1B

UL Bohs v Shannon - Bohs

Ballymena v Blackrock - Ballymena

Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin - Harlequinns

Buccaneers v St Marys - St Marys

Old Wesley v Trinity - Old Wesley

The Lost Sheep

Any opinions on division 2?
Wesley are 4 from 4 In 1B with 3 try bonus as well. Who will be first side to take points off them?

Stainalert

"Director of rugby John Staunton has taken charge of the Young Munster side again, following the departure of Anthony Mathison back to Australia for 'personal reasons'"

Anyone know what this is about ?

Tarf1234

Stainalert wrote: »

"Director of rugby John Staunton has taken charge of the Young Munster side again, following the departure of Anthony Mathison back to Australia for 'personal reasons'"

Anyone know what this is about ?

Quick turnaround, hope it nothing too serious.

$ausage$

Saw some one ask for D2 here are my predictions in a league where all the teams are so tight so don't hold me to them!


Malone v Thomond (I want to say Thomand as Malone are depleted and Thomand have a never say die attitude)
Naas v Queens University (I will pick Naas as Queens are injury hit agian and fail to travel well)
Nenagh Ormond v Galway Corinthians (Nenagh for me, Cor are a shadow of last year obviously)
Skerries v Banbridge (Ban for me they play an exciting brand and after such a hard loss last year with last kick will look to nail it home)
U.C.C. v Cashel (HARD! I want to say Cashel but UCC at home are hard to write off. will pick Cashel)

The Lost Sheep

$ausage$ wrote: »

Saw some one ask for D2 here are my predictions in a league where all the teams are so tight so don't hold me to them!

Malone v Thomond (I want to say Thomond as Malone are depleted and Thomond have a never say die attitude)
Naas v Queens University (I will pick Naas as Queens are injury hit agian and fail to travel well)
Nenagh Ormond v Galway Corinthians (Nenagh for me, Cor are a shadow of last year obviously)
Skerries v Banbridge (Ban for me they play an exciting brand and after such a hard loss last year with last kick will look to nail it home)
U.C.C. v Cashel (HARD! I want to say Cashel but UCC at home are hard to write off. will pick Cashel)

Agree on Thomond, Naas, Nenagh and Cashel. Think Skerries will also win.
Saw UCC in recent weeks and thought they were poor and their sideline let them down greatly. Cashel to win by 10+

ArmchairQB

Stainalert wrote: »

"Director of rugby John Staunton has taken charge of the Young Munster side again, following the departure of Anthony Mathison back to Australia for 'personal reasons'"

Anyone know what this is about ?

Think they showed him pictures of Thomond Park instead of the killing fields!!

madlad88

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Agree on Thomond, Naas, Nenagh and Cashel. Think Skerries will also win.
Saw UCC in recent weeks and thought they were poor and their sideline let them down greatly. Cashel to win by 10+

Would fancy Malone to shade it at home, Naas to overpower Queens.

Nenagh heavy favorites against Corinthians, would fancy them to put a big score up.

Cashel to shade it against UCC and very hard to call Skerries and Bann.
It will be a very tactical game but if it opens up near the end I would fancy Skerries by a score.

They won with the last kick of the game last year so Bann will be out for revenge.

The Lost Sheep

Match report from Belvedere Lansdowne last night
http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/ulsterbankleagueandcup/35976.php

Belvedere won 19-0, Terenure beat UCD 20-18 in other 1A game
Shannon beat Bohs 14-12 in 1B
Bective beat Seapoint 17-13 in 2B....

The Lost Sheep

Results...
Division 1A:
Ballynahinch 29 Young Munster 34
Clontarf 14 Cork Constitution 15
Garryowen 18 Galwegians 9
Old Belvedere 19 Lansdowne 0
UCD 18 Terenure College 20

Division 1B:
Ballymena 43 Blackrock College 13
Belfast Harlequins 11 Dolphin 24
Buccaneers 20 St. Mary's College 34
Old Wesley 10 Dublin University 13
UL Bohemians 12 Shannon 14

Division 2A:
Malone 31 Thomond 27
Naas 33 Queen's University 21
Nenagh Ormond 12 Corinthians 20
Skerries 32 Banbridge 30
UCC 14 Cashel 15

Division 2B:
Armagh 29 Rainey Old Boys 5
Dungannon 25 City of Derry 37
Greystones 11 Highfield 18
Seapoint 13 Bective Rangers 17

Division 2C:
Boyne 12 Bruff 23
Dundalk 21 Navan 40
Kanturk 21 Tullamore 44
Midleton 16 Old Crescent 25
Wanderers 23 Sligo 17

ronanc1000

I wonder how many current U20 club players, play D1A or 1B AIL regularly? That would be an interesting stat I think. Id say not too many. I'd imagine if they are , they are talented guys buzzing around either in or around provincial setups.

Tarf1234

Was at Tarf v Con. Was an atrocious game with no buzz at all. Ref Dave Wilkinson blew his whistle all day which didn't help matters. Tarf very poor for 60 minutes of the game and almost stole it at the end. Con should have won a lot more comfortably.

Interesting result in OB v Lansdowne. Belvo looking a lot stronger than I expected

The Lost Sheep

ronanc1000 wrote: »

I wonder how many current U20 club players, play D1A or 1B AIL regularly? That would be an interesting stat I think. Id say not too many. I'd imagine if they are, they are talented guys buzzing around either in or around provincial setups.

Depends on the club. University clubs like UCD will have more playing considering ....
Trinity don't have too many under 20 players involved in their first XV
Will vary from place to place....
Of course there wont be too many. Some other clubs with young enough teams playing include Nenagh, Kanturk....

Tarf1234

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Depends on the club. University clubs like UCD will have more playing considering ....
Trinity don't have too many under 20 players involved in their first XV
Will vary from place to place....
Of course there wont be too many. Some other clubs with young enough teams playing include Nenagh, Kanturk....

I wouldn't expect it too be too many either. While the average age of squads has dropped drastically over the last 10 years You still don't see too many U20s starting or playing week in week out.

The Lost Sheep

Tarf1234 wrote: »

I wouldn't expect it too be too many either. While the average age of squads has dropped drastically over the last 10 years You still don't see too many U20s starting or playing week in week out.

At Division 1 level yes but a quick scan through teams and Nenagh Ormonds team from the weekend before last had 6 players involved born in 1995, 2 in 1994, 1 in 1993 which is nearly half their squad
You wont see too many under 20s playing as many wont physically be able for it

Stainalert

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

At Division 1 level yes but a quick scan through teams and Nenagh Ormonds team from the weekend before last had 6 players involved born in 1995, 2 in 1994, 1 in 1993 which is nearly half their squad
You wont see too many under 20s playing as many wont physically be able for it

I think early 20's is a different story - Most clubs AIL squads are littered with players in their very early 20s

The Lost Sheep

Stainalert wrote: »

I think early 20's is a different story - Most clubs AIL squads are littered with players in their very early 20s

Early 20s is a different story but most clubs wont have 8/9 guys in their early 20s like that either in a lot of cases.

With all talk in other threads about development etc. What has to change in AIL for future seasons?

Tarf1234

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Early 20s is a different story but most clubs wont have 8/9 guys in their early 20s like that either in a lot of cases.

With all talk in other threads about development etc. What has to change in AIL for future seasons?

I've heard talk about reducing the AIL to 2 divisions of 10 and focusing all contracted players in those 2 leagues, bring back a level of professionalism (pay). Remove the A fixtures and have academy and development contracted players playing AIL week in week out. I personally do not see the value in the B&I cup for anyone. I think young guys would benefit hugely by playing consistently in the AIL.

They really need to get rid of the limit on contracted players per match day squad as well. It is a non sense in this day and age. We are not going to see the ridiculousness of Ballymena bringing in 13 contracted players for a final again so I don't see the rules purpose.

I also reckon going to provincial leagues from below div 2(currently 1B) would remove a lot of the stress and financial trouble on smaller clubs trying to compete and travel around the country.

Rather worryingly I have also heard talk of going to 8 teams in the leagues which would be an awful step backwards.

The Lost Sheep

Tarf1234 wrote: »

I've heard talk about reducing the AIL to 2 divisions of 10 and focusing all contracted players in those 2 leagues, bring back a level of professionalism (pay). Remove the A fixtures and have academy and development contracted players playing AIL week in week out. I personally do not see the value in the B&I cup for anyone. I think young guys would benefit hugely by playing consistently in the AIL.

They really need to get rid of the limit on contracted players per match day squad as well. It is a non sense in this day and age. We are not going to see the ridiculousness of Ballymena bringing in 13 contracted players for a final again so I don't see the rules purpose.

I also reckon going to provincial leagues from below div 2(currently 1B) would remove a lot of the stress and financial trouble on smaller clubs trying to compete and travel around the country.

Rather worryingly I have also heard talk of going to 8 teams in the leagues which would be an awful step backwards.

There is some talk of going to provincial leagues below the top 2 but it isn't wanted by current senior clubs or top junior clubs as there is more prestige/more marketing/promotional ability to market games/clubs from an all Ireland league than provincial league
The removal of A fixtures wont happen as the provincial coaches wont want it as its a means to test the best club players/academy players at a level higher than club rugby and in the provincial patterns/moves etc.
The limit on contracted players should be changed but it all depends on the level of play we are talking about. In the top flight yes but divisions 2/3? No. There should be a limit in the interests of player safety etc

The Lost Sheep

Interesting to see Trinity were down to 11 at one stage following 4 yellow cards yet still held out against Wesley....

No games next weekend bar Cashel Nenagh in 2A Friday night and Sundays Well Barnhall in 2B Saturday

The Lost Sheep

Cashel won Tipperary derby 15-3 tonight