The many followers of the Club Preview have praised me for my honesty in highlighting the issues that need addressed by Ulster rugby and the IRFU to sustain the future of the game on the island of Ireland. It has been a case of restraining myself from being totally blunt about the state of the club game in Ulster and Ireland. In recent weeks I have kept myself focused on the previews without delving into other rugby related matters.

One can only adopt this approach for so long before you realise that the committees responsible for overseeing rugby in the provinces and the IRFU are either unwilling or chose to ignore the body of opinion that wants to see change.

In the province of Ulster we have witnessed in recent months the withdrawl of teams including Ballyshannon and Tir Chonaill from competing in the Ulster leagues. The news that one of our top AIL clubs City of Derry are unable to field a third adult team has sent shockwaves through Ulster rugby with the news that near neighbours Londonderry YMCA are considering withdrawing from the league. We are reminded by senior figures in Ulster that the game is continuing to grow in Ulster and Ireland. For those of us close to the grassroots game we are witnessing a reduction in the numbers coming through to play adult rugby.

What are the factors driving this. The current Schools system in Ulster is focused entirely on the Schools Cup and the Medallion Shield to the detriment and retention of future club players. Youth players are not provided with the same conditioning and coaching programmes as Schools players. The result is they are being exposed to adult rugby with the resulting injuries ending their involvement in playing rugby because we don't have under 20 rugby in Ulster to facilitate their transition into the adult game.

The present playing template is forcing players into playing 30 + games per season. I have repeatedly questioned the decision making of the club administrators in Ulster who impose these unrealsitic demands on amateur players. We take the example of Instonians 1st xv who will represent Ulster in the Final of the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup at Ashbourne on Sat against Leinster champions Enniscorthy. Looking at the Leinster Div 1A league made up of eight teams. Enniscorthy are five points ahead of second place Gorey with two league games left to complete by the 5th March. If they win the league they will have a four week break from league action before they play their first Round Robin playoff match on the 2nd April.

Instonians are competing with Bangor for the Qualifying league One title in Ulster. The current league champions have seven league games left to be played by Sat 26th March with the Q 1 winners commencing their Round Robin matches on the 2nd April. Enniscorthy had no match last weekend whereas Instonians had to play Dromore. The Shawsbridge side face playing three matches in ten days with the game against Enniscorthy followed by CIYMS in the league next wed night and a quarter final match in the McCrea Cup against Queens seconds next Sat.

How can we say Instonians are competing on a level playing field against their Leinster opponents?

Why are no steps being taken by Ulster rugby to rectify this situation. They complain when clubs don't fulfil fixtures. I was talking to a club who have over forty players on their injured list. The problem is the coaches and players are being exposed to too many fixtures with no playing breaks built into the playing schedule. Social and Economic changes in Society are driving the need to make changes to our league structures in Ulster. There are too many fixtures. We are asking teams to travel across the province to play matches when we should be introducing greater regionalisation of our leagues. We need the province divided into four regional areas for teams competing in the lower leagues. As one coach said to me we don't need more than two Junior leagues with the remaining leagues regionalised. There has to be an accomodation for players who want to play competitive rugby and those players who only want to play social rugby.

Looking at the Qualifying leagues we should be reducing the leagues down to eight teams with the introduction of playoffs. Whoever decided to introduce the Conference leagues had no thought for the welfare of players. Are the players just a commodity to be exploited by the out of touch administrators of the club game in Ulster.

I may have used Instonians as one example but there are several clubs in the same situation. We could be faced with clubs playing two games per week during March to complete their league programme. This situation is not new to Ulster. It has been a problem for several seasons and continues to be ignored by the Ulster Branch. It is not all about statistics, It is about protecting the club game and ensuring we don't deter players from playing club rugby.

In recent weeks clubs have lost players who decided to have a winter break skiing. Coaches may not be happy to lose these players at a critical stage of the season but they acknowledge their players are entitled to a winter break. Xmas is a time to spend with families and indulge in some fun rugby at their local club during this period. In Ulster what did we do we arranged league fixtures on Boxing Day. Lessons have to be learned. The administrators of the club game need to visit the clubs and talk to the coaches and players. That way they will find out what impact the fixture scheduling is having on players. There is an opportunity for the Ulster Branch administrators to show leadership in putting in place playing structures and league competitions to ensure we can sustain the future of the club game. If we don't we will see more clubs withdrawing from the leagues. Is this what we want.

I have never encountered so much concern about the future of club rugby in Ulster as I have encountered in recent weeks. What we need is action not inaction to save our Domestic game.

The Sunday Independent published a 32 page supplement on the GAA called Club life last Sunday. It is being hailed as the first ever essential guide for parents, players, and coaches covering finance, nutrition, training and much more. Having read its contents there is alot that other sporting organisations could learn from including rugby.

All three Ulster teams Ballymena, Banbridge and City of Derry who are pushing for promotion in the AIL this season suffered surprising defeats last weekend. Was this a temporary blip or is it a case of the cracks starting to appear in the promotion ambitions of these clubs. As many coaches have told me we don't have enough quality players to sustain ten Ulster clubs in the AIL. When Ulster commitments limit the number of players that can be released to the clubs we can see the impact it has on teams including Ballynahinch, Ballymena, Belfast Harlequins and Queens Uni.

We are now entering the period when player movements are being discussed in clubs to strengthen playing squads for 2016/17. Where are the players going to come from. What impact will this have on the ambitions of Qualifying clubs. Will we see more clubs withdrawing from leagues. As I said we need action to make sure the club game survives in Ulster and Ireland. The truth hurts but we need to face up to our responsibilities to sustain the Domestic game.

We all wish Instonians 1st xv well this weekend as they look to bring the ULster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup back to Ulster this weekend.

Ulster Bank All Ireland League

Division 1A
Ballynahinch v Cork Constitution
After winning 20 - 9 at Terenure College last Sat, Ballynahinch have closed the gap on rivals Terenure to one point and Galwegians three points as they bid to avoid relegation with six matches remaining. Both Terenure and Galwegians have one game in hand on Ballynahich. The task for the County Down side doesn't get any easier with the visit of Cork Constitution this weekend. Director of rugby Ronnie Duncan was pleased with the performance of the Ballynahinch team on Terenure's 4G pitch. The players were fantastic in defence as they dogged it out against a talented Terenure team. The players will require the same commitment against a big physical Cork Con team at Ballymacarn Park. Ballynahinch team for Sat will include front row of Jonny Blair, Jonny Murphy and Criag Trenier with John Donnan and James Simpson in the second row. Captain Paul Pritchard will take his place in the back row alongside Number 8 David McGuigan with a final decision to made from John Madden, Conor Joyce, Mike Graham and Lorcan Dow to complete the back row. Aaron Cairns and Sam Windsor will be at 9 and 10 with Jordan Gratton and Will Stewart in the centre. Chris Quinn and David Busby are on the wings with Manihera Eden at full back. The bench replacements are expected to include Andrew Harper with either Justin Rea, Davy Nicholson, Chris Gibson and David McIIwaine. Winger David Busby was given 20 mins last Sat after being out injured for several months. Injury rules out Jonny Simpson, Ruardhi Murphy ( Maybe released depending on late fitness test), Paul Rowley, Stuart Orr, Zack McCall ( fractured his hand training with Ulster), Robin Harte, Stuart Morrow ( Knee liagament injury) Richard Reaney ( Undergoing shoulder operation. Out for season), Adam Craig (fractured wrist). Mike Graham has a shoulder injury and faces a late fitness test. David Busby and Conor Joyce have been released by Ulster. The release of Sam Windsor, Lorcan Dow, Ruardhi Murphy and John Donnan will be confirmed by Ulster on Thursday. Peter Browne has not been released by Ulster.
Ballynahinch were unfortunate to pick up serious injuries on the plastic pitch against Lansdowne three weeks ago. Last season in the corresponding fixture Ballynahinch picked up four injuries from playing on the same surface. Director of Rugby Ronnie Duncan was full of praise for the 4G pitch at Terenure. He was concerned by the 3G pitch at the Aviva stadium where Ballynahinch have picked up several serious injuries.

Hopefully the Ballynahinch supporters will turn out in large numbers to cheer their team to another win. It is important for Ulster rugby to have clubs playing in Div 1A. When these two sides met at Temple Hill in October Cork Con won 32 - 23.

Clontarf (2nd) v Terenure College (9th). Played Friday 5.2.16. KO 7.30pm
Ballynahinch (10th) v Cork Constitution (6th)
Garryowen (3rd) v Lansdowne (5th)
Old Belvedere (7th) v Young Munster (4th)
UCD v Galwegians

Division 1B
Ballymena v St Mary's
There was disappointment at Eaton Park last sat when Ballymena came up short against Buccaneers to lose 30 - 25. Head coach Andy Graham was full of praise for his team. They could not fault their effort and commitment. Buccaneers had too much power up front and were the better team and deserved the win. Discipline was an issue for the Braid men with Captain Marty Irwin sinbinned at a crucial stage of the game. The team gave away needless penalties and were starved of possession and forced to defend for lengthy periods.
Buccaneers were able to call on several Copnnacht squad players with Ulster restricting their release of players to Ballymena.
The focus for the coaches and the players is the visit of league leaders St Mary's to Eaton Park this weekend. The Ballymena squad for the match includes the front row of Andy Warwick, James Taggart and Chris Cundell with David Whann and Connor Smyth in the second row. Mark Foster makes his first appearance of the season in the back row alongside Willy McKay and Stephen Mulholland. Glen Baillie and Richie McMaster are at 9 and 10 with Captain Martin Irwin and Callum patterson in the centre. James Beattie and Jordan Foster are on the wings with Rodger McBurney at full back. The bench will include Michael Lagan, Andrew Ferguson, Dominic Gallagher, Andrew McGrath and Paddy James. Alan O'Connor, Bronson Ross, John Andrew, Clive Ross, Dave Shanahan have not been released by Ulster. Injury rules out Ross Kane with Adam McBurney involved with the Ireland under 20 squad. Injury rules out Matthew Harkness, John Creighton, Paddy mcGowan, Michael Shiels and Ian Caldwell with James Gallagher unavailable. The release of Andy Warwick, Stephen Mulholland and Andrew McGrath by Ulster will be confirmed on Thursday. When these two sides met at Templeville in October St Mary's won 26 - 18.

Belfast Harlequins v Dublin Uni.
The omens are not good for this famous Belfast side in Div 1B after suffering a 40 - 0 defeat away to Shannon in Limerick last weekend. Without the inclusion of Ulster players the Quins have found the going diffciult in this league. At this level the allocation and availability of Ulster squad players is crucial to any Ulster team being competitive. Quins will be up against this weekend as they take on a student side that remains very much in the promotion chase this season alongside Ballymena and league leaders St Mary's.
When these two sides met at College Park in October Dublin Uni won 26 - 12.

Ballymena (2nd) v St Mary's College (1st)
Belfast Harlequins (10th) v Dublin Uni (3rd)
Buccaneers (5th) v Dolphin (8th)
Old Wesley (4th) v Shannon (6th). KO 5.30pm
UL Bohemians (9th) v Blackrock College (7th)

Division 2A
Banbridge v Skerries
Bann coach Daniel Soper was very disappointed with his teams performance at Naas last weekend. He is aware his team lost to Skerries earlier in the season so will not be taking things for granted. On Saturday the the players forgot about the basics of catch, pass and tackle. He is hoping for an improvement this week. Former Ulster player Ian Porter has a stag party this weekend that will impact on selection.Players unavailable include his brother John who will be replaced by Clark McAllister. Prop James McCrum replaced by Colin Bickerstaff. Fraser Mulholland starts at hooker with Pete Cromie moving to the back row. Scrum half Josh Cromie faces a late fitness test otherwise the team will be along usual lines. Must win game for Bann if they are to secure automatic promotion and avoid the playoffs. Three points separate the top three sides in this league. Banbridge (45pts), Naas (43pts), UCC (42pts). When these two sides met at Holmpatrick in October Skerries won 32 - 30.

Queens Uni v Naas
The students have slipped out of the playoff places and need a win against a Naas side who defeated Banbridge 16 - 5 last Sat. Head coach Bob Young will be without Ireland under 20 players Robert Lyttle and Jonny McPhillips. Nick Timoney, Brian Cunningham, Saul Herdman and Liam Free remain on the injured list. He has several players returning who were unavailable last weekend which will add strength and depth to the squad. Five points separate the four teams in 4th - 7th place. When these two sides met at Forenaughts in October Naas won 33 - 21.

Malone v Thomond
The Gibson Park side have slipped to 4th place in the league after losing their opening three AIL matches in 2016. They need to reverse their fortunes to remain in contention for a playoff place. The visit to Limerick to play Thomond will not be easy as the Munster side are seeking points to move away from the bottom two places.
Malone Head coach Jarrett Truscott has selected the following team. Front row Ben Halliday, Tristan King and Phil Eadie with Cory Tipping and James McAllister in the second row. Captain Neil Alcorn is joined by Johnny Ogilby and number 8 Ross Todd in the back row. Shane Kelly and Josh Pentland continue at 9 and 10 with Michael Cartmill and Adam Liddell in the centre. Jack McMurtry and Michael Barker are on the wings with mark O'Connor at full back. The bench includes Austen Blackburn, Dave Cave, Max Porter, Nathan Brown and Gareth Millar.
Injuries rule out Gary Crawford, Chris Griffiths, Dave Halliday, Rory Campbell and Ben McDonnell with Richard Millar, Richard McCullough, Lee Barlow and Chris Davis unavailable. When these two sides met at Gibson Park in October Malone won 31 - 27.

Banbridge (1st) v Skerries (8th)
Cashel RFC (5th) v UCC (3rd)
Galway Corinthians (10th) v Nenagh Ormond (6th)
Queens Uni (7th) v Naas (2nd)
Thomond (9th) v Malone (4th)

Division 2B
City of Derry v Dungannon
Head coach Terry McMaster will be hoping his team can bounce back from their 18 - 11 defeat at Greystones last weekend. With five games remaining they are 12 points ahead of 2nd place Highfield who have a game in hand.

For Dungannon Head coach Andy Hughes he is looking a reaction from his players after they lost heir last two AIL matches against Bective and Barnhall. They are level on 20 points with 9th place Rainey as they seek points to avoid being involved in a play off. They have three back to back games in the AIL where they need to pick up league points. He is awaiting late fitness tests on Gerard Treanor, Philip Fletcher and Karl Egan before finalising his squad. This will include Steven Sinnamon, Glen Sinnamon, Stephen Todd, Ross McCaughey, David Leyburn, Mark Riddell, Captain James McMahon, James Bates, Jake Finlay, Jonny Toal, Seamus Mallon, Mark Faloon, Matthew Montgomery, Paul Armstrong, JJ Kane and Peter Lamb. Injury rules out Daniel Maxwell and Philip Gilkinson.
Despite the team playing only two games in the last six weeks the coach has been pleased with the work put in by the players in training. The players had lost their structure in recent matches with the emphasis being placed on sticking to their playing patterns.
When these two sides met at Stevenson Park in October City of Derry won 37 - 25.

Rainey OB v Armagh
It has been a frustrating period for Rainey Head coach John Andrews with his team only playing three games in the last nine weeks. Four of the matches had been postponed . They have lost their last three AIL games. Twice against City of Derry and Greystones. The teams last win was against Sunday's Well in November when they won 18 - 13.

It has been a difficult period for Armagh winning one, drawing one and losing two of their last four AIL matches. Not the form for a team chasing a top four finish.
When these two sides met at the Palace Grounds in October Armagh won 29 - 5.

Bective Rangers (7th) v Seapoint (10th). Played Friday 5.2.16. Kick off 7.30pm
City of Derry (1st) v Dungannon (8th)
Highfield (2nd) v Greystones (4th)
MU Barnhall (6th) v Sunday's Well (3rd)
Rainey OB (9th) v Armagh (5th)

Division 2C
Bruff (4th) v Boyne (8th)
Navan (6th) v Dundalk (9th)
Old Cresecent (1st) v Midleton (5th)
Sligo (10th) v Wanderers (3rd)
Tullamore (2nd) v Kanturk (7th)

Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup Final
Instonians v Enniscorthy
Inst Head coach William Leacock has had to manage his playing resources this season with his players competing on several fronts. They are in their second Cup Final this season after losing the Junior Cup Final to Bangor in December. Along with Bangor both teams are in contention for the Q 1 title with seven matches remaining.
On Sat Inst travel to Ashbourne rugby club to play Leinster league champions and current league leaders Enniscorthy in the Final. Enniscorthy are contesting their third final after winning the trophy in 2013/14 after defeating Clogher Valley 10 - 9. They had lost in their previous appearance against Tullamore 29 - 10 in 2012/13.
Can Instonians become the first Ulster club to win the trophy since City of Derry defeated Armagh 19 - 17 in the 2009/10 final. Rainey won the first final in 2005/6 when they defeated Youghal 27 - 5. Coleraine contested the 2006/7 final losing out to Seapoint 47 - 15. Ulster neighbours Bangor did contest the 2014/15 final only to lose 55 - 5 to Dundalk.

The Inst Head coach has had a busy few weeks managing his playing squad. Selecting the playing squad of 22 for the final has been tough with a lot of players putting their hand up for selection. Out half Fraser Wright faces a late fitness test on Thursday night. He welcomes back Robert Whitten, Rory Bell, Joe Fryers, Andrew McGregor, Josh Lewis, Conor Gallagher and Harry Cleland who were rested last weekend against Dromore. Both Rory McCurry and Robbie Kirk have recovered from injury to take their place in the squad.
The coach is looking forward to this game between the two teams. He has watched Enniscorthy . They play an exciting brand of rugby with a solid set piece. He knows his team go into the game knowing that his team will have to be at their best to win the trophy at our first attempt.

Enniscorthy v Instonians. Played Ashbourne RFC. Kick off 2.30pm

Kukri Qualifying League

Qualifying One
Ards v Cooke
Cooke Head coach Colin Atkinson is looking forward to the trip to Hamilton Park on Sat. His side put in an excellent performance to defeat Omagh 27 - 10 at Shaws bridge last Sat with full back Alex Gourlay contributing 17 points. Cooke have an outside chance of making the top four , but face a difficult run in. The coach has a few injuries with both Liam Bennett and Ian Anderson following return to play protocols after recent concussion injuries. Alan Gourley is out with an ankle injury. Winger Andy Pollock is likely to return next week after being out since October with a hamstring injury. The players who have stepped in have done a grest job fitting into the team principles we have.
Cooke team for Sat. 1 - 17. Jonny McClune, Niall Brown, Russell Hunter, Andrew Quigley, Scott McClelland, Sam Bridge, Adrian Dodd, Toby Mannuis, Ryan Flavelle, Andy hanna, Andy Nelson, Phil Cartmill, Kyle Mitchell, Jonny Kingham, Alex Gourley. Replacements: Dave Marshall and Matty Elliott.
When these sides met in October at Shawsbridge Cooke won 35 - 25.

CIYMS v Instonians
Head coach William Leacock was disappointed his team didn't pick up the bonus point on Saturday against a Dromore team who put in a good performance. He agreed the seven changes to his starting xv didn't help their cause and its now advantage to Bangor in the race for the league as they picked up a bonus point against Ards.
When these sides met in September at Shawsbridge Instonians won 41 - 10.

Clogher Valley v Ballyclare.
The Fivemiletown side have two games in hand on leaders Instonians and Bangor with games to be played against both these teams. Can the Clogher side mount a late challenge for the league title. Clogher Valley were confronted with games against Instonians in the AIL Junior Cup before Xmas and Bangor on Boxing Day that impacted on the team and players. Coaches Glen kyle and Davy Black have rallied the players with the team focused on a strong finish in the league and Towns Cup. There is a good feel about the club with both the seconds and thirds having a good season. Several young players have stepped up including scrum half Neil Trotter and full back Fleming Agnew to establish themselves in the back line. The return of the experienced PC Falconer in the centre has been timely. Injury rules out B J Wilson to be replaced by Allister Trenier with Philip Hopper starting in the front row. The return of utility forward Matthew Keyes will strengthen the forward options available to the coaches. Clogher face the task of rearranging three postponed league matches in the coming weeks. The team put in a strong performance against Armagh seconds last Sat in the rearranged Towns Cup game - winning 50 - 0 and scoring eight tries.

Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever has faced up to the weekly injuries and work commitments that impact on selection every week. He is pleased with the depth in the squad and is looking forward to the trip away this weekend. His team warmed up for this match with six tries in their 38 - 3 win at home to CIYMS last Sat. The last time both CV and Ballyclare met at the Cloughan the two sides picked up try scoring bonius points with Ballyclare also picking up a losing bonus point in their narrow defeat. The coach is pleased with how well the team have travelled this season, losing narrowly to Instonians , drawing with Dromore and winning at CIYMS and Omagh. He is expecting another excellent game of rugby at the Cran this weekend. Q 1 is an exciting competition and both he and his players are looking forward to the run in. With the return of players he is expecting a strong finish from his players.
Clogher Valley won 27 - 25 when the two sides met at the Cloughan in October.

Dromore v Bangor
Head coach Jonny Cullen knew the lost against Portadown would put his team into the bottom half of the league with several difficult games coming up including Instonians and Bangor this weekend. His players were unlucky not
to come away with at least a losing bonus point against Instonians after playing some good rugby. His team face another big test this weekend. Players are looking forward to playing at home against current league leaders Bangor. His team need points to start climbimg the table. It will not be easy against a well drilled Bangor team. The team stays the same with John Russell and Alistair Kinghan added to the playing squad after injury. Dromore have only won one, drawn one of their last six matches that has seen them slip out of the top four.

Bangor 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong and the coaches have set the players the target of winning their remaining seven games to win the league. He acknowledges it will be difficult though. For the game at Dromore the team is largerly the same squad. Front row of Orran McIlmurray, Andrew Jackson and Phil Whyte with Michael Ferguson and Craig Burton in the second row. Captain Jamie Clegg is joined in back row by David Bradford and debutant James McMullan making his first start for the 1st xv after returning home from living in Scotland. Jason Guthrie and Jason Morgan are at 9 and 10 with Mike Weir and Ross McCloskey in the centre. Rob Gamble and David Charles are on the wings with Adam McCusker at full back. Bench replacements are Dave Caughey and Mark Widdowson. Second row Darren Kelly is unavailable this week. Desi Fusco and Curtis Stewart continue their recovery from injury.
With the team facing a scheduled mid week game against Omagh in February it is important for the coaches to use the full squad over the next few weeks to prevent injury and fatigue whilst not weakening the side.
Bangor won 60 - 10 when these sides met at Upritchard Park in September.

Omagh v Portadown
The top four ambitions of the County Tyrone side received a major setback when they lost 27 - 10 at Cooke last weekend. Head coach philip Marshall has been struggling with injuries and unavailabilities in recent weeks. To have any chance of finishing in the top four they must defeat Portadown at home this weekend. They have two games in hand on Cooke and Ballyclare. The rearranging of postponed matches will place demands on the players and coaches in the remaining weeks. The Omagh coaches have ten players unavailable for the Portadown game through injury and skiing holidays. Out injured are Adam Pollock, Gary Sherard,Jamie Sproule, Richard Smith, Adam Beatty, and Neil McLaine with Stewart McCain, Lee Murphy, Andrew Ferguson and Alan heaney all unavailable due to work commitments. The coach is hoping to put together a competitive side for Sat. He will not finalise his team until Thursday. Who said coaching was easy Phil.

Portadown Head coach Richard Hedley is taking no chances for the trip to Omagh. His Portadown side were rather fortunate to defeat Omagh at home earlier in the season. Number 8 Gareth McCoy is unavailable this weekend. The coach welcomes back Mark Neilly, Mal Allister and James Carleton with Saturday being a difficult away match. Omagh play a nice style of rugby and he is hoping the weather will be good so both teams can put on an entertaining match.
Portadown won 18 - 14 when these two sides met at Chambers Park in October.

Ards (9th) v Cooke (6th)
CIYMS (10th) v Instonians (2nd). Postponed. Playing Wednesday 10.2.16. KO 7.30pm
Clogher Valley (3rd) v Ballyclare (5th)
Dromore (8th) v Bangor (1st)
Omagh (7th) v Portadown (4th)

Qualifying Two
Carrickfergus v Academy
Interesting game this at the Tom Simms Memorial Grounds. Carrick had to dig deep at Ballymoney last Saturday to turn around a 10 - 7 deficit to win 24 - 10 and keep their unbeaten run at the top of Q 2. They remain undefeated after 11 games with seven remaining. With no Cup runs to distract their promotion ambitions it has been a case of this well organised Carrick team demonstrating why they are the favourites to win this league. They have one injury doubt over back row forward Ross Marsden who was forced to leave the pitch at Ballymoney.

For Academy Head coach Gareth Lynn it has been a case of dealing with the inaction of his team. They have played just three matches in the last ten weeks having suffered four postponements in the league and conference league. In those three games played they recorded impressive wins over Randalstown, Enniskillen and Larne. The talent is within this small playing squad that has relied on out half Chris Cooper scoring vital points in those wins.
Carrick won 32 - 10 when the sides met at the Roughfort in October.

Coleraine v Randalstown.
This is one fixture Coleraine coach Richard Boyd and his players will be looking forward to on Sat. Like Carrick Coleraine have no Cup distractions and can focus on finishing in the top two of Q 2. Randalstown have had the upper hand on Coleraine in recent seasons. Once again the dangerous Coleraine back division were instrumental in scoring the four tries and securing the bonus point in the teams hard earned 28 - 3 win at Grosvenor last Sat.

Randalstown are a well organised side under the guidance of Head coach Gary Longwell. They showed in their five try - 31 - 0 win at Ballymoney they will be no pushovers. Randalstown have only played nine games winning five and losing four. They have three games in hand on Coleraine. Amazingly Randalstown have only played six matches in the last eleven weeks. A lot at stake for both sides in this game with a top two finish not out of the question for Randalstown. Coleraine have been well supported at home fixtures this season with another large crowd expected this weekend.
Randalstown defeated Coleraine 15 - 10 when the two sides met at Nelisbrook Park in September.

Donaghadee v Larne
There is a buzz of excitement at Donaldson Park with this Dee side having turned the corner. New Head coach John West has instilled a belief in the squad that has been relected in their performances. No where is this new found determination and commitment to succeed exemplified. Talk to 38 year old full back Billy Allen who is playing in his twentieth season at the Club.He along with the experienced Paul Blewitt, Captain Gareth Gordon and Chris Good have set the standards that have reinvigorated their lengthy playing careers. There is no question of retirement being discussed amongst this quartet who provide the spine to this young Dee squad that has been developed by John West in recent seasons. Ulster Junior back row star Chris Hamilton has found new levels in his game and is ably assisted by forwards Jack Cooke and Sam Ingham. There is talent emerging in the backline with the return of Paul Johnston, Ryan Irvine, Mark Cooper and Jonny Quigg. I must mention the passing of Donaghadee stalwart Murdoch Bennett who was ever present on the touchline with his wife Evelyn and two sons Ross and Gareth. You will be sadly missed. There will also be the appetising Towns Cup quarter final with neighbours Bangor on Saturday week at Donaldson Park. What a treat in store this game will be for both sets of supporters.

Larne have been the surprise team in Q 2 this season and will be looking to build on their 32 - 19 win over Lisburn last Sat after three losses. Both these teams have already met twice this season with honours even. Head coach Ryan Milligan was delighted to see his side getting back to winning ways. But he feels there is definetely room for improvement. Larne will be missing their influential Captain and scrum half Ryan Garrett this weekend. But they welcome back Mark McIheron on to the bench. Injury rules out Luke Burford.
Pride will be at stake for both sides in this game with a top four finish not beyond these teams. Has all the ingredients of being high scoring entertaining match.
Larne won 32 - 15 when these two sides met at the Glynn in October. When the two sides met at the Glynn two weeks ago in the Towns Cup second round Donaghadee won 26 - 20.

Enniskillen v Ballymoney
On paper you would say this would be an Enniskillen win. Ballymoney upset the form book two weeks ago by defeating Dromore in the Towns Cup and coming up just short against league leaders Carrickfergus last Sat. Enniskillen after a poor December have bounced back to win their last five games. The goal for the Fermanagh team is to finish in the top two. Both these teams are also into the quarter finals of the Towns Cup with Ballymoney hosting Omagh and Enniskillen playing the current Cup holders Ballynahinch seconds at Mullaghmeen on Sat week. Momentum is everything and both teams will be looking morale boosting wins in preparation for their Cup ties on Sat week.

Enniskillen Head coach Norman Richmond and his players are excited over the challenges they faces in the coming weeks. For the first time this season the coach has a full squad at this disposal as the team and players look to keep the pressure on second place Coleriane with the two teams due to meet at Mullaghmeen on the 20th February. No doubt the next three weeks will define Skins season. This is also the first opportunity for the coach to put out his first choice pack since November. He will be looking to his strong ball carriers Gavin Warrington , David Buchanan , Ricky Lee and Kaine Holden to lead from the front. Enniskillen have one of the most talented backlines in Qualifying rugby and welcome back James Ferguson to a backline that is full of pace and flair. The coach is aware that Ballymoney should not be underestimated and will pose a strong challenge to Enniskillen at home. Enniskillen's home form has been good and the team are keen to protect their unbeaten record.

Ballymoney Head coach James Carson and his assistants Richard Beggs and Chris Cochrane sat down with their players before the Dromore match. After a poor run it was decided to make a numbe of changes to the 1st xv with several players brought up from the second xv. These changes have had an immediate impact with competition for starting places very competitive. Injuries rule out experienced forwards Aidy Graham and James Blair this week. This has necessitated several changes. Adan Cooke comes into replace Blair with John McFetridge moving into the second row to replace Graham with Nathanial McCollum starting at number 8. The return of Garvin Bellingham in the back row and Jamesy Campbell at out half have had a big impact on the teams performances. League points are crucial for Ballymoney as they look to pull clear of Lisburn and Grosvenor. Again all the ingredients are there for a hard fought encounter between two evenly matched teams this weekend.
Enniskillen won 23 - 19 when the two sides met at Kilraughts Road in early September.

Lisburn v Grosvenor
The bottom two teams in Q 2 meet in a crucial encounter at Blaris this weekend with Lisburn having a three point adavantage after eleven matches. For Lisburn they have lost their last six matches in all competitions. They last won a match when they defeated Donaghadee 20 - 15 at Donaldson Park in December. The playing record of the Lisburn side this season. Played 18 matches. Won six ( 4x Conference league) and two league matches.

Grosvenor have suffered defeats in their last two league games against Coleraine and Enniskillen. They have played three matches in the last ten weeks with three matches postponed. The team have won three from fourteen games they have played so far this season. Apart from the win at Donaghadee they won at Academy 37 - 22 in Sept and one conference league win.
This is a must win game for both coaches Neil Hinds at Lisburn and Alasdair McKee at Grosvenor.
Lisburn won 26 -14 when these two sides met at Belmont in October.

Carrickfergus (1st) v Academy (7th)
Coleraine (2nd) v Randalstown (5th)
Donaghadee (6th) v Larne (4th)
Enniskillen (3rd) v Ballymoney (8th)
Lisburn (9th) v Grosvenor (10th)

Qualifying Three
Holywood (7th) v Newry (5th)
Lurgan (8th) v Civil Service (12th)
Monaghan (10th) v Letterkenny (6th)
Ophir (4th) v BHSFP (9th)
PSNI (3rd) v Limavady (1st)
UUC (2nd) v Strabane (11th)

Second xv league
Queens Uni II v Ballymena II. Played Wed 3.2.16. KO 7.45pm
Malone II v Ballynahinch II
Queens Uni II v Banbridge II