Ulster Rugby Annual Report 2016-17

Overall, the initiative to combine certain Domestic Cup Finals on the same day showed much promise. Crowds were up on both days, creating a very positive atmosphere, there was increased PR for the clubs involved and the competitiveness of the matches added to the spectacle. The final of the Crawford Cup saw another thrilling spectacle with the match between Portadown Seconds and Ballynahinch Thirds going to extra-time. It was only in the second period of extra time that Ballynahinch eventually overcame Portadown to win the cup by a margin of 29-20. The Crawford and Forster Shields, were won by Ballyclare Seconds and Dungannon Thirds respectively. Ballynahinch Sevenths overcame Strabane Seconds to lift the Butler Shield. Women’s Rugby At adult level Cooke finished seventh in the AIL and retained the Rosie Stewart Memorial Bowl beating Ballynahinch 67-3 in the final. The Ulster Women’s Championship consisted of four teams (Ballynahinch, Cavan, City of Derry, Enniskillen) and was won by City of Derry. As a result, City of Derry qualified for the All Ireland League playoffs, but were beaten by Tullamore. Development level consisted of a combination of Pre- Christmas blitzes and friendlies which was played in a more formal Ulster Women’s Development League format after Christmas. Teams involved included: Belfast Harlequins, Carrick, Lisburn, Malone Omagh, QUB and Randalstown. Malone won the double by securing the Development League and the ReJenerate Cup in which they defeated beat Carrick 33-0. Omagh beat Belfast Harlequins 27-10 after extra time to win the ReJenerate Shield.

Clubs Committee Once again the Clubs Committee meetings were very well attended. Ulster Branch President John McKibbin, despite a very busy schedule, chaired all of the meetings, while Ross Workman prepared and circulated his very comprehensive minutes in quick time. During the year the Committee undertook a review of its effectiveness. Co-ordinated by Terence McCracken Clubs Committee members identified a series of enhancements intended to improve the functioning of the Committee. This included enhancements to the meeting agenda, the prior circulation of papers and suggestions to improve communications generally between clubs and with the Ulster Branch. These improvements were being implemented before the end of the season. Competitions Management Committee The C.M.C. met twenty times, one fewer than last year. Once again we were at our busiest at the business end of the season during March and April. As well as the appointment of two new members to the Committee, John Carleton played a valuable role as the new CMC Chairman. REFEREES (USRFR) The Ulster Branch continues to be indebted to Referees Society and the commitment they give to ensure matches are played each week. Ulster currently has one hundred and forty one active referees with thirty nine assessors also giving of their time to help develop and improve our referees. There are at present seventeen trial referees undergoing training.

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