Ulster Rugby vs Zebre

LOCALS SIDES READY FOR ASSAULT ON ULSTER BANK LEAGUE

The Ulster Bank League kicks off this weekend in Divisions 1A and 1B and there is added incentive for the players in the top flight with the return of a final to be played at the Aviva Stadium.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE

Ballynahinch coach Derek Suffern will have been pleased with his side’s run-in last season which saw them avoid relegation from Division 1A courtesy of a play off win. After a year in the top flight, the County Down club will now be hoping they can push on to battle for a place in the top half of the table. ‘Hinch face a difficult start to the campaign though, travelling to Terenure College tomorrow before hosting Old Belvedere next week. With Ireland Club International Stuart Morrow unavailable this season, Harry McAleese has been installed as new club captain. Richard Reaney (Armagh), Chris Quinn (Cork Constitution), Stephen McCauley (Buccaneers) and Kenny Morton (Ophir) are among the new players to arrive at Ballymacarn Park, along with a host of talented young Academy players. Malone also relied on a late rally to avoid the drop from Division 1B last season, winning their last two games. The Cregagh Road side have recruited heavily again this season, with David Creighton returning to the club from Cooke to assume the role of player / backs coach. The availability of Ulster players Conor Joyce and Alan O’Connor will be key to their hopes, while they will also be heavily reliant on impressive loose forward Neill Alcorn. James McKinney departing for Rotherham is a blow but Jacques Benade should

have enough cover with the talented John Creighton and new signing Josh Bingham both excellent options in the 10 jersey. They start their campaign with a home game against Buccaneers at Gibson Park tomorrow. Belfast Harlequins coach Adam Larkin will largely draw on the same players that served him well last season. The Deramore Park outfit finished 6th in the table last time out but it was enough for them to be Ulster’s leading team in the division. They must travel to UL Bohemians this weekend before entertaining Ballymena next week in what will be a must-watch game. Andy Graham had an excellent first season at the helm of Ballymena, helping the Braidmen return to Division 1B with a second place finish in 2A. They have recruited well in key positions, McMaster from Queen’s and utility back Rob Haldane from Malone. They will however be disappointed to lose Adrian Hamilton, last year’s Ulster Club Player of the Year, who has moved across the water to take up a university place. Corinthians travel north to Eaton Park for the season opener tomorrow. The action in Division 2 will start next weekend with Banbridge, City of Derry, Dungannon, Queen’s University, and Rainey competing in 2A, while Ards and Armagh will operate in 2B. Visit www.ulsterrugby.com/domestic or follow @UlsterBranch on Twitter for all the latest club news adding back row Stephen Mulholland from Rainey Old Boys, outhalf Ritchie

UlsterBranch

Photo : Press Eye

39

www. ulster rugby.com

ULSTER RUGBY