Lisburn RFC

Lisburn Provincial Representatives
Nicholas McMurray, Daniel Whitten & Dominic Gallagher have progressed from U16 County Squads, to U17 Ulster Youth Development Squads through to trials and screening sessions for Ulster Youth. They trained throughout the summer at the Mid Ulster Arena in Cookstown and have played in warm-up games against various grammar school teams as well as the Exiles before taking part in the 1st part of the inter provincial series. Michael Porter also progressed from U16 County Squads to U17 Ulster Youth Development Squads through to trials and screening sessions for Ulster Youth, making it through to the squad of 40 players, but unfortunately suffered a broken collar bone at a crucial stage of the selection procedures.  Paul Melville was part of the Ulster Youth squad last season, and also went close to Irish Youth where he was identified as a potential player for Ulster U19's.  This is the first time that youth and schools players come together although the team is predominately made up of grammar schools players. Paul, Nicholas, Daniel and Dominic started off training once a week on a Saturday through the early part of the summer and closer to the start of the interpro's they were training 3 times a week with the Ulster Youth Squad. Following the end of the first part of the Interprovincial series this season the Irish Youth selection team, under manager Willie Gribben, announced a squad of 40 players to attend a screening session in Dublin from 26-28 October. The squad consisted of eight Leinster Youth, nine Irish Exiles, seven Munster Youth, eight Connacht Youth and eight Ulster Youth. One of the Ulster players that was selected was Lisburn’s very own Dominic Gallagher. Everyone at Lisburn Rugby Football Club would take this opportunity to congratulate Dominic and the rest of the Lisburn guys and wish them the best of luck.

Lisburn Ladies
Lisburn Ladies U18 team are getting ready for another busy season.  Training is well underway on Wednesday nights at 7pm. With some new players joining the squad it looks like this could be another good season.  Last year the team had a number of successes, including winning an Ulster League between Virginia, Enniskillen and Rainey to come away with the Rosie Stewart Memorial Trophy.  They then followed this with winning a tournament at City of Derry with a combined Lisburn and Virginia team.  Six of the squad were selected to play for the U18 Ulster Squad following a number of trial matches and intense training sessions.  Those that were selected were Naimah Callachand, Ashleigh Baxter, Kathryn Hanna, Vicky Barns and Jenny Dornan.  It is hoped that not only these girls have made the squad but perhaps along with a few more. This season the league is much more intense with ten teams entering the league which clearly shows how women's rugby in Ulster is developing rapidly.  It is hoped that all these clubs will develop senior teams in the future. Lisburn had a senior team in the past and it was noted at one of the recent Ulster Senior matches that there were seven girls on the squad who all started their rugby careers at Lisburn.  It is hoped that these girls will return to the club in the near future to join the new senior team at Lisburn.

Ards RFC

Ards thirds bounced back from their narrow 15 - 5 defeat at BHSFPs last Saturday to win a keenly contested match at Drumahoe against Londonderry YMCA. Man of the match for Ards was fullback Kenny Mussett who once again showed his versatility on the rugby pitch. Coach Colin McLean and Manager Gareth Paden have pulled together a formidable squad at third fifteen level that will be pushing for league and cup honours this season. Meanwhile Ards 1sts face a daunting trip this weekend to a rejuvenated Banbridge who set out their All Ireland League stall with an emphatic win at Rainey in their opening match last Saturday.

Ards Black Knights
After a slow start to their season Neil Workmans Black Knights have secured four consecutive league wins to move into fourth place in Minor East League one. This Saturday the team will face their sternest challenge of the season, when they take on the undefeated league leaders Ballyclare fifths at Hamiton Park. With both the thirds and fourths competing this season competition for places has become very competitive in recent weeks.

Ards Youth
Ards Under 18s remain undefeated in the league after recording two wins and one draw in their opening league matches. Their ability to compete for league and cup honours this season will be tested when they travel to Rainey this Saturday and play Ballynahinch at home the following Saturday. Ards Under 16s recorded their second win with an emphatic result against Coleraine last Saturday. Ards Under 14s continue to make progress under the guidance of coach Chris Allen. It is encouraging in recent weeks to see the club grounds being used by Strangford College and Regent House to play fixtures. Ongoing work by Ards Youth Development Officer Roy Lawton in Movilla High School will encourage more boys to play rugby at Ards.

With Ards Mini Section continuing to grow the future for underage rugby at the club continues to make considerable progress. Much of this work is down to the efforts put in by the Youth Coordinator Roy Lawton and mini Coordinator Don Morrow and their volunteer coaches who give up their time to make this happen. Keep up the good work guys. The club are always looking more volunteers to assist at Youth and Mini level. If you have the time please contact Roy Lawton and Don Morrow at Ards Rugby Club.

Armagh RFC

Armagh Community Cup Update
The Armagh Community Cup is now well underway with the preliminary stages already completed.  The quarter finals of both the U14 and U16 groups commence next week when Portadown take on Dromore.  Please note that from this stage until the end of the competition there will be hot food available for the players upstairs after the game.  Good luck to all the teams taking part!

                                          Please email your club news to: paula@ulsterrugby.com