1st Team
Matches
Sat 14 Oct 2017
Malone - The Cregagh Red Sox
1st Team
32
24
Dungannon

Match Preview

Stephen Barbour13 Oct 2017 - 16:59
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Malone v Dungannon

Two teams who will use this match to rest players and give squad players more game time. Malone undefeated in their opening four UBL matches, rounded off their block of games with an emphatic 70 – 15 win over Galwegians at Gibson Park last week, whereas a talented Dungannon squad have lost both their home games with the team winning one and drawing one game away from home. Not the form Dungannon Head coach Andy Hughes expected from this talented squad of players he assembled in the off season. One of his difficulties has been getting the new combinations to gel. The coach will use the match this week to further develop those playing relationships to strengthen the continuity and accuracy in their play. Backs player/coach Seamus Mallon was absent from the pitch and his presence on the park will help to address the improvements needed before the UBL resumes on the 28th October.

Malone Head coach Paddy Armstrong is trying to balance using this game to give players opportunities as well as keeping momentum going.
Stuart Doddington will start in the back row with seconds 2nd row Tom Dullage getting his first start on the 1st xv and Jack McMurtry on the wing. Both Peter Cooper and Callum Harkin (Academy players) have been released by Ulster to play this weekend.

Paddy Armstrong has a lot of respect for Dungannon rugby club and knows Head coach Andy Hughes will have his team well coached. He is expecting a tough battle on Sat, but at the same time is looking forward to the game.

Dungannon coach Andy Hughes was delighted to pick up the much needed league points in the 15 – 15 draw at Navan on Saturday. He was not happy that Navan were allowed to score a converted try in the last play to level the match.

Despite the draw it was a much better performance from the team. Their work rate and organisation in defence was greatly improved. A few errors in crucial areas prevented the team from getting the rewards they deserved for their efforts.

He is looking forward to the Malone match. The pressure of the UBL is off with a different kind of pressure presenting itself. Malone are on form at the minute and the players know that if they are not 100% focused it will be a long afternoon for the players. The game will be a good test for the team and an opportunity for the new players to see what it takes to be at the top level in Div 2A. It is also another game to build that cohesion within the team and look at a few more options.

Last weekend at Navan took its toil on the team. Rodney Bennett, Jonny Black, Andrew McPhillips and John Russell picked up injuries. Ben Matchett is unavailable with NZ second row, Adam Batt cup tied, (signed after the start of the competition). There are a few areas of the team the coach will have to make selections decisions on. Opportunities are given this week to Matthew Montgomery, Mark Faloon and Jack Ravey.

Match details

Match date

Sat 14 Oct 2017

Kickoff

14:30

Location

Team overview
Further reading