The Ulster Bank All Ireland League opened last weekend with wins for Ballymena, Banbridge, Queens, City of Derry, Armagh and Rainey OB with Ballynahinch, Belfast Harlequins, Malone and Dungannon all picking up losing bonus points.

In the Qualifying leagues Bangor remain undefeated in Q 1 with CIYMS looking their first league win. In Q 2 Randalstown and Enniskillen are the early pace setters. Favourites for promotion in Q 2 Carrickfergus commence their league programme at Grosvenor this weekend.

In the Kukri Conference league Queens seconds have been unable fulfil their league fixtures. They have been asked to play matches outside their term time that does not commence until the latter stages of September. The deduction of 15 points is disappointing with the possibility of the club receiving financial penalties for not completing these fixtures. Hopefully the Ulster Branch will be more sympathetic to the situation the students find themselves in. This is not a situation of their own making. The Ulster Branch organised fixtures for the students when it was clear they could not complete them.

A subject that has been brought to my attention is the increasing number of penalties being awarded by referees including the issuing of yellow and red cards in matches. Why is this happening. I am told match officials have been told to clamp down on certain breaches of laws of the game by the IRFU without these directions being explained to the coaches and players. If changes have been made why have the referees not engaged with clubs, coaches and players. I would have thought it would have been advantages to coaches and players for referees to communicate with them on areas of the game they would be focusing on prior to a match kicking off. As spectators and followers of the game we don't want to see a match frequently interrupted by over zealous match officials. In the Armagh v Dungannon match last Sat we had 39 penalties awarded and 7/8 yellow cards issued. I would also have concerns where three match officials are appointed in the AIL. What steps are being taken by the IRFU and the four provinces to monitor and review the impact such changes are having on teams, coaches and players. Is it a case of a level playing field in the four provinces of Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht for the competing teams in the AIL. We are seeing the increasing use of 'mikes' by match officials in the AIL and the impact pro active touch judges have on the possible outcome of matches. Who monitors the referees and their assistants to ensure consistency and continuity in the officiating throughout the island of Ireland.

Ulster Bank All Ireland League
Division 1 A
Ballynahinch v UCD
Director of Rugby at Ballymacarn Park - Ronnie Duncan felt the game at Garryowen was there for the winning last Sat. Accuracy had let the players down. With Ulster contracted players not available for selection - coach Derek Suffern has had to make several changes with Rhuaridi Murphy, Paul Rowley, Sam Arnold, Kyle McCall, Jonny Madden and Will Stewart unavailable. Injury rules out Captain Paul Pritchard, David McGuigan and Jonny Simpson. Former Captain Harry McAleese has taken a year out due to work commitments.They will welcome back Stuart Morrow, Richard Reaney and Adam Craig in the backs. Young prop Kelvin Hamilton replaces Rhuardi Murphy in the front row. Ireland Sevens commitments during the season will rule out scrum half Aaron Cairns and back row forward David McGuigan for several weeks. One area presenting challenges for the coaches is who to select at out half. They have a choice between Kiwi Manihera Eden, Justin Rea and the experienced James McBriar. Replacement back Davy Nicholson made an impact from the bench in Limerick last Sat. Former Queens scrum half David Spence has already made a case for starting in the number 9 jersey. Two new additions to the playing squad at Ballymacarn - Conor Joyce and Lorcan Dow have already acknowledged the step up in physicality playing in Div 1A of the AIL. The experienced Michael Graham continues to have a key role in guiding the forwards along with James Simpson and John Donnan in the second row. The faithful want to see Ballymacarn Park being turned into a fortress once again this season. The students from Dublin will once again present a formidable obstacle to the teams progress to compete in the playoffs.

Clontarf v Old Belvedere. Played Friday 18.9.15. Kick off 7.30pm
Young Munster v Garryowen. Played Friday 18.9.15. Kick off 7.30pm
Ballynahinch v UCD. Kick off 2.30pm
Cork Constitution v Lansdowne. Kick off 4.30pm
Terenure College v Galwegians. Kick off 4.30pm

Division 1B
Belfast Harlequins v UL Bohemians
Director of Rugby DC Gillespie was disappointed to see his side not come away with a win at Eaton Park against Ballymena last Sat. The match was decided by the kicking of Richie McMaster out performing his opposite number Mark Best. The Deramore Park side will be missing Ulster players Louis Stevenson and Sean Reidy for the visit of UL Bohemians. Former UUC full back Brendan Monahan made an impressive debut for Quins scoring a try in their narrow 27 - 23 loss.

Ballymena v Dolphin
The Eaton Park side make the long trip to Cork, looking for their second win. Head coach Andy Graham was delighted with the effort put in by his players against a high quality Quins side last Sat. He felt his team just edged the match by showing a bit more steel. Out half Richie McMaster was the difference between the two teams just missing one kick. He was disappointed to see his defence concede three tries. The battle of the two second rows between Alan O'Connor and David Whann of Ballymena and Neil McComb and Louis Stevenson was fiercely contested with David Whann scoring an outstanding try for his side to decide the match. The opportunity to play alongside and against professional players brought out the best in the club players with number 8 Matty Rea putting in a man of the match performance. The coach will be missing front row forwards Bronson Ross and James Taggart this weekend with Ross Kane starting at tight head and Bryan Young at Hooker. Chris Cundell provides front row cover from the bench. Stephen Mulholland remains unavailable with a shoulder injury. The coach is looking forward to the players involved with the Ulster under 19 and 20 squads returning to provide strength in depth within the playing squad. The addition of these players allow the coaches to rest players carrying niggling injuries.

Belfast Harlequins v UL Bohemians. Kick off 1.30pm
Dolphin v Ballymena. Kick off 1pm
Old Wesley v Buccaneers. Kick off 4.30pm
Shannon v Blackrock College. Kick off 4.30pm

Division 2 A
Queens Uni v Thomond
Head coach Bob Young was delighted to see his players get their AIL campaign off to a winning start in Galway with a bonus point win. Front row forwards Brian Cunningham, Jonny Darling and Jordan Southway were able to anchor the set piece and provide the platform for their talented backs to score the crucial tries. Backs Connor McKee and Jonny Milliken are unavailable for Sat with Robbie Reid and Jack Milligan replacing them.

Banbridge v Galway Corinthians
There was a relief amongst the travelling Banbridge supporters their team was able to hold on for that all important 23 - 20 win at Malone last weekend. Injury rules out full back Adam Doherty to be replaced by Adam Ervine with the injured Jonny Porter returning on the wing. Stephen Irvine is available to take his place at number 8. Head coach Daniel Soper will be looking for greater accuracy from his players against the Galway side.

Malone v Naas
Coaches Jarrett Truscott, Paddy Armstrong and Mark Taylor will be looking their first win this weekend when their Malone team travel South. Injury rules out prop forward Gary Crawford with Philip Eadie making his first appearance of the season and the experienced David Halliday joining the bench. Discipline, patience and accuracy are the three areas the coaches will impress on the players. Can Captain Neil Alcorn inspire his players to that all important first win.

Queens Uni v Thomond. Kick off 1pm
Banbridge v Galway Corinthians. KIck off 4.30pm
Cashel v Nenagh Ormond. Played Friday 18.9.15. Kick off 8pm
Naas v Malone. Kick off 4.30pm
UCC v Skerries. Kick off 12.30pm

Division 2 B
City of Derry v Bective Rangers
An impressive bonus point win at Barnhall has given Head coach Terry McMaster and his players a belief they can be considered as promotion contenders this season. Once again they will look to turn Judges Road into a fortress. The coaches have made one change to last weeks starting xv with David Houston replacing Adam Bratton in the second row.

Dungannon v Seapoint
Any doubts about the ability of the Stevenson Park side to perform this season under the management of coaches Andy Hughes and Seamus Mallon have been dispelled with strong performances against Armagh and Belfast Harlequins in recent weeks. The new additions led by out half Paul Armstrong have stabilised the team. Expect Captain James McMahon and his players to produce a much needed first win in the AIL.

Armagh v Greystones
One of the strengths of this Armagh side last season was their ability to win on the road. Head coach Alex McCloy will know the importance of his team winning their derby encounter last Sat with Dungannon 21 - 20. Injuries and unavailabilities rule out Andrew Willis, Josh Morton, Willie Martin and Simon Carlile. Matthew McSorley and John Faloon have been added to the backs with Peter Elliott and Grant Hutchison starting in the forwards. Richard Morton, John Fletcher, Robert Faloon and Robert Magowan are added to the bench. Matty Clarke remains unavailable. The experience of Captain Neil Faloon will be needed to win this match.

Rainey OB v MU Barnhall
There was disappointment during the week at Hatrick Park to learn of the extent off the injury sustained by young Rainey forward Conor O'Neill in their win at Seapoint last Sat that will rule him out for the season. We wish him a speedy recovery. Head coach John Andrews has developed a team consisting of youth and experience. The inclusion of former Ballymena Academy and Limavady Grammar players Josh McIIroy and Scott McLean in the backs along with Rory Winters and Timothy Barker in the forwards can guide this squad to their aim of finishing in the top four. Injury rules out prop Stephen Rutledge to be replaced by Kieran Donaghy. The back row is made up of Rory Winters at 6, Jonny Lees 7 and Darren Corrigan at 8. Gavin Martin comes in at out half. Like the other Ulster sides in the AIL they will want to turn their home venue into a fortress.

Highfield v Sunday's Well. Played Friday 18.9.15. Kick off 7.30pm
City of Derry v Bective Rangers. Kick off 4.30pm
Dungannon v Seapoint. Kick off 4.30pm
Greystones v Armagh. Kick off 4.30pm
Rainey OB v MU Barnhall. Kick off 2.30pm

Division 2 C
Wanderers v Boyne. Played Friday 18.9.15. Kick off 8pm
Bruff v Tullamore. Kick off 7.30pm
Midleton v Dundalk. Kick off 4.30pm
Old Crescent v Navan. Kick off 4.30pm
Sligo v Kanturk. Kick off 4.30pm

Qualifying One
Ballyclare v Ards
Head coach Mike McKeever will have been delighted to see his Ballyclare players record their first all important win at Cooke last Sat. Full back Robert Smith scored 26 points on his return to the first team along with number 8 Michael Rainey who scored a try. They add David Lawther, Robert Boyd, Collie Morrow, Adam Neill and Gareth Byers to their playing squad for Sat.
Ards Director of Rugby Stephen Nutt is delighted with the progress the 1st XV has made under Head coach David Irwin. They endured a narrow lost to League champions Instonians and followed up with encouraging conference league performances against Ballynahinch and Belfast Harlequins. They face back to back matches against Ballyclare in the league and Junior Cup over the next two weeks.
Bangor v Dromore
Interesting fixture at Upritchard Park on Saturday. Dromore completed a league double over Bangor last season. Bangor remain without injured prop Philip Whyte who is replaced by James Leary. David Bradford has been passed fit to play. 1st xv Manager Ricky Armstrong has identified the performances of the club second xv who remain undefeated as players push for a start on the 1st xv. He has described training as competitive with selection a 'nightmare' due to the number of players pushing for starting places.
Dromore under Head coach Jonny Cullen have recorded two wins and a narrow loss away to Omagh in their first three matches. TJ Morris retains his place at 10 with Ryan Cobb and Michael Allen returning to the back line. The players accept they need to step up against a well drilled Bangor side on Saturday.

Instonians v CIYMS
Head coach William Leacock was very disappointed with his teams performance against Clogher Valley last weekend in losing 20 - 8. The team didn't turn up. Their set piece didn't function and Clogher Valley bullied them. His teams defence was poor and it was a harsh lesson for his young team. He knows this is a must win game against CIYMS on Sat. CIYMS may be waiting on their first league win but this is a Belfast derby and both teams will be chasing the points. Inst welcome back Captain Glen Baxter with Joe Fryers and David Scott renewing their centre partnership. CIYMS coach Gareth Fry believes his new team are getting their patterns together and are capable of upsetting the form book at Shawsbridge.

Portadown v Cooke
Head coach Richard Hedley was disappointed his Portadown team did not get more from their match with Q 1 league leaders Bangor on Sat. He thought his players played well against Bangor and the score did not reflect their efforts. ' Injuries killed us in the end". For the match against Cooke he will be missing Matthew Wilson, Mal Allister, Jonny Holden and Aaron Morton. They will be replaced by Thomas Johnston, Mark Muldrew, Mark Henderson and Neal Irwin.
Cooke finished with thirteen fit players on the pitch against Ballyclare last Sat. With injuries and several players in Cardiff to watch the Ireland match playing resources will be stretched for coach Colin Atkinson. Injury rules out Liam Bennett, Sam Boyd, Scott McClelland, Ian Anderson and Alan Gourley. Toby Mannus is not available. Alex Gourlay returns after being unavailable due to exams.

Ballyclare v Ards
Bangor v Dromore
Instonians v CIYMS
Portadown v Cooke

Kukri Conference league One
Ballynahinch seconds v Clogher Valley
Belfast Harlequins seconds v Omagh

Qualifying Two
Ballymoney v Randalstown
Two teams with ambitions this season. Such is the nature of this league each team seems to be capable of defeating the other. Ballymoney returned to winning ways at Larne last Sat after losing at home to Enniskillen. Randalstown are coming of the back of a narrow 18 - 11 defeat away to Enniskillen. It is a case of the Ballymoney team looking to build momentum in the chase for promotion. James Blair returns at prop with the coaches giving debuts to Adam Hewitt in the second row and Andrew Young at out half. Randalstown will welcome back Captain Dan Wilson and David Goodrich in the back division. With this fixture being an Antrim derby - expect a large and passionate crowd at Kilraughts Road.

Grosvenor v Carrickfergus
Team selection will be impacted for the Grosvenor side with several players attending the Ireland match in Cardiff. Grosvenor bounced back from defeat at Larne to win 37 - 22 at Academy last Sat. They scored five tries in an emphatic win. Carrick will have memories of their first visit to Belmont last season in losing 12 - 0. They will not want a repeat performance. After several friendlies and conference league action coach Neil Hanna will want his players to get their league campaign off to a winning start. He is looking forward to a competitive game. He welcomes back Keith McNeill, Chris Rodgers, Ross Marsden and Kenny Topping this weekend. Aaron McKinney and Jonny Sherriff are unavailable.

Larne v Academy
New Larne coach Ryan Milligan and his players were brought back down to earth after winning against Grosvenor as they struggled to compete with the physical Ballymoney forwards and lost 22 - 8. There is the opportunity for the team to get back to winning ways as they welcome an Academy team looking their first win. The coach makes one change with Jonny Hall returning to the centre.
Academy coach Gareth Lynn is struggling to get a full strength team out this weekend due to injuries and unavailabilities. He acknowledges it will take a while for his players to get going and get everyone back playing. The team played some good rugby against Grosvenor scoring three good tries.

Ballymoney v Randalstown
Grosvenor v Carrickfergus
Larne v Academy

Kukri Conference league Two
Ballymena seconds v Enniskillen
Banbridge seconds v Coleraine
Malone seconds v Donaghadee
Queens seconds v Lisburn

Qualifying Threee
Letterkenny v Newry. Kick off 12.30pm
Civil service v BHSFP
Lurgan v Strabane
Monaghan v Ophir
PSNI v Holywood
UUC v Limavady