Irish Colleges Rugby Union V Scottish Universities - Preview by Brendan Johnston (ICRU- PRO)

Irish Colleges Squad prior to their recent match versus the Combined Services U23

The Irish Colleges embark on their second full fixture of the 2008 season when they play the Scottish Universities at the University of Ulster grounds, Jordanstown, this Friday ,kick-off 6pm. Irish Colleges will no doubt use this occasion to avenge their 22pts to 21 pts home defeat of last year to the Scottish Universities side . The inaugural fixture was in 2006 at the Edinburgh University grounds which Irish Colleges convincingly won 47 pts to nil. This,the third meeting should prove an interesting encounter between two well prepared sides in the newly established Four Nations Tournament.

The Irish Colleges had the perfect start to their current campaign in this years tournament when they defeated to United Kingdom Combined Services U23's in London earlier this month by 40pts to nil. The Irish Colleges side will be hoping for victory against the Scottish Universities side,a victory that will prepare them for what will be the final and most difficult game of the season against the English Universities side in what will hopefully be the Championship decider.

The Irish Colleges played some sparkling attacking rugby in their recent fixture against the Combined Services. The first half saw a try from Ian Cullinan,Galwegians which was converted combined with two well taken penalties byout half Phil De Barra, DLSP leaving the half time score 13pts to Nil. The second half saw the Irish Colleges completely dominate the game with pace and power in the pack and a well organised and cohesive back-line.Tries from Chris Napier Ballanahinch, Hugh Hogan St Mary’s, Alex O’Sullivan Greystones and a brace of tries from Paddy O’Toole Connemara one of which was converted by Brian Collins Old Belvedere left the Irish Colleges convincing winners.

The Irish Colleges will have a number of Ulster representatives when they take on the Scottish Universities. Chris Napier from Belfast Metropolitan College and Ballanahinch Rugby Club plays second row. James Taggart from the University of Ulster at Jordanstown and Ballymena represents the Irish Colleges for the third season at hooker. Ali Birch also from UUJ and Armagh and John Nichol from Stranmillis College and Ballymena starts at fullback. The Irish Colleges are Managed by Moss Dineen former President of City of Derry Rugby Club and he is assisted by Mike Poole current Team Manager at City of Derry. Moss and Mike both work at North West Regional College Derry.

Irish Colleges have the assistance of Chris Galway on the coaching team.Chris is presently working as rugby development officer at Jordanstown.He has played for Ballymena and North of Ireland and captained Belfast Harlequins in the 1999/00 season.

The University of Ulster @ Jordanstown are hosting the Irish Colleges in this their first Four Nations Tournament in Ulster. The Pro Vice Chancellor Jim Allen has been very much to the fore in getting this fixture for the Jordanstown College. It is indeed appropriate that this International game is taking place at UUJ .Their newly opened High Performance Centre should prove an ideal location for this eagerly awaited game.

Players:

Irish Colleges

John Nichol, Stranmillis (Balymena) David Rowan,Inst Art Design Tech Dun Laoghaire(Blackrock) Craig Morrin IT,Tallagh(St.Marys) Mick O'Shea,Garda Coll(Suttonians),Darragh Fanning IT,Tallagh,(St.Marys)Phil DeBarra IT,Carlow(DLSP),Brendan O’Brien,Blackhall Place, Dublin(Wanderers ) , Shane Cahill Dun Laoghaire VEC (Blackrock College), Alex O'Sullivan,Inst Art Design Tech Dun Laoghaire(Greystones),Stephen Snell NCI(Greystones),Barry Holmes DIT(Greystones),Chris Napier Belfast Metropolitan College(Ballynahinch), Brian Moroney,ITT(Terenure), Dan Kenny ,Dun Laoghaire VEC(Greystones), John Downey ,Sallynoggin VEC(Greystones)

Replacements: Jason East (Connacht), James Taggert,UUJ,(Ballymena), Ben Reilly DCU(Suttonians), AN Other,,Philip Howard,Inst Art Design Tech Dun Laoghaire(Clontarf),Brian Collins ITBlanchardstown(Old Belvedere)Dermott Sherridan,LIT,(Shannon),

Officials:

Team Manager:Moss Dineen,Assistant TeamManager:Mike Poole,Head Coach:Eamonn Molloy,Coaches: Chris Galway,Eoin Hogan.

Scottish Universities

Players

Jonathan Manning,(Glasgow Caledonian ),Tim Bergin,(Aberdeen),Peter Saunders (Heriot Watt),Marcus Mc Callister (Heriot Watt),Kelechi Esenou,(Edinburgh)David O Hagan(Queen Margareth),Gordon Mc Rorie(Sterling),Gabriel Holmes (Aberdeen),Greig Ramsay(Aberdeen),Gavin Hulme(Hariot Watt),Mark Jenkinson(Dundee),Fraser Galbraith(Aberdeen),Andrew Thompson(Glasgow),TBA (Dundee),Murray Wylie(Aberdeen).

Replacements:Tom Dunnett (Aberdeen),Craig Samuel(Stirling),Nick Mc Auley (Strathclyde),David Mc Kenna(Glasgow Caledonian),Jerry Tsang(Edinburgh),James Mc Kinnel(St Andrews)Fergus Knight (St Andrews)

Officials

Team Manager:Matt Adcock,Head Coach:Chris Rickie,Coaches :Mark Couper,Campbell Scott,

Referee:Paul Haycock,touch Judges: Jonathan Peak,Peter Fergueson.