Rugby season kicks off

�Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland - 25th Feb 2012 Mandatory Credit - Picture by Mervyn McClelland/Presseye.com Lower Maze v Laurelvale , Mid Ulster Intermediate A, at Lower Maze Social and Recreational Club Caption

Published on 27/08/2012 12:38

Dungannon’s new head coach takes to the field on Saturday, Paddy Johns and his assistants - Paul Milligan, Kenny Wright and fitness coach Stefan Kerr - having put the squad through their paces for a testing trip to Ballynahinch this weekend.

The rugby season has already started but Dungannon missed out on a game last Saturday as opponents Banbridge were on tour.

However, practice matches against Malone and Portadown have proved useful and Johns is now looking forward to the start of the Ulster Senior League programme.

Dungannon have won the Ulster title for the past two seasons and the holders are aiming to complete the hat-trick, but much will depend on the availability of the provincial academy players Chris Farrell, Peter Nelson and Chris Cochrane.

All three have been turning in great performances for Ulster in the pre-season challenge matches, with Farrell setting up Cochrane for the equalising try against Leicester Tigers last week. In the dying seconds Nelson was unlucky to miss out on a match winning try when he was hauled to touch with a last gasp tackle.

Dungannon’s trip to Ballymacarn will be a serious test and the following week sees the start of the Ulster Senior Cup when Dungannon travel to play Belfast Harlequins.

The first home match of the season is on Wednesday September 12 when Rainey OB drop in at Stevenson Park, kick-off 7.30pm.

All-Ireland League action starts on Friday 28th when Dungannon travel to play Malone at Gibson Park.

The hosts have finally clinched Division One status having been promoted along with Dublin University last season. With Jacques Benade back in charge the Belfast men will be hoping to create an impression and the floodlit encounter with Dungannon should be more than a little interesting.

Early season fixtures

Saturday September 1

Ballynahinch v Dungannon.

Ballynahinch II v Dungannon II, 1pm

Saturday September 8

Harlequins v Dungannon, Senior Cup

Ballymoney II v Dungannon III

Dungannon IV v Limavady II

Wednesday September 12

Dungannon v Rainey OB, 7.30pm

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Rugby season kicks off

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