Nicholl’s men host Ards

City of Derry welcome Ards to Judges Road on Saturday for an Ulster Senior League Fixture (KO 2.30pm).
City of Derry's Adam Bratton will move into the pack from midfield, for tomorrow's game against Ards. INLS3514-141KMCity of Derry's Adam Bratton will move into the pack from midfield, for tomorrow's game against Ards. INLS3514-141KM
City of Derry's Adam Bratton will move into the pack from midfield, for tomorrow's game against Ards. INLS3514-141KM

Derry will be hoping to continue their winning ways following a good victory away to Banbridge last weekend.

This is the final Ulster League game before the All Ireland League starts the following weekend with three fixtures in a row starting with a North West Derby away to Magherafelt and old rivals Rainey OB.

Ards who play their rugby in All Ireland League Division 2B have been struggling for a number of years to survive in that league. They found it difficult once again last season finishing fifth from bottom ahead of the second last team Instonians who were relegated to Junior Rugby following a playoff defeat to Kanturk from Co Cork.

Ards should struggle again this season and will not be relishing their trip to Judges Road following heavy defeats over the last two weekends, at home to Banbridge away to Ballymena.

City of Derry produced a performance last weekend that Head Coach Mark Nicholl and his Assistant Neil Beddow will be pleased with as they prepare their troops for a crucial three week period.

The pack played well providing good go forward ball last Saturday and this weekend Chris Shields and Cathal Cregan will start in the front row gaining valuable game time.

Adam Bratton moves into the pack from midfield with Brian Prue coming into the second row to cover for the injured Chris Cooper.

David Houston pulled a hamstring last weekend and Stephen Ferguson and Stephen Corr are being rested before the AIL. William McCleery is not available at full back but Peter Henderson returns to take his place.

Head Coach Mark Nicholl said “I am pleased as to where we are at with respect to preparation for the AIL.

“Last Saturday was a great confidence booster for us with a number of key players still to return to action and getting a result against Banbridge was great.

“If we can stay healthy we will be right up there where we want to be this season again.

“We can compete with any team in this league and with a bit of luck who knows where we will end up.

“The weather forecast for this weekend is excellent so we expect plenty of tries in front of a big home support.”

City of Derry Squad: Pdeter Henderson, Philip Duffy, David Funston(Capt), Stuart Simpson, Jack Hargan, Richard McCarter, Andrew Semple, Chris Shields, Cathal Cregan, Sam Duffy, Brian Prue, Adam Bratton, Ross Scott, Jonny Lyons, Richard Baird, . Replacements; Ross Harkin, David Ferguson, Mark Walker, Josh Lewis.