Ulster Ravens Head Coach Neil Doak has named his starting XV, plus replacements, ahead of the semi-finals of the inaugural British & Irish Cup. The Ulster Ravens will travel to Thomond Park to face Munster A, this Saturday, April 24th, kick off 3.30pm.
Ulster Ravens topped Pool C in the British & Irish Cup with an unbeaten won 4, drawn 1 record. The Ravens attained victories at Ravenhill against; Bedford (29-3), London Welsh (21-17) and Aberavon (62-0), and also won away at Moseley (32-21) and drew at Llanelli (21-all). Ulster (along with Doncaster) finished the Pools with the best attacking record, having scored 22 tries in their five matches.
Commenting on the clash, Ravens Coach Neil Doak said:
“Training has been going really well this week. We all know the experience Munster have. They have a big squad that they can rotate, which feeds into their A team.
It is always hard travelling to Thomond Park to play Munster. With the British and Irish Cup game being played before the Magners League Munster v Ospreys, there should be a great atmosphere for the players.
This is the younger players chance to shine on a big stage. If we perform well and do the basics well, we have a good chance.”
Ulster hooker Nigel Brady will captain the Ravens side on Saturday.
Ulster Ravens Squad:
1. Paddy McAllister – Ballynahinch
2. Nigel Brady — Dungannon – Capt
3. Declan Fitzpatrick – Dungannon
4. Andrew Linton – Queens University
5. Neil McComb – Belfast Harlequins
6. Ali Birch – Dungannon
7. Stephen Dougall- Malone
8. Scott Lavella – Trinity College
9. Ian Porter – Queens University
10. James McKinney – Queens University
11. Tommy Seymour- Ballymena
12. Johnny Shiels- Queens University
13. Michael Allen- Belfast Harlequins
14. Chris Cochrane – Dungannon
15. David McIlwhaine – Queens University
Replacements:
16. Niall Annett – Belfast Harlequins
17. Paul Karayiannis – Queens University
18. Neville Magee – Dungannon
19. Stuart McKenzie – Dungannon
20. Michael Pyper- Queens University
21. Luke Marshall- Ballymena
22. Craig Gilroy – Dungannon
I would really have enjoyed going to this game as I think that the youngsters involved with the Ravens have fronted up well throughout the season.
Unfortunately as no ticket information was known at the AGM I’ve decided not to make the trip. A real pity as this young team is going to be in a real bear pit at Thomond.
It is a good call to make the ever reliable Brady captain however as anyone has the winning habit down in Turnipstan it is Nigel.
It’s good to see Porter and Cochrane returning from injuries and I have a little sneaking feeling that this team will cause a major upset and give us at least one final to look forward to this season.
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