Gary Longwell has named a strong Ravens team for their British & Irish Cup game against Pontypridd on Saturday at Deramore Park (kick off 2.30pm).
Nigel Brady will captain the team from hooker and is joined in the front row by the experienced Callum Black and Jerry Cronin. Tim Barker and Neil McComb continue their successful second row partnership, while Ali Birch, Willie Faloon and Mike McComish form an athletic back row.
The players behind the scrum are less experienced, but all members of the backline have featured for the seniors, including Chris Farrell and Peter Nelson who featured in pre-season friendlies.
The bench has a youthful look with Phoenix Academy members Conor Carey, James Simpson, Sean O’Connell, Blane McIlroy, Michael Allen and Ricky Andrew joining development player Niall Annett.
With two matches played to date, the Ravens currently sit third in their pool on 9 points, although both Nottingham (13 points) and Leeds (10 points) have each played an extra match.
Ravens coach Gary Longwell feels the British & Irish Cup is a worthwhile competition for his players. “It is important for our young players coming through to gain experience at this level as it is a good learning experience. It also gives some of the senior players some vital time on the pitch.”
He is wary of the threat posed by the Welsh outfit: “Pontypridd are a very good side. They have won 9 of their opening 11 games in the Welsh Principality league so they will be coming here full of confidence and we will have to play well to get a positive result on Saturday.”
Ulster Ravens (15-9): Peter Nelson, Conor Gaston, Ian Whitten, Chris Farrell, Chris Cochrane, James McKinney, Ian Porter. (1-8): Callum Black, Nigel Brady (capt), Jerry Cronin, Tim Barker, Neil McComb, Ali Birch, Willie Faloon, Mike McComish. (16-22): Niall Annett, Conor Carey, James Simpson, Sean O’Connell, Blane McIlroy, Michael Allen, Ricky Andrew
Don’t know what Mr Faloon has done to be banished to the Ravens but I’ve every confidence that “his day will come” in the not to distant future. Whether it’s at Ulster or with some other team has yet to be decided but I hope that Ulster wise up and get him back in the senior squad!
OK. Rant over.
It’s another comparatively strong side that actually seems to be getting something out of this competition and playing some attractive rugby in the process. The cornerstone of Barker and McComb in the second row are another pair too good for this competition but they have certainly added an abrasive edge to the Ravens this season and it’s not a bad looking front row either with Blacm and Cronin either side of the ever reliable Brady.
Stacks of pace in the back line and Whitten adds a touch of experience having seemed to be around a lot longer than his 24 years would indicate. If he and McKinney can orchestrate the Dungannon guys surrounding them they should do some damamge.
Add in Porter and it is a pleasing looking back line and gives me some confidence in our youth system. If only we could work out how to transfer their skills into the senior set up we’d be flying!
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