Hinch are ready to kick on after learning lessons, says Boomer
THE AIL’s top two tiers return to action for the first time this season with half of Division 1B’s complement being made up of Ulster clubs, meaning that derby clashes will become a familiar sight.
With no apparent agreement between the clubs and the IRFU regarding the future structure of the top tiers in the AIL, this has the look of a pivotal season for all concerned.
Ballynahinch begin their AIL programme at St Mary’s College with Brian McLaughlin’s squad — shorn of Ulster releases due to the Celtic Cup — in determined mood to start off in the appropriate manner after the disappointment of last season.
Hinch are hoping to have Kiwi out-half Hilton Gibbons fit for duty after he sat out the Ulster League defeat to Queen’s University, while, up front, the pack should have John Donnan, James Simpson, Conall Boomer and Ollie Loughead as well as Campbell Classon all available.
There will be a real sense of taking on an unknown quantity for Hinch as St Mary’s were relegated from 1A in the last campaign and have been in reasonable form in their domestic league.
Hinch back-rower Boomer is hoping that lessons have been absorbed from last season when they struggled for form at key moments and ultimately lost a play-off semi-final at Banbridge.
“Last season we knew we could have won it (the 1B title), but we made mistakes and we know where we made those mistakes and where we went wrong,” said Boomer.
This weekend’s derby sees Ballymena host newly promoted Malone in what will be the third consecutive time the sides will have met thanks to clashes in the Senior Cup and Ulster League — the Braidmen having won the former and Malone the latter game.
Both sides will be missing Ulster releases due to the Celtic Cup campaign.
Banbridge are at Old Belvedere while City of Armagh, who also won promotion last season, host Old Wesley.
Division 1B: Ballymena v Malone, Armagh v Old Wesley, Old Belvedere v Banbridge, St Mary’s v Ballynahinch.