Dromore are out to make up for setback with Cup progression

DROMORE’S last gasp 10-9 defeat to Armagh II in the Junior Cup due to a controversial penalty for a high tackle was hard for them to accept but the Down team hope to make up for that with an All-Ireland Junior Cup success against Grosvenor.

Ulster are assured of at least one team in the semi-finals and could have a second as Ballyclare host Munster’s Crosshaven.

Dromore will be at full strength but Johnny Maguire will start in the second row, Ross Bingham reverting to the bench.

“The atrocious weather last Saturday restricted our ability to use our formidable backline and hopefully the conditions will be much firmer this time,” said Director of Rugby Jeremy Ogle.

“The set pieces have been well organised under the coaching of Jamie Kirk, and Matthew McMaster has been winning more than his share of line-out ball.

“With captain Adam McGregor putting in a lot of work at six we should provide plenty of possession for our very dangerous back-line which includes Ulster Junior half-backs Lee Steenson and David Lyttle as well as Josh Pentland,” he added.

The Kukri Division 1 leaders have only lost one league outing in six fixtures whereas Grosvenor have only two successes in six.

Grosvenor could be fatigued after losing 28-12 to Ballyclare in a rugged Junior Cup tie in midweek and being away from home makes their task somewhat more difficult.

Ballyclare, undefeated after five league games, face Crosshaven who pipped Instonians 2521 at Shaw’s Bridge three weeks ago.

Changes see Al Boyd starting in the front row and James Douglas playing in the second row for the injured Ryan Tweed.