Ulster qualifying turns into almighty struggle

The race for the Ulster Qualifying One League is turning into an almighty struggle between Ards and Coleraine, with just three rounds to go.

Ards' 14-9 victory over Niall Malone's Bangor side at Upritchard Park last Thursday moved Mervyn Tweed's side one point ahead of their fierce rivals to top the table.

Coleraine slipped up to Bangor on the previous Saturday and Rick Huey's side must now turn their focus to the Northern Bank Town's Cup quarter-finals, and Rick Huey's side will want a big victory over City of Derry to put their players in the right frame of mind for the league title run-in.

Ards, celebrating their 75th anniversary year, face a tough trip to Enniskillen for their quarter-final draw.

The main action on Saturday centred on the dogfight to avoid relegation.

Omagh came away with some vital points in a hard-fought 27-18 win over Lisburn at Eglantine Road.

Gareth Neilly, Adrian Hamilton and John Mitchell all scored touchdowns for the Tyrone side as Ashley Blair kept the scoreboard ticking over with two penalties.

Lisburn had battled hard to stay in the match with tries by Barry Cathcart and Neil Lucas, with Simon Tolerton adding two penalties, but in the end Omagh's power up front proved key as they eased home for two vital points.

Elsewhere, Ballyclare returned from Limavady with a 20-8 victory. The home side found themselves 20-0 down at half-time and, without the influential presence of former Ireland international Derek McAleese, could find no way back.

Meanwhile, CIYMS also secured a valuable win on the road, triumphing 30-18 at Rainey.

Northern Bank Towns' Cup quarter-finals: Ards v Enniskillen; City of Derry v Coleraine; Bangor v Limavady; Magherafelt v Omagh.