Comments for The Front Row Union

Comment on Ireland team for Scotland. by johnny king

johnny king — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:07:41 +0000

No surprises. Fair enough – why change a winning team unless you have to? It was a clinical, professional performance on Saturday. I made the mistake of suggesting to Dewi that Deccie might want to win the Triple Crown and I was verbally savaged (was he RR in disguise??). Apparently Ireland must look beyond success in the 6 Nations as it is no longer important. I think his lager shandy (with a dash of lime to take the nasty taste away) was beginning to impair his judgement.

Comment on Ravens 62 Aberavon 0 by johnny king

johnny king — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:59:50 +0000

Sadly I’ve heard rumours of a phased withdrawal. Now, if he’d done that in the first place….

Comment on Ireland 27 Wales 12 by johnny king

johnny king — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:58:33 +0000

So much anger…

Comment on Ireland 27 Wales 12 by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:00:49 +0000

Trimble for Earls; Earls for Murphy: Boss for O’Leary; Wallace for D’Arcy and Court for Hayes.
But then they are not from Turnipstan.

Comment on Ravens 62 Aberavon 0 by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:53:06 +0000

JK ………… being a double yoker myself I hope you are wrong!

Comment on Ireland 27 Wales 12 by junty

junty — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:41:00 +0000

I would have Wallace in for D’Arcy and agree with Court for Hayes. But it is likely that neither will feature.

Comment on Ireland 27 Wales 12 by johnny king

johnny king — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:18:42 +0000

Maybe Fergus McFadden in for D’Arcy and Court in for Hayes. Wouldn’t change anything else. Or is that just hockey talk?

Comment on Ravens 62 Aberavon 0 by johnny king

johnny king — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:07:20 +0000

Possibly the last time you’ll see Dergman….

Comment on Ravens 62 Aberavon 0 by junty

junty — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:07:40 +0000

I’m glad you confirmed that the reason for the wet seat in Ricky’s car was tears ! He was worried that with you being tipsy etc…. something else had happened.
Although there was a lack of Ulster rugby supporters there on Fri night those that did make the effort enjoyed a good open running game of rugby where the talent of the academy and a sprinkling of older hands put the Aberavon team to the sword. It didn’t stop the banter and craic on the promenade with the welsh fans who although their team were thoroughly beaten were enjoying a pint or 2 and giving out some reasons as to why the ospreys had to call off the game on Fri night – I must add that ALL of their reasons are not printable on this ‘family’ website !!! They are not big ospreys fans I must add !

Comment on Ravens Team for Aberavon by Editor

Editor — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:39:50 +0000

You are of course right junty. I was thinking a win to draw level with London Welsh and go through by virtue of beating London Welsh earlier.

A slippery way to go through in my book, given the strength of teams we’ve put out, so The FRU expects a bonus point win and nothing less will do!

Comment on Ravens Team for Aberavon by junty

junty — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:43:39 +0000

Ed – just for correctness – the ravens require a win to qualify, but as you rightly say a bonus point win should be a MUST

Comment on The sportstrolley.com Predictions League Week 27 by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:06:12 +0000

Excellent. Thats one right!

Comment on The sportstrolley.com Predictions League Week 27 by Editor

Editor — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:04:23 +0000

Hmm! I had dates for Wednesday and Friday for that one on the fixture list.

Thought a Friday night match with a Six Nations crowd knocking around would have made more sense!

Comment on The sportstrolley.com Predictions League Week 27 by Neill

Neill — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:45:06 +0000

For info, Leinster beat Gael Force last night 33-22

Comment on Ireland team for Wales by johnny king

johnny king — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:59 +0000

Now you’re all just ganging up….

Comment on Ireland team for Wales by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:18:51 +0000

Well said Dergman.

Are you considering Cardiff?

Comment on Ireland team for Wales by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:15:11 +0000

Well said Junty. Simples.

Comment on Ireland team for Wales by junty

junty — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:56:58 +0000

Yeeee ooo Raging is in full flow. I have to agree with him though – with possibly the 10 slot being sorted with Sexton.
France have shown that you have to experiment with the up and coming players to give them time to step up to the mark at international level – it has taken them 2 seasons to try out the ‘full’ squad of players tried by Lievremont & co in the past few seasons, and have obviously got together a squad of players that they know can perform at this level. I still think France have issues especially as he likes the 9/10 to be interchangable and 15 (Poitrenaud) is hardly what you would call consistant. Ireland seem to be either depending on the current squad to go to the 2011 world cup or to develop a squad in the 2010 autumn series / 2011 6 nations, which in my view is just a tad too late.

Comment on Scarlets 25 Ulster 8 by surrey red hand

surrey red hand — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:54:47 +0000

RR – there were quite a few more than 3 travelling suport (although one wouldn’t have suspected it at the ground) I was talking to a couple over from Enniskillen and a few more fans – not many granted – but a few !!

Comment on Ireland team for Wales by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:20:46 +0000

Dear” Hockey Boy” and Dergman

I have cast my net and caught a couple of tiddlers!

Irelands weaker positions as I see it are at 1,3,7,9,10,11 and 12. If Wee Decky won’t try Ulster players or anyone else in any of these positions how will he know if the player can step up to the mark. If Court , Wallace and Trimble had been shown the same one eyed loyalty the gnome has shown to others they would all be starting on Saturday. Boss in his limited appearances for Ireland , one six nations, has already made more breaks and scored more trys than O’Leary and still can’t get past big nose.

Keep up the replies as Dewi has me on a retainer to stimulate discussion!

PS JK I am a Thatcherite by inclination and a member of the Monster Raving Luney Party.

Comment on Ireland team for Wales by dergman

dergman — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:59:06 +0000

In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king but not johnny king cos he’s much more objective.

Comment on England 16 Ireland 20 by johnny king

johnny king — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:54:33 +0000

As an aside, the Irish front row – particularly the props – has been a source of concern even before the last RWC. Is there any indication from the IRFU that this area is being given priority? Cian Healey looks like a talent but needs expert schooling in the “dark arts” – who will do this? Equally, is there a succession plan to replace Hayes?

Comment on Ireland team for Wales by johnny king

johnny king — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:33:46 +0000

RR your rants are becoming tediously predictable – in fact I could probably have written it for you. WHO in the current Ulster side – given their recent performances – warrants a place in the Irish team? Trimble had a mare against the Scarlets. Paddy Wallace and Tom Court might just have crept on to the replacements bench. I think it’s pretty impressive that Kidney stuck with Geordan Murphy and Sexton. At least Ian jnr got the North Antrim nomination so that should keep you happy!

Comment on Ireland team for Wales by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:02:29 +0000

Once a Turnip head always a Turnip head. Wee Decky the gnome from Turnipstan continues with his anyone but Ulster selection. This is the oldest Irish team ever selected does he think they will all be about in 18 months time for the world cup? Do the words Namibia and Georgia mean nothing to him? The biggest Irish rugby embarrassments in living memory. The only thing we need now is for the IRFU to offer him a new contract before the word cup and his transformation into Eddy O’Sullivan will be complete. Going by the gnomes selections Willie John McBride and Mike Gibson have a better chance of selection than the current Ulster team.

Comment on Simple Minds by Flat-top

Flat-top — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:00:52 +0000

Hat was delivered as promised to the Raven, hope it finds you well.

Comment on Scarlets 25 Ulster 8 by Flat-top

Flat-top — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:59:24 +0000

Raven I’m sure you will agree that despite the poor attendance from our fellow ’supporters’ there was no need for one of our number to buy two flights, and then almost miss both…that story is just going to get more bizarre the more I tell it…William (two Flights), wonder did he get to see West ham in the end

Comment on Scarlets 25 Ulster 8 by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:59:35 +0000

Junty – apparently the camera puts on 10kgs I’m surprised you recognised me!

If you thought it was bad on the pitch you should have been in the crowd a couple of sheep shaggers very mouthy until they were asked outside by a couple of 50 somethings. Needless to say the sheep shaggers hadn’t got the balls for it.

Comment on Scarlets 25 Ulster 8 by junty

junty — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:44:51 +0000

Dewi – I agree with your analysis of the game, we had some good individual performances but not a team performance. Our forwards lacked drive at the scrum and even though Issac was delivering quicker ball for a change we failed to break through the Scarlets line. Some very poor marking made their scrumhalf look far better than he was. Too many fumbles/knock ons and failure to take the high ball under the lights !! I’m going to do a ‘Fergie’ and question the fitness of the ref – Mr. Peter Allen – every time he managed to keep up with play the puffs and pants of him was a disgrace – probably why he failed to see the indiscretions of both sets of forwards playing the ball on the deck. Pollocks card was unfortunate – Caldwells was deserved as despite the warnings from the ref he carried on – no surprise there. On a positive note there was a good picture of Ragin Raven in ‘full flow’ – good job the touch judge didnt hear it or he would have been penalised ! Flattop & Surrey red hand also featured !

Comment on Scarlets 25 Ulster 8 by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:42:04 +0000

Yes good point “hockey boy” Isaac has been my man of the season so far. I am starting to be concerned by the performance of the “management team” not only in team selection and tactics but man management. Like all bad school teachers McLaughlin definately has his favourites. It would appear Boss and O’Donoghue are leaving because of matters other than rugby. McLaughlin has got to realize he is dealing with professional sportsmen not schoolboys .

Comment on Scarlets 25 Ulster 8 by johnny king

johnny king — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:11:41 +0000

There were about 40 of us in the Rosie for the game and the atmosphere was great – for the opening 3 minutes! After that the shoulders began to drop as the comedy of errors (forward passes, knock-ons, crossing, obstructions) unfolded. More what you’d expect from a pre-season game. Ironic that Boss was one of the shining lights – perhaps because his new contract has been sorted!

Comment on Scarlets 25 Ulster 8 by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:30:48 +0000

Yes, very poor effort from so called “supporters” I counted 3 others that had bothered to travel from Norn Iron.

As Delia Smith might say “Come on lets be having you!”

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by fermain

fermain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:28:16 +0000

Thank Gawd!

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by Rooster

Rooster — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:57:50 +0000

We are back and the old posts and users are still there.

Comment on Ulster team for Scarlets by colin

colin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:50:44 +0000

absolute guff.

Approx 245 handling errors by Ulster in the first half. Slow ball everywhere, falling off tackles when not in possession, inept referee. Wish it wasnt on the telly!

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by Rooster

Rooster — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:40:31 +0000

Not a chance as there is only one cables and he is a legend, try it and you will have Fitzy and others after your hide, not worth the hassle on your part.

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by Free Tibet or else mate

Free Tibet or else mate — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:38:22 +0000

i cant believe that my Olympic Torch thread will have to start from scratch all over again. Bollocks.

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by whiteknightoftheweld

whiteknightoftheweld — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:59:03 +0000

in that case i might change my name.
can i call dibs on ‘cables’ please?

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by Rooster

Rooster — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:42:55 +0000

fermain having a spot of bother with the database that runs the message board, it may haave to be scrapped and everyone start again if he can’t find the problem.

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by Editor

Editor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:52:58 +0000

Suspect this isn’t the ‘original’ cables.

Hopefully they’ll be able to get the forum back up and running this weekend.

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by cables

cables — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:26:06 +0000

a good spreadsheet would fix this bother once and for all. that and a bit of cryptic code breaking…

Comment on Ulster team for Scarlets by Editor

Editor — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:31:22 +0000

Yeah I missed that one in my rush to get up to Ravers for the Ballymena Methody semi final – another extraordinary last minute try for ‘mena.

I was surprised at the inclusion of Marshall after all the comments I heard following the Ravens game but there you go, maybe he’s being groomed for next season!

Comment on Ulster team for Scarlets by Mark

Mark — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:12:20 +0000

Marshall as replacement SH ?????, considering all the “wisdom” from the UAFC concerning Marsh, this selection is a bit strange,

Comment on Ulster team for Scarlets by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:25:39 +0000

It will be interesting to see how Tuohy gets on. Could he be in danger of going the same path as Matt McCullough? Second row to back row to first row in stand.

Comment on Ulster squad for Scarlets by junty

junty — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:32:03 +0000

I agree with you Dewi – Young O’Connor has improved immensely this season, however with the talent we have in the backs not to mention the speed they have we need the forwards to provide the ball and Hugo Boss to deliver FAST ball to the backline and the gaps will be there.

Comment on Simple Minds by Editor

Editor — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:06:26 +0000

You always were a sweaty beder!

Looking forward to getting beenie back!

Comment on Simple Minds by surrey red hand

surrey red hand — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:14:08 +0000

FT see you down in Llanelli tomorrow – and any others that may be going … SUFTU

SRH

Comment on Simple Minds by Flat-top

Flat-top — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:55:39 +0000

I think you are spot on Editor, thon bloke behind ‘thon bloke in the background’ certainly seems to be checking you out.

Ps I may well have that very beenie, it’s been washed and freshened-up by Mrs F-T and I will deliver to The Raven @ Llanelli tomorrow…it doesn’t suit me anyway and it makes my head sweat in bed

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by whiteknightoftheweld

whiteknightoftheweld — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:17:40 +0000

any word/update on when the forum will be back up?

been reading a great book on the art of sledging and have a lot of ammo to use once this are up and running again…

Comment on British and Irish Cup Update by Editor

Editor — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:35:02 +0000

Agree Neill, though UR are saying it’s based on the head to head I find that very unfair with only one fixture played against each team.
Wouldn’t be the first time this season that we’re told we’ve qualified for the knock out stages only to find that’s not the case!
Looks like London Welsh are losing out on two counts!

Comment on British and Irish Cup Update by Neill

Neill — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:29:51 +0000

Depending on how they decide the criteria for spliting two teams tied on points, i.e. bonus points, head to head, the Ravens game could be a dead rubber or they will know a bp win takes them through. I know its a new competition but it would have been useful to know the rules at the start of it such as above and also how they decide who plays who in the SF and how that is decided.

Comment on Simple Minds by Editor

Editor — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:26:46 +0000

We’ll Parky, for most of our readers “thon bloke in the background” is the highlight. We’ve got to appeal to our huge metro-sexual audience!

Ps I lost that beanie a couple of matches back so if anyone found one in the scoop bar at the Edinburgh match please give me a shout!

Comment on Simple Minds by johnny king

johnny king — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:38:38 +0000

Easy as ABC

Comment on Simple Minds by Ballpark

Ballpark — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:24:11 +0000

‘Long May You Run’ big man.

PS: Ulster squad for the Scarlets looked great except for thon bloke in the background peekin’ around in a beanie!!

Comment on Simple Minds by Flat-top

Flat-top — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:41:04 +0000

I just knew from the title I was bound to feature somewhere!

Now Parky you well know I’m not quite the ‘Belfast Child’ but I am the ‘Glitering Prize’ even in exile so ‘Don’t you Forget About Me’ I maybe ole flat-top but I’m still ‘Alive and Kicking’ over here…well sometimes!

…as BJ might say, ‘Sanctify Yourself’ Big Man…

Comment on Simple Minds by Editor

Editor — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:28:40 +0000

Well if things don’t work out with BJ we can let you have The Raven!

Comment on Simple Minds by Rooster

Rooster — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:39:12 +0000

Bj would appears to be using one of my videos from UAFC wonder would he consider a wee contract kicking for our hacker friend ?

Comment on Simple Minds by Editor

Editor — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:10:16 +0000

Oh, “Shoot that poison arrow” hockey boy!

Comment on Simple Minds by johnny king

johnny king — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:42:53 +0000

It’s okay Parky, Shane Logan has “promised you a miracle”.

Comment on Ulster squad for Scarlets by Editor

Editor — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:01:19 +0000

I think you are being a bit hard on O’Connor, who has certainly added a lot to his game this season.
Granted he doesn’t have the eye for a break like Humphreys but he does have a fantastically fast pass which is equally capable of opening up defences.
We tend to be overly critical of our out-halfs. If the front five perform then both are more than capable of doing a job.

Comment on Ulster squad for Scarlets by glynncommando

glynncommando — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:45:01 +0000

Unpredictable Humph and Steady Eddie – no contest!!!

Comment on Ulster squad for Scarlets by Ballpark

Ballpark — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:42:22 +0000

Llanelli are something of a bogey team for us, can’t remember the last time we beat them in Stradey never mind Parc Y.

So is it Steady Niall or Unpredictable Humph. If that was the only choice McGlocks had to make it would be a simple game!!

How about Steady Eddie or Unpredictable Ryan for example!

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by Ulsterexile

Ulsterexile — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:27:15 +0000

Anyone heard of this guy before? Anyway, I hope the site gets back on it’s feet quickly. I’m bored in work now.

Comment on Ulster squad for Scarlets by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:40:35 +0000

Dewi ………. the fru traveling support have an odd number on our trip to LLanelli if any Ulster supporter is looking to share a twin room in the delux Premier Inn Llanelli on Friday night please contact the editor for further information.

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by whiteknightoftheweld

whiteknightoftheweld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:23:20 +0000

It wasn’t me…
Honest…

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by colin

colin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:24:07 +0000

He’s welcome to try Rooster But if he finds a devious way to spend any of my hard earned there’ll be bother!

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by Rooster

Rooster — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:30:24 +0000

Don’t think he will come around to sort you out colin !
Seems more of a wreck websites sort of vermin than anything else.

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by colin

colin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:43:16 +0000

Good luck Fermain. Any chance our personal information is being stolen?

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by fermain

fermain — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:45:29 +0000

currently re-uploading the main site… it’ll take some time, however, due to the malicious nature of the hacker, the forum may have to start again from scratch… we just don’t have any details of how much or how badly the actual database has been attacked, or whether he has left a ‘backdoor’. It is also possible he has compromised all the usernames and passwords.
We will try out best, and I will update again when i have more details.

Comment on England 16 Ireland 20 by johnny king

johnny king — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:30:10 +0000

Well let’s hope its stays that way!

Comment on UAFC Hack Attack by OldMan

OldMan — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:43:50 +0000

Well done the FRU

Comment on England 16 Ireland 20 by Dewi

Dewi — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:57:01 +0000

The English players are also incredibly stupid having been force fed the biff bash bosh of the Guinness Premiership most of their careers.

Comment on England 16 Ireland 20 by johnny king

johnny king — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:54:11 +0000

Scary thing is that England could have won on Saturday. Stats regarding territory (England) and tackle count (Ireland) were incredible. England have the players but – luckily for us – a mind-numbingly unimaginative coach.

Comment on Ulster Ravens 21 London Welsh 17 by Ballpark

Ballpark — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:34:43 +0000

That is a fairly positive spin on the game to my mind. If the guys can’t cope with a bit of Belfast drizzle then they shouldn’t be there. If Marshall is on his way as rumoured it is no surprise as his passing was simply sub standard. O’connor was taking ball of his feet andf generally anywhere but straight into his hands. That was just Marshall’s passing, his decision making was once again dodgey with box kicks that really did nothing. He wasn’t alone with a sub standard performance but he stood out in that respect.

Seems to me the team togetherness has tailed off as the contract end of the season is at its height with player’s minds now not solely focussed on team performance.

Coach must address.

Comment on Ulster 22 Dragons 22 by OldMan

OldMan — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:19:44 +0000

Best was bang outta order but more a matter of being over enthusiastic methinks

Comment on Ireland team for England by glynncommando

glynncommando — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:25:49 +0000

Agreed Dewi….Declan ABU Kidney strikes again (that’s Anyone But Ulster”!!)

Comment on Ravens squad for London Welsh by Dewi

Dewi — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:48:58 +0000

Why no Craig Gilroy?

Comment on Ireland team for England by Dewi

Dewi — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:47:27 +0000

I’d assumed Court was injured when I wrote the above. But Kidney’s credibility has taken a serious dive choosing that lazy lump Buckley in front of a fit Court.

Comment on Being There by Dewi

Dewi — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:44:27 +0000

Colin may well be the “king of sports shots” but I feel the FRU are in the running for “king of the fat supporter shots”!

Comment on Ravens team for Welsh by Dewi

Dewi — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:40:15 +0000

It’s OK The Raven is heading off to twickers for the weekend!

Comment on Being There by Ballpark

Ballpark — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:27:38 +0000

Well, if you take a case against him for making you look fat, John E King, he’ll claim you photoshopped ‘em. (Badly!)

Comment on Ireland team for England by johnny king

johnny king — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:14:33 +0000

Experienced a new emotion with this selection – feeling genuinely sorry for Paddy Wallace. If that wasn’t bad enough, I’d actually have brought Stringer back as he does provide quick ball. Almost find myself agreeing with RR: I’d have Trimble in place of Earls but agree with Murphy at full back given his experience at the home of the butcher’s apron.

Comment on Being There by johnny king

johnny king — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:04:44 +0000

And to think Chatty Man gets away with using some cheapo digital effort which makes us all look fat.

Comment on Ravens team for Welsh by johnny king

johnny king — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:01:30 +0000

Don’t make him angry Mr Magee. You won’t like him when he’s angry….

Comment on Being There by Ballpark

Ballpark — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:05:05 +0000

An epic piece, on a par with Dr. Zhivago but better photography involved!. Thanks to the big lad for lending me some of his photies as subject matter for my paintings, helps make light work of a heavy subject matter.

Comment on Ravens team for Welsh by Ballpark

Ballpark — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:59:52 +0000

Ed,the title of this piece should be ‘The Raven’s Team For Welsh’. Will the big lad own up to this selection?

Comment on Ravens squad for London Welsh by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:03:47 +0000

Good point Neill. It will be interesting to see what team the management put out in Edinburgh for the final Magners League match if a top four finish is impossible.

Comment on Ravens squad for London Welsh by Neill

Neill — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:34:33 +0000

The interesting thing is that if they get through to the SF playing a strong team, those players will probably not be available for the SF as it is on the weekend – 23/24/25 April same as the away game with Edinburgh in the Magners. The final for info is on the weekend 14/15/16 May same as the Magners playoffs, but it will take a good run in the league to make those now, can’t afford too many more slip ups.

Comment on Ireland team for England by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:14:36 +0000

AS predicted Decky the gnome from Turnipstan has continued with his” anyone but an Ulsterman unless there is no one else” selection. Firstly fullback – the obvious selection was Earls with Trimble returned to the wing. Instead Decky returns to type and picks a player who has played one match since September, Murphy, and Trimble is consigned to the bin. The British Lions selectors considered Earls a better fullback than Murphy and so do I.
Bench – Henry can cover every position in the back row has been turning in man of the match performances but old turniphead picks a player who can only cover 7 and spent all of Autumn suspended. We all know the only back row forward that will be replaced on Saturday is Ferris so again a poor bench selection. But Decky kept the best for last … O’Gara .. what positions is he going to cover? We all saw his exploits when he was in this position on the Lions tour so god help us. Decky showed he is not big enough to make the decision and drop O’Gara from the 22. Wallace should have been a shoe in.
I agree with your comments on O’Leary typical Turnipstan basis.

Comment on Ravens squad for London Welsh by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:32:33 +0000

I agree totally what is the point of putting out what is a first team minus those involved in the Irish 22 or Scotland. I would much prefer to see the coach leave out his first XV and select from the rest.

Comment on Ulster 22 Dragons 22 by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:57:02 +0000

Yougman so I understand the law myself ….. if Trimble had been in touch, jumped in the air, tapped the ball back to Smith and then landed on the pitch there would be no lineout?

Interesting take on the Best incident. My own opinion is that is was caused by a weak referee and touch judge who allowed the Dragons player to hold on to the ball illegally in touch preventing Ulster of taking a quick throw and took the easy option of penalising the retaliatory player.

Comment on Ulster 22 Dragons 22 by Young Man

Young Man — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:35:28 +0000

The line out would be awarded to Dragons if Trimble landed in touch after tapping the ball to Smith irrespective of whether he started off on the pitch or not.

Does anyone agree that Rory Best cost us the points when he foolishly stamped the Dragons player who had been bundled into touch for an Ulster line out. Stupid, immature behaviour like this should be severely dealt with by the management. Fine him……….in my opinion!

Comment on Ulster 22 Dragons 22 by junty

junty — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:31:34 +0000

Another match where missed opportunities resulted in us not taking the 4 or day I say 5 points. We knocked on and fumbled our way in the 1st half, and played some remarkable keep ball for the last 10 mins or so without really gaining any ground as no-one seemed capable of running the right line to get over the gain line.
Maybe someone qualified could clear up why the touch-judge awarded Dragons the lineout when clearly Andy Trimble kept the ball in by jumping off the ground and hitting the ball back to young Jamie Smith. My understanding is that the ball is not out until it hits the ground on something off the field of play !

Comment on Logan’s Run – Quest for World Domination by Ballpark

Ballpark — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:24:52 +0000

He never got to take off!

Comment on Ulster 22 Dragons 22 by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:35:22 +0000

Alegría .. what we need is a couple of thugs up front who will give the opposition something to think about apart from the rugby. I am starting to think that our eight are too “nice”.

Will Iberia airlines be making their way to Llanelli in fortnight?

Comment on Logan’s Run – Quest for World Domination by Gary Grousebeater

Gary Grousebeater — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:48:46 +0000

Jeez, do they have Harp in Japan? Anyway, guess yer man who turned up just wasn’t very good at the job.

Comment on Ulster 22 Dragons 22 by Alegría

Alegría — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:25:51 +0000

Eastenders or Corrie?

Corrie for me … Tragedy always laced with a large helping of northern humour …… whereas Eastenders is just plain tragic & depressing!

Which script writer will be penning for Ulster at the end of the season?

Dare I suggest ….. if it’s not working ….. we fix it by giving others a run who have proved that they are well capable and chaffing at the bit. No names, but they are Irish qualified.

Comment on Logan’s Run – Quest for World Domination by Ballpark

Ballpark — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:21:51 +0000

Harp Lager had a kamikaze reunion and if memory serves me correct I think there were 23 empty seats and one occupied one or something like that.

Comment on Ulster 22 Dragons 22 by Raging Raven

Raging Raven — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:25:44 +0000

11 down 7 to go, 4 of them away 5 points adrift from worst placed team having played same number of games. Not good reading. Fridays match may turn out to be pivotal in Ulster’s season. Only an idiot would be betting on a top four finish. On top of that we have a new CEO telling everyone that we will be the best team in the world on the same night as we have the smallest gate at Ravenhill this season. A soap writer couldn’t have written the script. Things can only get better? …………… right?

Comment on Logan’s Run – Quest for World Domination by Gary Grousebeater

Gary Grousebeater — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:45:02 +0000

Parky, sorry or being a tad pedantic, but how can you have a “kamikaze reunion”?

I agree with your cynicism about Shane Logan’s plan for world domination. There’s about as much chance of my becoming Head of Coke in Russia.

I was amused on Friday night by the attempts of a fan sitting behind me to explain the player positions to his rugby virgin friend.

“Ye see, thon guy with 12 on his back is an inside centre and his mate with the 13 is an offside centre.”

I think he was looking at our opposition,

Comment on Ulster squad for Dragons by Dewi

Dewi — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:53:37 +0000

I’d go so far to say that the main role of Ulster’s next 9 should be to bring along Porter. I think he’s an outstanding prospect and let’s face it one of the functions of Ulster Rugby is to supply players for Ireland.

As he’s only 22 I think you’re being a bit harsh on O’Connor who has shown substantial improvements this year even though your trying to get on my good side by sledging Buckley! O’Connor’s passing is now really impressive and his speed of thought appears to be improving so I think it won’t be long until he has the complete package.

I think we have three good props technically in Court, Young and Deccie but I’d like to see all of them put it about a bit more in the loose. They all seem too nice to me.