'Different mindset' helping drive Ballyclare across AIL run-in

The Co Antrim side sit seventh in the table and received a welcome boost last weekend by defeating Malone over the Ulster Senior Shield final.

“The performance was excellent by the whole squad, we were able to rotate a lot of boys and share a lot of minutes,” said Orchin-McKeever. “It was very consistent and I think it was the opportunity to play in a different competition, give a different mindset for the guys to play and it's something we want to build on for the remaining five AIL games.

“They won the second division last year and now the Senior Shield, the players have a lot of experience of winning as a junior club and now they've had two successful years in terms of winning trophies to start their senior status...it's been very encouraging.”

Ballyclare reached the promotion play-offs last year, but injuries have severely hampered their progress this term.

“The injuries we had in the opening third to the opening half of AIL were ridiculous in terms of the amount long-term,” he said. “But it's just been a great opportunity for other players.

“That's maybe had a knock-on effect towards the second part of the season when we've picked up more wins.

“The momentum from the Shield win will be great learning for more people to go out and play with a bit more freedom perhaps rather than the nervousness of looking at the negative side of people being unavailable and how we're going to cope.”

Bective are second in the league and Orchin-McKeever will be going head-to-head with his former Blackrock coach Ben Manion.

“Ben is a brilliant fella...great guy, very knowledgeable rugby coach, taught me a lot on how to approach coaching,” said Orchin-McKeever. “It'll be good to catch up with him again at home.

“We know each other's personalities and traits.

"But, in terms of rugby analysis, far from knowing what each other's playbook is apart from reviewing a few games.

"I think rugby is the best sport in the world and I'm very competitive and I enjoy the teams trying to win but I really enjoy them growing.

“I think it's the top sport in the world for the connections you can make with people and he's one of the really good guys I've kept in touch with from being a player into the coaching world.

“Bective...clearly very strong side at home on their 4G pitch.

“I’m led to believe that they haven't performed as well on grass but, to be honest, I think any team playing away is always up against it compared to the advantage of playing at home.

“Very well-drilled, very well-organised with their coaching team that they have.

"Looking forward to the opportunity for them coming to us for the first time and we'll see what happens.”

Belfast Harlequins host Thomond this weekend.

In Division 1A, Ballynahinch travel to Terenure and, over 2A, Ballymena face Shannon, Dungannon welcome Cashel and Banbridge entertain Barnhall.

In 2B, all three Ulster clubs are on the road – Clogher Valley visit UL Boh’s, Rainey go to Enniscorthy and Malone take on Skerries.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​