Ballymena take their punishment

Ballymena are not expected to protest following their dismissal from the First Trust Ulster Senior Cup.

The Braidmen were thrown out after fielding three ineligible players in the third round win over defending champions Belfast Harlequins.

Ballymena won the match 28-5 last Saturday.

According to regulations, all players have to be registered by the start of the competition which this year kicked-off on 1 September.

As things stand, some of the top players are being denied the chance to play in the competition

Jonny Millar

Ballymena spokesman Jonny Millar said that it is likely that they will just let the matter die.

''I cannot see Ballymena taking things any further,'' he said.

Both teams were informed by the Ulster Branch of the rules governing the competition regarding registering players.

Harlequins took notice and left two key players on the sidelines - ironically two former Ballymena players, Alex McCloy and Rhys Botha.

The Branch told teams both verbally and by letter that players had to be registered by the start of the competition.

Both Harlequins and Ballymena had an influx of new players after the first two rounds which were contested solely by Junior clubs.

Devalued

Senior clubs did not enter the competition until October 13 - the date that Ballymena considered was the proper date for registering new players.

The Branch admitted that there was a anomoly in that their rules pertaining to the First Trust Senior Cup were different from that of the All Ireland League.

Millar agreed that the competition is being devalued by that anomoly.

''As things stand, some of the top players are being denied the chance to play in the competition,'' he said.

''I am sure the Junior clubs would love to face Senior opponents with a full-strength side.

''Unfortunately, some senior clubs are still looking to fill their squad for All Ireland League duty by the time the cup competitions begins.''

Harlequins had initially put in a protest after the match on Saturday.

The case was heard at an emergency Competitions Committee meeting on Tuesday.

Diminished

Harlequins now go through to the fourth round of the cup, the draw of which will be made on 23 October with the matches being played on Saturday 10 November.

The Ulster Branch, however, are naturally worried that the matter could have further repercussions.

It is known that sponsors First Trust Bank were not exactly amused by the situation.

The once 'Blue Riband' competition of Ulster rugby has already been slightly diminished.

Clubs are now unlikely to be able to field their top players as they are tied up and contracted with the province who naturally have first call.

The Branch are naturally very worried that sponsors could pull the plug leaving a large hole in the coffers of the non-professional side of life at Ravenhill.

Any shortfall regarding administrating the game, would then envitably have to fall on the clubs who are already walking a financial tightrope.