Belfast Harlequins: Div 1 Final Guide

2002 Division Two champions Belfast Harlequins have won through to the AIB League Division One final for the first time in their history, and already beaten opponents Shannon this season.

AIB League Division One Final: Saturday, May 7
Belfast Harlequins v Shannon, Lansdowne Road, 4.00pm

Belfast Harlequins:

Captain: Darren Barbour/Jarlath Carey
Coach: DC Gillespie
Assistant Coach: Neil Doak/Andy Ward

2004/05 Form: LLWWWWWWLWWWWW
Points scored: 324; Tries scored: 44
Top scorers: Points: Ian Humphreys 74 (6 tries, 10 cons, 8 pens); Tries: Humphreys, Chris McCarey 6 each
Five-year AIL Record: 04: Semi-finalists; 03: Sixth; 02: Division 2 Champions; 01: Fourteenth; 00: Third Division 2

* Harlequins have played 90 league games (won 61, drawn 0, lost 29) for a success rate of 68% over six seasons since December 4, 1999

* Nine Harlequins squad members have played for Ulster so far this season

* In the middle of his fourth season, head coach Andre Bester left for Rotherham to replace Steph Nel; Andy Ward picks up the coaching reins at the club next month

* They play their home games at the old Collegians ground at Deramore Park – today named the Grafton Arena, a venue which encompasses cricket, hockey, squash and bowls as well as rugby

* They have beaten all three Munster clubs in the regular league and Garryowen in the semis; three games were on the road

* ‘Quins conceded the least points (148) and the least tries (12) over 13 Division One games this season

* The club had five players in the Ireland Under-21 squad this season

* Established coach DC Gillespie is in interim charge these days at the club until Andy Ward takes over next season

* Since the tragic death of second row Jonny Poole due to a gun accident last December, the club have retired the first XV’s number 4 jersey, and worn black armbands in each subsequent game