Bester exit brought out Harlequins' best

All-Ireland League Division One finalAndre Bester's decision to leave Belfast Harlequins during the season could have scuppered the club's ambitions but instead it served as a galvanising moment. The South African coach joined Rotherham Titans in England as chief executive.

In the wash of his departure grew a resolve amongst the players prompted by the exhortations of his replacement DC Gillespie. The reward is a place in tomorrow's AIB All-Ireland League Division One final against the six-times champions, Shannon.

Harlequins vice-captain Paul McKenzie chronicles the sea-change at Shaw's Bridge. "It was very turbulent there for a while. It is a reflection on all the players, really. We sort of promised each other that we wanted to come through as best we could, so we are delighted to get as far as we have.

"The Buccaneers game was the week that Andre (Bester) went out. They came up and we put 60 or 70 points on them. So, that was a big statement from us about our intentions. We have really just gone on from there."

If it is the players who have delivered on the pitch then Gillespie has facilitated that ambition. His role of caretaker coach - retiring Ulster stalwarts Andy Ward and Neil Doak take over the coaching reins next season - has been an important factor in the success.

"DC Gillespie is still in charge but Wardy's (Andy Ward) been down to training and has been helping DC with the coaching. DC is brilliant, a Harlequins man through and through. Although it is good to have Wardy there, DC is as good a tactician and motivator."

McKenzie took a year out from studying geography at Loughborough University to concentrate on rugby with Harlequins and the Ireland Under-21 team. Last year he played on the left wing for the Ireland team that lost to New Zealand in the Under-21 World Cup final, having taken the injured Tommy Bowe's place earlier in the tournament.

He is satisfied his sabbatical has been productive and is now hoping Ulster coach Mark McCall will come calling. "The next goal is to make the Ulster set-up. That's out of my hands really. I have to keep training and trying to improve.

"All through school and at university I played centre but moved to the wing recently. I'm still learning the position and don't see as much ball, which is a little frustrating. I'm not sure what I'll do next year. I may transfer back as I love playing in Ulster.

"This is my first year training with Belfast Harlequins. I love the club and the guys are great. I couldn't be happier with the way things have gone."

While AIB rugby can't match its international underage sibling for pace or skill it is more physical, which Harlequins will have to be in spades tomorrow as they were against Garryowen in their semi-final victory.

"The pack were outstanding (against Garryowen). Matt Mustchin, who has been a bit out of favour with Ulster, has been with us for the latter half of the season. He has been a huge influence. We took our chances and scored three tries to Garryowen's one. In the latter stages when we were under the cosh it came down to self-belief.

"Against Shannon in the league match we were 18-0 down with about 15 minutes to go (six penalties); we scored a try and then two more in injury-time to clinch it.

I don't think that will be on anybody's mind (tomorrow). It was a one off. We had the home crowd behind us but I think Saturday will be a different kettle of fish.

"We are very aware that Shannon have a very big, physical pack and a very strong maul. But to go down to Limerick of all places (and win) is a massive psychological boost for the boys. We'll go into Saturday full of belief."

Shannon captain Tom Hayes is prepared to toss a few bouquets of his own. Harlequins' achievements haven't gone unnoticed. "Winning twice in Dooradoyle is not an easy thing to do. Garryowen were going well this year."

Chasing a seventh crown, Hayes is well used to the expectation that drive this Shannon team and their rookie coach Mick Galwey. "You get used to because to have to get used to it. Nobody likes the favourites' tag. I don't view us as hot favourites coming into the final. We have played some good rugby and set ourselves high standards but we have let ourselves down in a few games.

"They (Harlequins) have a very strong maul and we're going to have to counteract that. They have a bigger pack, a weight advantage, and we'll have to deny them early momentum. There are good ball handlers on both sides and hopefully, we can put on some show. We have to concentrate on our own performance.

"The number of titles we've won won't matter one bit come kick-off. It's about what you do on the day."

The Remax Provincial Towns Cup final between Boyne and Naas takes place at Navan RFC tomorrow (3.0). Naas narrowly missed out on promotion back to senior rugby but did win the Leinster J1 League. Opponents Boyne are appearing in their first Towns Cup final.

Two games will precede the main event with Navan and Portlaoise contesting the Under-16 McAuley Cup final, while Naas take on Mullingar in the Plate final (12.30).