Junior Rugby Roundup: Wins for Newcastlewest, Thomond & Abbeyfeale

Newcastle West remain in the top three of the Munster Junior League 1 after a deserved away victory over Galbally. The early stages were hard-fought and Galbally were well in touch when they trailed by only five points, 10-15, at the break. Sean Herlihy and Ted Walters were prominent for Newcastle in that first 40 minutes, sharing a try each while Herlihy kicked a penalty and a conversion.

The second half saw Ger Earls’ side hit a scoring patch with scores from Sean Neville, Michael Bourke and a second try for Ted Walters, two of which were converted by Sean Herlihy, easing Newcastle West to a bonus-point victory.

Richmond, smarting from their derby loss at the hands of Thomond last week-end, suffered another defeat. Things looked good for them in the opening half and three penalties from Brian Mullins earned them a 9-3 lead at the break. Bandon showed their class in the second half, running up an unanswered 28 points to heap more misery on the Canal Bank club with this 9-31 defeat.

In Liam Fitzgerald Park, Thomond made it two wins on the trot with a 73-13 annihilation of Waterpark. It took the royal blues some time to settle into this game. They conceded five penalties in succession and trailed 0-3 before Ger Finucane got over for their opening try, converted by Aoghain Sherlock. 

Waterpark reduced the lead to 7-6 but that was as close as they got to their Limerick rivals. Thomond tries flowed throughout the game, two each from Ger Finucane, Warren Kelly and  Ryan Aherne while Adam Guerin, Evan O’Connor and a gifted try from prop David Quin when a defender miskicked into his hands on the try line, kept the scorekeeper busy. 18-year-old Aoghain Sherlock kicked eight conversions with Adam Guerin also adding one from the tee.

A tasty fixture next Saturday in Liam Fitzgerald Park will see Thomond host Newcastle West in the Munster Junior Challenge Cup. Former Thomond ‘greats’ Ger Earls and Aidan O’Halloran will be in the NCW corner. Kick-off 5.30.

Abbeyfeale had a welcome 10-12 win today, getting the better of Clonakilty in dramatic fashion at the County Cork venue. ‘Feale trailed 10-7 going into the final minutes but snatched a thrilling victory when Derry O’Connor got in for the winning try. Patrick Murphy scored Abbeyfeale’s other try, converted by Derry Murphy.

In Munster Junior League 2, St Mary’s were pipped by visitors to Grove Island, Dungarvan, 15-20.

The Saints were flying it in the opening half and three penalties from Jude Marlo Pendejito gave them a 9-0 lead at the break. Dungarvan hit a purple patch in the second period, running in two tries in as many minutes followed by a third try, one conversion and a penalty to take a comfortable 9-20 lead. 

The last ten minutes were exciting with Jude Marlo kicking a brace of penalties for St Mary’s to set up a tense finish. The Saints were camped near the opposition line near the end but failed to get a levelling try.

Next weekend St Marys will play Abbeyfeale in the Challenge Cup.