Aidan Corr’s Junior Rugby Round Up

WITH cancellations mounting, trying to clear the backlog of fixtures continues to be a problem for the Munster Junior Leagues committee. The fifth storm since last October played havoc once again and a number of games were called off over the week-end.

Unplayable pitches resulted in the cancellation of Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup games between Ballincollig and Galbally, Kinsale and Garryowen and Newcastle West versus Crosshaven while in the Munster Junior Plate St Mary’s game in Grove Island against Killorglin also fell foul of the weather.

Recent weeks have been particularly frustrating for Newcastle West. Second in the MJL1 table, the club has offered to play games on the 4G surface of UL on two occasions but agreement with opponents failed.

Two MJL1 games took place in spite of Storm Jorge with Skibbereen beating Clanwilliam 22-7 and Waterpark adding to St Senan’s woes with a 26-3 home victory. In the Junior Bowl Clonmel beat Killarney 23-18 and in the Plate Bantry Bay had a 21-15 victory over visitors Thurles.
Munster Junior Cup:

Charleville 6, Abbeyfeale 13:

The conditions may have been testing but these two teams treated a big attendance to a thriller. It was 6-6 at full time and it was clear that whoever could get the first score of extra time would have a distinct advantage. That is the way it panned out at the County Cork venue with ‘Feale advancing after an absorbing battle.

Derry O’Connor again played his part for Abbeyfeale, kicking two penalties for his side in the opening half, but it was Jake Quirke who became the hero of the day when he got in for what proved to be the crucial try in extra time, converted by Derry O’Connor. This was a big win for the Limerick side who first won the cup (captained by Cyril McMahon) in 1964 and again in 1966.

Hot favourites to retain the cup, Cork Constitution, had to dig deep in their derby game against Highfield. The winning margin was just two points, 14-16 with each side scoring two tries. Bandon also advanced thanks to a 24-17 win over Clonakilty. Cashel kept Tipperary hopes alive with a 21-15 victory over Thurles.
Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate:
UL Bohemian 22, Fethard and District 16

The only other game involving a Limerick side played at the week-end was the Plate clash of Bohs and Fethard. Full credit to the Bohs ground staff for getting the pitch playable for this game and they were rewarded with a victory that puts them into the semi-final.

The Tipperary team put in a great effort throughout and they made it very difficult for the home side throughout a very close game. Bohs had been knocked out of the cup by Thurles a few weeks ago but they appear to have re-grouped and they could well go the full distance in this competition.

The Red Robins scored four tries and a conversion to Fethard’s one try and three penalties. Tadhg Butler was in good form and scored two tries for Bohs while Adam Murphy and Mark Bromell got over for a try each. Eamonn Lane kicked the conversion. Next Sunday in MJL1 Abbeyfeale play Newcastle West, Thomond play Galbally, Crosshaven will host Richmond, Bandon play Skibbereen and league leaders Kilfeacle and District will take a step closer to the title if they can win their home game against Clonakilty.