Battle for Munster Junior League top spot continues this weekend

From this weekend to the end of the campaign, every game is going to be crucial as division one of the Munster Junior League nears completion. The battle between the two leaders, Kilfeacle and District and Newcastle West hotted up last Sunday with the ‘West’ taking top spot thanks to a bonus-point win over Clanwilliam.

This Sunday they face a more difficult task when they travel to play sixth-placed Bandon while Kilfeacle has a home tie against a Galbally side that will be fighting for every point they can get between now and the end of the campaign if they are to avoid the drop.

Richmond will be fresh from their break last weekend and they will be hoping to take full points when Skibbereen visit the Canal Bank venue. The city side needs some good results over the coming weeks. They have a few games in hand and are currently seventh in the table but, trailing by a whopping 17 points behind the leaders, a top-four placed is a more likely target.

Abbeyfeale had to dig deep last weekend to get a victory in Shannon Town. St Senan’s ran them close and ‘Feale’, who are level in the table with Bandon and Richmond, will have to improve if they are to get a victory over Waterpark in Ballynakill.

There is one game down for decision on Saturday with Thomond hoping to continue their good run when they entertain Crosshaven in Liam Fitzgerald Park, kick-off is at 6pm.

The royal blues will be happy with their form on their return to junior ranks after 20 years in the AIL. They had to come back from a seven-point deficit last Sunday in Skibbereen but they showed patience and good spirit to carve out that victory. In fourth place and just two points behind Mallow in third, this is an opportunity for Thomond to move into third spot.

In division two of the Munster Junior League St Mary’s make the journey to Kanturk. It is a game that they really need to win if they are to keep their slim hopes of a late drive alive. They are currently seventh in the table with 22 points while Sunday’s opponents are two places above them with 28 points. The ‘Saints’ have struggled to field their strongest side all season and they may yet have to settle for a place in the upper half of the table.

This weekend’s game is an important one for them and a victory could ignite a late surge in their remaining fixtures, away to Castleisland, home to Thurles, away to Charleville and home to Fermoy.