Domestic Round-up | Newcastle West close the gap at the top in Munster Junior League

All to play for in the Munster Junior League as the teams prepare for the final two weekends to decide it all.

Newcastle West are now Bandon’s main challengers as they moved to within three points of the leaders after their 31-0 home bonus point win over Waterpark. James Kelly scored three of the winner’s five tries with Alex O’Halloran getting two. Charlie O’Doherty kicked three conversions.

Bandon still retain top spot after their narrow 6-3 away win over Thomond. Adam Guerin gave Thomond the lead with a penalty but two penalties by Ben Ridgeway just before half time gave the west Cork side a lead that they held on to in an exciting second half.

Defending champions Kilfeacle defeated Old Christians 21-10 to maintain their hopes of a top four finish. Kevin Kinnane and Cormac Ryan scored tries for the Tipperary side and Gavin Heuston converted both. They were also awarded a penalty try. Cian Smith and Jimmy Ahern replied with tries for the Rathcooney side.

In Section B the battle to avoid the bottom three places hots up as a try and conversion by John Kerins with the last play of the game earned Galbally a 7-3 away win at Skibbereen. Jack Driscoll kicked a penalty for Skibbereen.

Two penalties from Jimmy Glynn earned Mallow a 6-0 home win against Abbeyfeale.

Crosshaven got back to winning ways with a 17-3 home win over St. Senan’s. Mike Collins scored two tries for the winners and Sean Scriven got the other try. Keelan Daly kicked a conversion and Declan Rowe replied with a penalty for the Clare side.

In Section D both Cobh Pirates and Killorglin eased their battle at the foot of the table with bonus point wins.

Cobh Pirates defeated Scariff 27-0 with two tries from Ben Kennedy and one each from Emmet O’Sullivan and Cian Ahern. Rory Pearce converted two of the tries and also added a penalty.

Killorglin were 27-3 home winners over Ennis. Rob Lynch, Fionan Sullivan, Cormac Doyle and Seamus Doyle scored tries for the Kerry side and Luke O’Shea added two conversions and a penalty.

Tralee defeated Waterford City 8-3 with a try by Tom Healy and a penalty from Seamus Lyne.

In the Women’s Division 1 League, Shannon LIT lost to Tipperary 15-5.

Full time in LIT in our @munsterrugby women’s division 1 game against @TippWomensRugby pic.twitter.com/9sCjZidauL

— Shannon RFC (@Shannon_RFC) February 6, 2022

Skibbereen maintained their place at the top of Division 2 with a 44-12 away win over second place Waterpark.

Kate O’Sullivan, Emma Connolly, Caitlin Heffernan, Vivienne O’Donovan, Jasmine Kiely, Averyl Condell, Michelle O’Driscoll and Fionnula O’Driscoll scored tries for Skibb and Connolly added two conversions. Erika Kiely replied with two tries for Waterpark and Chloe Beuke kicked a conversion.

Ballincollig defeated Dolphin 36-0 with two tries each from Gerda Coyne and Ger Rea, Breda Leonard and Sinead O’Reilly also scored tries for the winners and Leonard kicked two conversions.