Junior Rugby Preview as Busy Weekend Beckons

STILL smarting from their home defeat at the hands of Kilfeacle and District last week-end, Newcastle West face an equally difficult hurdle on Sunday when they make the 30 mile journey to the city. Richmond will be seeking four league wins on the trot after dismissing Clanwilliam, Abbeyfeale and St Senan’s in their last three outings.

Sandwiched in between was that 18-34 Challenge Cup defeat by Newcastle West in Richmond Park, after leading 18-3 with 30 minutes remaining, so they will be under no illusions of the task ahead.

Losing to Kilfeacle has asked questions of the ‘West’ and their ability to win the MJL1 title. It is certainly a set-back and they are now hoping for the Tipperary side to slip up along the way while getting bonus point victories themselves.

They certainly need to come away from the Canal Bank with a win, anything less would add to their current situation. Kilfeacle are at home to Crosshaven on Saturday and will be expected to win with something to spare. If they get the result, then Newcastle West will be under more pressure to keep pace with them after this week-end’s games.

Richmond are currently in sixth place in the table. Victory over their second placed opponents on Sunday would be a significant achievement and could push them into second place if other results go their way.

Abbeyfeale, who beat Thomond last week-end, are on the road to Bandon. The Cork side have had a bad start to this campaign and are currently in ninth position in the table with just eleven points from their six games. Home advantage will benefit them but Abbeyfeale, with Derry O’Connor in fine form at present, might just shade it and push a little bit further up the ratings.

At the other end of the table Galbally will be hoping to move further clear of the dreaded trapdoor when they play away against Mallow. They may find it difficult with their opponents in third place, chasing leaders Kilfeacle and Newcastle West. 

Thomond put up a brave performance in  Abbeyfeale last Sunday but they had to settle for a losing bonus point. They are still in fourth place in the table and, on form, they should get a victory over visitors to Liam Fitzgerald Park, Galbally – and maybe even reap a winning bonus point.

In division two St Mary’s will play the first of two important home games that they need to win if they are to put pressure on the leaders. Sunday’s visitors are Ballincollig. The County Cork side went down at home to Muskerry last week, failing to put a score on the board in a 21-0 defeat and if that indicates their current form, then the ‘Saints’ will be fancied to take the four points.

Injuries and unavailability of key players have hampered the Grove Island side so far this season but the signing of Jude Marlo Pendejito has been something of a ‘find’ and he has steadied the ship at half-back. After Sunday’s game, next up for the ‘Saints’ is a home fixture against Muskerry.

Fixtures, kick off 2.30pm unless otherwise stated.   

Saturday, 30th November                                                                            Munster Junior League Division 1: Kilfeacle v Crosshaven, Kilfeacle, 5.30pm;

Sunday, 1st December

Munster Junior League Division 1: Bandon v Abbeyfeale, Bandon;  

Clanwilliam v Waterpark, Clanwilliam Park;       

Clonakilty v Skibbereen, The Vale;        

Mallow v Galbally, Mallow;       

Richmond v Newcastle West, Richmond Park;   

Thomond v St. Senan’s, Liam Fitzgerald Park;    

Division 2: Castleisland v Kinsale, Tanner Park;           

Charleville v Fethard, Charleville;          

Fermoy v Old Christians, Fermoy;         

Kanturk v Cobh Pirates, Kanturk;          

Muskerry v Tralee, Ballyanly;   

St. Mary’s v Ballincollig, Grove Island;   

Thurles v Dungarvan, Thurles;  

Division 3: Chorca Dhuibhne v Scariff, Ballydavid;       

Douglas-Carrigaline v Killorglin, Wilton; 

Dunmanway v Waterford City, Dunmanway;     

Ennis v Mitchelstown, Ennis;     

Killarney v Youghal, Killarney.