Junior Rugby returns as Munster Senior League takes centre stage

THERE is just one local team involved in Sunday’s Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup first round fixture list with Bruff travelling to play Dunmanway in County Cork, while the focus returns on the Munster Senior Leagues for four of our five clubs with division one staging seven pairings.

The game between Galbally and Richmond is put forward to Saturday, January 18 after agreement between both clubs. Sunday’s fixtures were originally set for Sunday, January 19 but were re-arranged due to Munster’s Champions Cup fixture.

As we enter the business end of these junior rugby competitions, points are crucial.

For the top four teams ‘winning bonus’ could make a significant difference but victories are a priority. Top of the division one table, Newcastle West and Kilfeacle and District have it all to play for.

The Tipperary boys have a game in hand and are level with NCW and from here to the end of the campaign in March, every single point and every try scored could decide the outcome of one of the most exciting league battles for some time.

Also in the chasing pack Mallow and Thomond are still in with a chance.

Next Sunday Newcastle West are at home to Clanwilliam and Kilfeacle travel to take on Mallow. Both sides really have to win their remaining games and any slip-up could prove fatal to their title hopes.

Mallow are in third position in the table and a victory would see them leapfrog Kilfeacle.

The Cork side has lost just two games in this campaign and trail Sunday’s opponents by just a single point.

Newcastle West will be keeping a close eye on this game. They entertain Clanwilliam, a side that is currently in eighth place in the table but they have two games in hand.

‘Clan’ are 13 points adrift of the top two and unlikely to close the gap significantly between now and the rest of the season.

Coached by Ger Earls and Aidan O’Halloran, Newcastle West will be expected to retain their challenging position but they have been a bit sluggish in recent weeks and will need to show better form if they are to keep closing in on Kilfeacle.

A winning bonus point for the ‘West’ and a tight result from the Mallow v Kilfeacle game could give them a point advantage in this thrilling league race.

Skibbereen will welcome Thomond to the West Cork venue. They have struggled this season and are now facing a battle for survival in this division.

Thomond, on the other hand, have settled in well at this level and they are set up nicely for a good run-in to the campaign.

Their scoring rate has been high and, completing their campaign with three home games at Liam Fitzgerald Park, against Crosshaven, Galbally and Clonakilty to follow, the royal blues will be targeting at least a top four finish.

A win against ‘Skib’ on Sunday is crucial for them but, on form, they will be fancied to add to their points tally.

Abbeyfeale are also in action and they will be hoping to come away from Jim Slattery Park with a victory over home side St Senan’s who continue to battle for survival.

Since winning promotion to division one, ‘Feale’ have proved to be a solid outfit in MJL1 and they will be fancied to get full points from this trip to Shannon Town.

In division two St Mary’s have no fixture but will resume action on January 12 with an away game against Kanturk.

Fixtures, kick off 2.30pm unless otherwise stated.   

Sunday, 5th January                                                                            Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup: 

Clonmel v Ennis, Clonmel, 2pm;

Douglas-Carrigaline v Bantry Bay, Wilton, 2pm;

Dunmanway v Bruff, Dunmanway, 2pm;

Killorglin v Killarney,     Killorglin, 2pm;

Scariff v Cobh Pirates, Scariff, 2pm;

Sunday’s Well v Mitchelstown, Irish Independent Park, 2pm;

Waterford City v Youghal, Waterford, 2pm;

Munster Junior League Division 1: 

Clonakilty v Waterpark, The Vale;

Crosshaven v Bandon, Crosshaven;       

Mallow v Kilfeacle, Mallow;     

Newcastle West v Clanwilliam, Newcastle West;           

Skibbereen v Thomond, Skibbereen;      

St. Senan’s v Abbeyfeale, Jim Slattery Park;      

Division 2: 

Castleisland v Old Christians, Castleisland;  

Fethard v Thurles, Fethard;       

Muskerry v Tralee, Ballyanly;  

Division 3: 

Killorglin v Killarney, Killorglin, 2pm;