Weekend Rugby Preview

The Quarter Finals of the Munster Senior Cup dominates this weekend’s program and the draw has thrown up some interesting pairings.

The Quarter Finals of the Munster Senior Cup dominates this weekend’s program and the draw has thrown up some interesting pairings.

Holder’s Shannon going for a record five in a row, face a daunting task with an away game in Midleton, which is a repeat of last season’s final, which Shannon won 22-13. Midleton are going through a slump at the moment, having lost their last three league games, while Shannon suffered their first defeat away to U.C.D. last week.

Both sides will want a win to boost their confidence ahead of their remaining league games and a thrilling cup tie is in prospect at the Towns Park. U.L. Bohemian face Garryowen in an intriguing clash at Thomond Park. UL will go into this tie full of confidence after last week’s emphatic win over Sunday’s Well and a win over Garryowen would be a further boost.

The Light Blues have lost their way in recent weeks and could do with a victory to halt the slide. Clonakilty take on Cork Constitution in a game that is sure to attract a large crowd to the Shannon Vale ground on Sunday afternoon. The First Division side will be hoping to end a fifteen year gap, since the trophy last made it’s way to Temple Hill back in 1989.

One Second Division side are sure of their place in the last four, with Waterpark taking on Old Crescent at Ballinakill. The Limerick side will start as favourites to advance, but home advantage could see Waterpark cause a surprise. The draw for the semi-finals is likely to be held early in the New Year. After Bruff’s victory over Nenagh Ormond last week in the Heineken Munster Junior League, only four points now separate the top six sides.

Leaders Nenagh Ormond travel to bottom of the table Richmond and should keep top spot. Bruff face a tricky encounter away to St. Senan’s. Second placed Cobh Pirates will be looking for their first ever league win away to Crosshaven. Both Clanwilliam and Clonmel travel to Cork and both will be confident of returning home with the points. Clonmel play Bandon and Clanwilliam take on Youghal.

The two promoted sides Old Christians and St. Mary’s still searching for their first win in the league, meet at Rathcooney, where the home side are likely to have the edge. Thurles should continue their good run with a home win over Waterford City in the Second Division, while Tralee who are level with Thurles at the top, face a difficult task away to Muskerry.

Cashel should maintain their challenge with a home win over Ennis and Skibbereen should prove too strong for Kanturk. Castleisland travel to Charleville in search of their first win of the campaign, but could come unstuck against an improving North Cork outfit. Ballincollig play host to Douglas with both sides sharing bottom spot in the table and the odds are on Douglas to continue their good run over their opponents.

The three sides in contention for promotion from the Third Division face difficult away ties. Mallow face Carrick-on-Suir, Fermoy play Presentation and Abbeyfeale take on Galbally.