Bank Of Ireland Junior Rugby Preview

The Bank of Ireland Munster Junior League resumes this weekend with a full programme of games across all three divisions with the final round of games in Division 3 and just three rounds remaining in Divisions 1 and 2.

Division 1 leaders Clonmel travel to Limerick to take on Richmond with both sides aiming for a top four finish. Both sides go into the tie on the back of defeats as Richmond were defeated 39-24 by Waterpark at Ballinakill, while Clonmel narrowly lost on a 21-20 score line at home to Kilfeacle.

Fourth-placed Kilfeacle and defending champions Bandon, who are third, lock horns in West Tipperary for the second successive weekend, following their Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup tie, which Kilfeacle won 27-19. The West Cork side will have their work cut out as the home side, who reached last year’s All Ireland Junior Cup final, are also playing for a top four finish.

Second-placed Newcastle West, who are four points behind Clonmel, make the long journey to West Cork to take on Skibbereen. The West Cork side face a tough assignment if they are to maintain their outside aspirations of playing in next season’s All Ireland Junior Cup.

At the foot of the table, St Mary’s face a tricky task as they welcome Abbeyfeale to Grove Island, with the West Limerick side coming off the back of a 33-22 bonus point home win over Galbally.

Kanturk, who are second from bottom are at home to Clanwilliam and Galbally and St Senan’s, who are both hovering above the drop zone, go head to head in County Limerick.

Elsewhere, Crosshaven entertain Waterpark in a mid-table clash.

In Division 2, runaway leaders Mallow can clinch promotion if they defeat Thurles at St Joseph’s Road.

Clonakilty, who are seven points behind Mallow in second place will be looking to maintain their promotion challenge as they take on bottom side Ballincollig at Tanner Park and third-placed Kinsale are at home to Castleisland, who are hovering above the drop zone.

Cobh Pirates and Youghal, who were both relegated from Division 1 last season, go head to head in an East Cork derby at the Paddocks. The Pirates, who are on 16 points will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to take another step closer to safety following their 30-18 defeat by Clonakilty in West Cork. Youghal are on 15 points following their 30-7 defeat by Old Christians.

At the foot of the table, Waterford City are at home to Muskerry, with both sides coming off the back of defeats by Charleville and Ballincollig respectively.

Elsewhere, the two North Cork sides who were promoted from Division 3 are on the road as Charleville travel to South Tipperary to take on Fethard and Fermoy are way to Old Christians.

Division 3 leaders Tralee can clinch the title and promotion if they overcome Chorca Dhuibhne, who are without a win since October, at O’Dowd Park.

The two sides who were relegated from Division 2 last season meet in North Cork as second-placed Mitchelstown host Killarney, who are joint third with Dungarvan. The North Cork side looking to make the most of home advantage count in their bid for a quick return to Division 2.

Dunmanway and Ennis, who will both be contesting the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Bowl final, go head to head in West Cork.

In other ties, Dungarvan should prove too strong for Bantry Bay in West Waterford and Scariff welcome Douglas-Carrigaline to East Clare.