Junior Rugby Roundup

Five local Junior finals were decided as clubs continued their preparation for next week’s opening games in the Junior Clubs Cup competitions.

Muskerry caused an upset in the Cork County final defeating Mallow 23-21 in an exciting decider at Musgrave Park as the winners lifted the trophy for the first time. Joe Treacy, Evan Kelly and Brian McCarthy scored tries for Muskerry and Robert Cahill kicked two penalties and a conversion.

Chris O’Regan and Dylan Walsh replied with tries for Mallow. Stuart Henderson kicked two penalties and David O’Sullivan added a conversion and a penalty.

In a closely fought O’Neill Cup final at Musgrave Park, a late rally by Ballincollig saw them take the spoils with a 25-10 win over Charleville. Tries from Liam Cahill and a second by Conor O’Donoghue plus a conversion by Shane Buckley ensured victory for Ballincollig in an exciting finish.

A try by O’Donoghue and a conversion and two penalties by Buckley had Ballincollig ahead entering the final minutes. Liam Barrett scored Charleville’s try and Jessie Smith converted and also added a penalty.

Newcastle West and Richmond advanced to the final of the Transfield Cup. Newcastle West defeated Old Crescent 22-8 with two tries from  Darragh Fox and one by Dave Foley. Charlie O’Doherty kicked a penalty and a conversion, and Shane Airey also added a conversion. Aaron Clifford replied with a try for Crescent and Paul Collins kicked a penalty.

Richmond were 53-13 away winners over St. Senan’s. Brian Mullins contributed twenty three points for the winners with two tries, five conversions and a penalty. Jack O’Hanlon  scored two tries, Eoin Hanley, Darragh Joyce, Pierce McCarthy and Brian Bennett got one each. Declan Collins scored Senan’s try and Declan Rowe converted and added two penalties.

Killarney defeated Killorglin 26-21 to win the McElligott Cup. Dave Howard scored two tries for the winners, Broghan Edmonds and Brendan Fuller got one each. Fuller kicked three conversions. James Byrne, Jamie O’Leary and Timmy Lynch replied with tries for Killorglin and Darragh O’Shea converted all three.

Chorca Dhuibhne defeated Listowel 40-25 in the final of the McGillycuddy Cup. Brian Murphy scored three tries for the winners, Nicky Moriarty two and Alan Devane, Darragh Devane and skipper Gearoid Breathnach one apiece.

Castleisland won the Galwey-Foley Cup with a 17-10 win over Tralee. They led 10-5 at the interval with a try, conversion and penalty from Joe Sheehy. An intercept try by Shane Brosnan converted by Sheehy gave victory to the visitors.

Clanwilliam booked their place in the final of the Garryowen Cup with a 33-8 home win over Fethard. Gavin Downey scored two tries for the winners and Micheál Sharp and Brian Kissane got one each. They were also awarded a penalty try. Niall Leahy kicked three conversions.