Junior Rugby Round-Up

Richmond booked their place in the final of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Challenge Cup as Bandon get their challenge in the All Ireland Provincial League back on track.

Richmond defeated Kilfeacle 28-6 to book their place in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup final next Sunday at Irish Independent Park against Cork Constitution kick off 3pm; after this deserving victory at Richmond Park.

Richmond who played with the advantage of a strong wind in the opening half led 6-0 at the interval with penalties from Tadhg Bennett on 21 and 31 minutes.

Kilfeacle’s hopes received a setback when their influential out half Jamie Heuston was yellow carded early in the second half. The home side took advantage of their numerical strength when Kieran Bennett made it 11-0 with a try.

Shane Luby opened Kilfeacle’s account with a penalty but Keelan Stephenson hit back immediately with a second Richmond try.

Heuston kicked a second penalty for Kilfeacle before Gavin McCormack was yellow carded for Kilfeacle. Corey Wells and Kieran Bennett added further tries and Tadgh Bennett converted one to book the Limerick side their place in the decider.

Bandon have moved up to second place in the All Ireland Provincial League following their 55-26 crushing home win over Leinster champions Ashbourne. They scored eight tries with Billy Crowley, Gearoid Crowley and Christian Mulcahy getting two each; Conall Bromwich and Enda Phelan also scored. Kerry Desmond kicked six conversions and one penalty.

A win for Bandon at home to Instonians next Saturday will at least guarantee them a play-off against Bruff.

Cork Constitution defeated Old Crescent 45-7 to setup a final meeting with Garryowen in the Senior Seconds League Final.

Old Christians have booked their place in the final of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate after their 33-22 victory against Fermoy. The Rathcooney side led 20 -3 at half time with two tries from Matt O’Connell and John Marnell converted both and also added two penalties. Eoin Lacey kicked a drop goal for Fermoy. Sean Meaney scored a third try for Christians and Meaney converted and added two penalties.

Darren Magner, Dean Moorehouse and Tom Murphy replied with tries for Fermoy and Lacey converted two of the tries.

Several finals were played over the last few days two of them going ahead at Irish Independent Park.

In the Junior Clubs Challenge Shield Final Clonakilty defeated Ballincollig 21-10 in a very exciting tie played in difficult windy conditions.

Playing with the wind in the opening half Clonakilty went into the lead with a try from scrum half Robert Finglas. Four minutes later the sides were level after Scott Jeffers got over the line for a Ballincollig try.

Eoghan Deasy kicked two penalties for Clon’ but Ballincollig finished the half on top despite losing a player to a yellow card but they failed to take several chances close to the line as Clon’ led 11-5 at half time.

The third quarter saw Ballincollig dominate but a resolute Clon’ defence held firm where Batt Duggan, Donal McSweeney and Olan Deane excelled. Deasy made a great break through the Ballincollig defence to extend his side’s lead with a wonderful try. Prop Josh Wilcox barged over for Clon’s third try. Ballincollig battled away and their efforts were rewarded with a late try from Robbie McSweeney.

After an eleven year gap the Junior 2 Cup is back in Temple Hill for the thirty first time after their 12-7 win over Bandon in the final. A try from Cormac Fouhy gave Con’ a 5-0 interval lead. James Murray increased their lead with a try and Robert O’Flynn converted. Cameron Blair scored a late try for Bandon which Luke Fleming converted.

Clonmel defeated Cashel 36-10 to book their place in the Mansergh Cup final against Galbally. Dean Slattery, Mark Corby, David O’Gorman, Luke Hogan and Alex Sheehan scored tries for Clonmel and Conor Cooney converted four and added a penalty.

Ballincollig were crowned Junior 3 League champions after their 22-12 bonus point win over Sunday’s Well a result that saw them finish ahead of the ‘Well by a point. Fergal Considine, Cal Barrett, Luke Dennehy and Paul McCoy scored tries for the ‘Well and Martin McCarthy kicked a conversion. Paul Boylan and Danny Horgan replied with tries for the ‘Well and James O’Sullivan converted one.

Highfield won the Dave Dineen Cup defeating Cobh Pirates 39-22 in the final. Eoghan McNally, Cillian Buckley, Richard Busteed, Denis Quaid and Darragh Cox scored tries for Highfield and Dave Eustace added two conversions and two penalties.