Munster Senior Challenge Cup Roundup

The second series of games in the Bank Of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup produced two surprising results in Tipperary as Old Crescent became the first side to book a quarter final place.

In Group 1 Nenagh Ormond are the only undefeated side after they came from 12-0 down to beat Cork Constitution 31-12 at New Ormond Park. Two tries from Matthew Bowen and a conversion from James Taylor put the visitors into an early lead but tries from Patrick Scully and Kevin O’Flaherty and a conversion from Conor McMahon had the sides level at half time. Two tries by Conor O’Shaughnessy and one by Josh Rowland along with two conversions by McMahon earned Nenagh a famous victory.

In the other game in this group Highfield were comfortable 42-5 winners against Shannon at Woodleigh Park. Luke Kingston, Travis Coomey, Noah Patterson, Richard Cassidy, Max Abbott, Mark McLoughlin and Darragh Fitzgerald were the Highfield try scorers. Shane O’Riordan converted four of the tries.

Old Crescent completed their program in Group 4 with a 24-14 away win at Midleton and they are now assured of their place in the semi-finals. Tries by Sam Hanrahan and John Hurley both converted by Hurley had the Limerick side 14-7 ahead at the interval. Jack Colbert replied with a try for Midleton which Aaron James converted. A try by Richie Daly converted by Colbert had Midleton level early in the second half bur Crescent finished the stronger and tries by Dara O’Brien and Brian Molloy saw the visitors take the spoils.

Holders Garryowen kept their outside hopes alive of progressing to the last four with a 27-10 win over U.C.C. at the Mardyke. James Wixted and Kelvin Langan exchanged  early penalties before a converted try by Ronan Quinn had Garryowen 10-3 ahead at the interval. A try early in the second half converted by Wixted had the sides level, but tries from Alex Wood and Jack Costelloe along with two conversions and a penalty by Langan saw the Light Blues win.

In Group 3 Clonmel came from 15-8 down early in the second half to beat near neighbours Cashel 21-15. Albert Fronek and Josef O’Connor scored tries for Clonmel and O’Connor kicked three penalties and a conversion. Tom Tobin replied with two tries for Cashel and Tim Townsend kicked a drop goal and a conversion.

Bruff stunned U.L. Bohemian at Kilballyowen Park with a 24-14 victory. John Bateman, Craig Carew, John Sheehan and Adam O’Dwyer scored tries for Bruff. Paul Collins  kicked two conversions. Bohs replied with tries from Ronan Deegan, and Lochlin Kelleher and Oisin Fagan converted both.

Results:

Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup Group 1: Highfield 43, Shannon 5;

Nenagh Ormond 31, Cork Constitution 12;

Group 2: U.C.C. 10, Garryowen 27;

Group 3: Bruff 24, U.L. Bohemian 14;

Clonmel 21, Cashel 15;

Group 4: Midleton 14, Old Crescent 24;