Provincial Rugby Roundup

On a quiet weekend both Highfield and Thomond progressed in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup, as Richmond booked their place in the Junior Clubs Challenge Cup Final against Newcastle West.

Thomond are the first side through to the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup semi-finals after their 30-25 win over the Second division champions.

Thomond dominated the opening half and led 19-3 at the interval with tries from Luke Costelloe, Jamie McGarry, and Kian McGrath. Evan Cusack converted two of the tries and Rob Guerin replied with a penalty for the Saints. Sean Duggan scored Mary’s first try and Guerin converted. Cusack kicked penalties either side of a try by Aaron Nunan, which Paul Loughran converted to leave it 25-17. Loughran added a penalty to reduce the margin to five points, before an intercept try by Pa Ryan sealed the victory for the First Division champions.

In the semi-final Thomond will be away to either Cork Constitution or UCC.

Highfield were convincing 60-7 winners at home to Clonakilty. Barry Spearman-Walsh score three of Highfield’s nine tries, with Shane Buckley getting two and Noah Patterson, Paddy Dineen, Sean Garrett, and Mark McLoughlin getting one each. Buckley kicked six conversions and a penalty. Dave Jennings replied with a try for Clonakilty and Eoin Downey converted.

Highfield will host Skibbereen in the quarter finals.

Richmond defeated Bandon 35-19 in the semi-final of the Junior Clubs Challenge Cup at Old Chapel. Darragh Joyce, James Reeves, and Josh Moloney scored tries for Richmond. Sean Considine kicked two conversions and two penalties. Bandon replied with tries from two tries from Kain Donnellan and one by Jerry Crowley. Dylan Barr and Hugh O’Mahony each kicked a conversion.

Newcastle West secured the final top four spot and a place in next season’s All Ireland Junior Cup, after their 32-19 home win over Skibbereen. Sean Murphy scored three tries for the winners and Sean Corbett one. Shane Airey converted three of the tries and also added two penalties.

Cobh Pirates completed their Division 2 League campaign with a 29-22 home win over neighbours Youghal, a result that could see Youghal relegated. Killian O’Connell scored two tries, and Cian McNamara and Ben Kennedy got one each, as well as a penalty try. Rory Pierce kicked a conversion. Youghal replied with tries from Jordan Yellop and Rob Dea. Nathan O’Halloran kicked four penalties.