Provincial Rugby Roundup

There are new leaders in Division 1 and 3 of the Munster Junior League, as Thomond and Kilfeacle progress to the last four of the Junior Clubs Challenge Cup.

Thomond have gone  back to the top of Division 1 of the Munster Junior League after they recorded their seventh successive bonus point win with a 28-24 away victory at Clonakilty. This game also doubled up as a Junior Clubs Challenge Cup Quarter Final. Conor Hayes gave Clon’ an early lead with a try which Rob Howick converted but Thomond were level at half time thanks to a Cian Gorey try which Jason Kiely converted. Tries from Kiely and Shane Kelly both converted by Kiely put Thomond in command but tries from Ciaran McCarthy and Kieran Howlin both converted by Howick levelled the game. A penalty from Howick had Clonakilty in front 24-21 but a Jamie McGarry try converted by Kiely saw Thomond go back on top of the table.

A last minute try from Jack O’Hanlon earned Richmond a 16-13 victory at home to Mallow. The sides were level 8-8 at halftime. Brian Mullins scored a try and two penalties for Richmond and Mallow replied with tries from Darragh Clifford and Sam Glynn. Hunter Cowan kicked a penalty.

Youghal have regained top spot in Division Three after their 37-8 bonus point home win against Killorglin. Three tries from Rory Fitzgerald and two by Nathan O’Halloran were enough for Youghal to pick up all five points. O’Halloran kicked three conversions and two penalties.

In the Junior Clubs Challenge Cup holders Newcastle West’s three year reign came to an end as they lost at home to Kilfeacle 27-8. James Hogan, Bob Purcell and Kevin Kinnane scored tries for Kilfeacle and Luke Heuston converted all three tries and also added two penalties. Alan O’Riordan replied with a try for Newcastle West and Andrew Mortell kicked a penalty.

The semi-final lineup is Bandon v Richmond and Thomond v Kilfeacle. Ties are scheduled for the 5^th January.

In the Junior Clubs Challenge Shield Clanwilliam had a narrow 26-22 away win at Ballincollig. Darragh Crowe scored two of Clanwilliam’s four tries, with Mark Costigan and Cormac Donovan getting the others. Niall Leahy kicked three conversions.

The semi-final line up on the 5^th January is Charleville v Clanwilliam and St. Senan’s v Old Christians.

Old Christians ended an 18 year gap when they won The O’Neill Cup for the fifth time with a 41-21 win over Kinsale at Virgin Media Park. Laszio Rabatin, Conor Smiddy, Mark Gleeson, Cian Smith, Dan Kelleher, Mike O’Riordan and Cian Walsh were the Old Christian try scorers and Rabatin kicked three conversions. Brian O’Donnell, Tim Lynch and Eric Lynch scored tries for Kinsale and Dylan lacey converted all three tries.