Weekend Preview

11th January 2018 By Leonard Allen

Cork Con begin their quest for a sixth Bateman Cup title (pictured: Robert Jermyn)

Rob Jermyn was man of the match in Cork Constitution's All Ireland League victory. INPHO/James Crombie

There are three senior games this weekend, together with a full programme of games in Division 1 of the Munster Junior League and the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup.

Thomond and Bruff get proceedings underway in Division 2C of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League at Liam Fitzgerald Park this Friday evening. Both sides have come off the back of victories over Bective Rangers and Midleton respectively. Thomond, who are second, will be looking to make it two wins out of two as they defeated Bruff 8-6 when these sides met at Kilballyowen Park in November.

Sunday’s Well, who are hovering above the drop zone in Division 2B, face a tricky task as they travel to Magherafelt to take on second-placed Rainey Old Boys. The Leesiders are coming off the back of five straight defeats and their last win was against Belfast Harlequins at Irish Independent Park in October.

Bateman Cup holders Cork Constitution are away to City of Armagh in the semi-finals, with the Lilywhites looking to win the trophy for the sixth successive season. The winners will meet Sligo or Lansdowne, who go head to head in the Yeats County, in the decider.

The game of the day in Division 1 of the Munster Junior League sees Bandon locking horns with defending champions Clonmel at Old Chapel, with both sides putting their title aspirations on the line. Both sides are tied on 27 points, but the West Cork side are ahead of Clonmel with six wins to the South Tipperary side’s five.

Leaders Richmond travel to Tipperary Town to take on Clanwilliam who are seventh and fourth-placed Kilfeacle will be looking to maintain their challenge for a top four finish as they travel to West Limerick to take on Abbeyfeale.

Newcastle West, who are fifth, will be looking to make the most of home advantage count in a bid to maintain their challenge for a top four finish as they entertain Youghal, who are hovering above the drop zone.

Two sides without a win go head to head as Cobh Pirates, who are also seeking their first points, host Galbally. The County Limerick side have two losing bonus points to their credit.

In other ties, St Senan’s welcome Kanturk to the Banner County and Waterpark are at home to Skibbereen.

In the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup, Mitchelstown, who enjoyed a memorable run in their first season in the competition last season travel to South Tipperary to take on Fethard.

Bantry Bay are at home to Killorglin and the winners will be away to Charleville.

The only local derbies are in the Rebel County as Crosshaven lock horns with Ballincollig at Myrtleville Cross and Muskerry are at home to Old Christians.