Weekend Preview

The semi-finals of the Bateman Cup are down for decision this weekend, together with a full programme of games across all three divisions of the Munster Junior League.

In the semi-finals of the Bateman Cup, last season’s Munster Senior Challenge Cup winners Garryowen welcome holders Lansdowne to Dooradoyle on Saturday. The Limerick side last won the trophy in 2012 and the winners will meet first time Finalists City of Armagh or Buccaneers in the decider.

Crosshaven and St Senan’s get the show on the road in the Munster Junior League Division 1 at Myrtleville Cross on Saturday evening as the Crosshaven club will be marking the occasion by turning on their flood lights. Both sides are four points adrift of the drop zone on 13 points each, but the home side will be looking to take another step closer to safety following their narrow 19-8 away win over Kanturk last time out.

On Sunday leaders Clonmel travel to Duhallow to take on struggling Kanturk. The South Tipperary side should prove too strong as they look to reclaim their title, while Kanturk are second from bottom, but claimed a losing bonus point last time out against Crosshaven.

Defending champions Bandon will be looking to maintain their bid to retain their crown as they travel to Limerick to take on bottom side St Mary’s.

Kilfeacle and Richmond lock horns in West Tipperary, with both sides chasing top four finishes.

Newcastle West, who are fifth, entertain Waterpark, with the home side expected to prove too strong for the Suirsiders.

Skibbereen and Abbeyfeale go head to head at the Carberry Showgrounds with both sides tied on 18 points in sixth place and nine points behind fifth-placed Kilfeacle, with Skibbereen’s aspirations of a top four finish ended by their 31-19 away defeat by Clanwilliam. The West Limerick side ran out 15-10 over Crosshaven in their last League game before Christmas.

Galbally and Clanwilliam go head to head in a basement clash at the County Limerick venue. Galbally, who are two points ahead of the Tipperary Town side will have their work cut out as Clanwilliam recorded a valuable 31-19 home win over Skibbereen last time out in their battle against the drop.

There are five Rebel County derbies in Division 2.

Runaway leaders Mallow lock horns with North Cork neighbours Fermoy at St Joseph’s Road. Fermoy recorded a narrow 6-5 home win over Fethard last time out but Mallow will be expected to claim all points on offer from their first game of the New Year.

Clonakilty and Kinsale will be looking to maintain their challenges for promotion as the West Cork side travel to Rathcooney to take on Old Christians and Kinsale are at home to Youghal.

In the other Cork derbies, Cobh Pirates are at home to Ballincollig at the foot of the table and Charleville are at home to Muskerry in a mid-table encounter.

Waterford City will be looking to make the most home advantage count following their 16-7 defeat by Castleisland in Kerry as they welcome fellow strugglers Thurles to Suirside. The Mid Tipperary side’s only win came when they defeated Muskerry 13-11 in the Premier County in early December.

Fifth-placed Fethard, who claimed a losing bonus point last time out against Fermoy, are at home to Castleisland, who are two points above the danger zone.

Tralee, who are in pole position in Division 3 should prove too strong for Dunmanway at O’Dowd Park, while second placed Killarney face a tougher assignment as they travel to West Waterford to take on third-placed Dungarvan.

Second-placed Mitchelstown will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they entertain Ennis, with both sides entering the tie on the back of away wins in West Cork over Dunmanway and Bantry Bay respectively.

Killorglin, who were defeated by near neighbours Killarney last time out, are at home to Douglas-Carrigaline and Scariff go in search of a victory as they welcome Chorca Dhuibhne to East Clare.