Weekend Preview | Junior Rugby

There is a full programme of games across all three divisions of the Munster Junior League this weekend.

On Saturday proceedings get underway in North Cork as third-placed Mallow entertain Waterpark, who are four points clear of the drop zone, in Division 1. The home side will be expecting to claim all points on offer following their bonus point 35-6 home win over Galbally, while the Suirsiders go into the tie on the back of a 15-7 defeat by Clanwilliam.

On Sunday, leaders Kilfeacle travel to West Cork to take on Skibbereen, who are second from bottom, with the Tipperary side looking to continue their unbeaten run. Kilfeacle ran out 21-7 home winners over Crosshaven while Skibbereen were defeated 50-0 by near neighbours Clonakilty.

Second-placed Newcastle West lock horns with fourth-placed Thomond in West Limerick. The home side, who recorded a narrow 12-10 away win over Richmond, will have their work cut out as Thomond ran out 47-21 home winners over bottom side St Senan’s.

Abbeyfeale will be looking to make the most of home advantage count following their 19-12 away defeat by Bandon as they entertain Clanwilliam, with the Tipperary Town side having recorded their first two wins in recent weeks.

Sixth-placed Crosshaven will be looking to bounce back from their 21-7 defeat by Kilfeacle in the Premier County as they welcome Richmond, who are fifth to South Cork. Richmond claimed a losing bonus poet from their narrow 12-10 home defeat by Newcastle West.

Bandon, who defeated Abbeyfeale 19-12 at Old Chapel, travel to the Banner County to take on bottom side St Senan’s, whose solitary losing bonus point came against Skibbereen in West Cork on the opening day of the campaign.

Clonakilty should prove too strong for Galbally who are hovering above the drop zone, following the West Cork side’s 50-0 derby win over Skibbereen. The County Limerick side were defeated 35-6 by Mallow last time out.

There are two Cork derbies in Division Two.

Third-placed Kanturk will be looking to maintain their promotion challenge as they travel to Tanner Park to take on Ballincollig. The Duhallow side ran out 40-14 home winners over struggling Cobh Pirates, while the Mid Cork side go into the tie on the back of a 17-12 defeat by St Mary’s in Limerick.

Fermoy, who are in mid-table will be looking to bounce back from their 52-15 home defeat by leaders Old Christians, as they take on Cobh Pirates, who were defeated 40-14 by Kanturk, at the Paddocks.

Leaders Old Christians will be looking to extend their lead as they travel to the Kingdom to take on bottom side Castleisland, whose only points came from a 13-13 draw with Fethard.

Second-placed Dungarvan welcome Charleville to West Waterford, with both sides having recorded victories over Tipperary opposition last time out. Dungarvan recorded a narrow 8-7 away win over Thurles, while the North Cork side claimed maximum points as they ran out 31-0 winners over Fethard at Smith’s Road.

Kinsale, who are joint third with Kanturk, will be looking to maintain their challenge as they entertain Thurles.

Muskerry face a tricky task as they travel to Grove Island to take on St Mary’s, with both sides going into the tie on the back of victories over Ballincollig.

Fethard, who are hovering above the drop zone, go in search of their first win as they entertain fellow strugglers Tralee, with two points separating these sides.

Division 3 leaders Killorglin will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run as they entertain near neighbours Killarney, with both sides going into the tie on the back of bonus point victories over Douglas-Carrigaline and Youghal respectively.

There is also a local derby in Clare as Ennis, who are second are away to Scariff. Ennis are looking to maintain their unbeaten run as their last game was a maximum-point 25-8 home win over Mitchelstown. Scariff also claimed maximum points from their last game against Chorca Dhuibhne.

There are two Cork derbies as Mitchelstown entertain Dunmanway and Bantry Bay welcome bottom side Douglas-Carrigaline to West Cork.

Elsewhere, Youghal are in action against Kerry opposition for the second successive weekend as they go head to head with Chorca Dhuibhne in East Cork.