Weekend Preview | Junior Rugby

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

Proceedings get underway in Division One on Saturday evening as fourth-placed Thomond welcome ninth-placed Crosshaven to Liam Fitzgerald Park. The Limerick side will be looking to maintain their challenge for a top-four finish following their 14-7 away win over Skibbereen, while Crosshaven are ninth following their 20-10 home defeat by Bandon.

Leaders Newcastle West, who claimed pole position following their maximum point home win over Clanwilliam, travel to West Cork to take on ninth-placed Bandon.

Second-placed Kilfeacle entertain near neighbours Galbally. The West Tipperary side recorded a narrow 13-11 away win over Mallow while Galbally; who are hovering above the drop zone claimed their third losing bonus point from their 8-3 home defeat by Clonakilty.

Clonakilty and Mallow, who were both promoted last season, go head to head at The Vale. The North Cork side, who are third following their narrow 13-11 home defeat by Kilfeacle, will be looking to get back to winning ways, while fifth-placed Clonakilty go into the tie on the back of a narrow home win over Waterpark.

At the foot of the table, St Senan’s who are still without a win on two losing bonus points; entertain Clanwilliam, who are five points above the drop zone.

Skibbereen, who are second from bottom, face a tough assignment, as they travel to Limerick to take on seventh-placed Richmond.

Elsewhere, Waterpark, who are four points adrift of safety welcome ninth-placed Abbeyfeale to Suirside.

Division Two leaders Old Christians travel to the Premier County to take on Thurles in their first game since their comprehensive 52-12 away win over Fermoy, while Thurles go into the tie on the back of a 31-10 away win over Fethard, from which they claimed maximum points.

Muskerry, who are joint second with Dungarvan, will be looking to maintain their challenge following their recent maximum point home win over Tralee as they entertain Fethard. The Tipperary side go into the tie on the back of a derby defeat by Thurles.

Dungarvan, who were early pacesetters, travel to the Kingdom to take on Tralee, with whom they were promoted last season. The West Waterford side will be looking to maintain their challenge for a second successive promotion, while Tralee are hovering above the drop zone.

The two sides who were relegated from Division One last season also face off as Kanturk welcome St Mary’s to Duhallow. Kanturk will be looking to maintain their challenge for a quick return to the top flight following their 13-8 away win over Ballincollig, while the Limerick side go into the tie on the back of a 10-3 home defeat by Muskerry.

Fermoy entertain Ballincollig, who are hovering above the drop zone and Cobh Pirates and Castleisland go in search of their first wins in their basement clash in the Kingdom.

Division 3 leaders Killorglin will be looking to claim all points on offer from their derby against Chorca Dhuibhne in the West Kerry Gaeltacht.

Ennis, who are also unbeaten in second place, will be looking to maintain their challenge as they entertain Youghal.

Waterford City, who are joint third with Scariff, will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they entertain Mitchelstown and Scariff, will also be looking to get a result as they travel to West Cork to take on Dunmanway.

Elsewhere, Killarney will be looking to bounce back from their narrow defeat by Killorglin as they host Bantry Bay.