Weekend Preview | Junior Rugby

There are several rescheduled games down for decision across all three divisions of the Munster Junior League this weekend, together with the finals of the Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Shield and Martin O’Sullivan Cup, which take place at Irish Independent Park on Sunday.

Youghal and Dunmanway get proceedings underway in East Cork on Saturday evening, with nothing more than pride at stake as both sides go into the tie on the back of defeats by Waterford City and Killorglin respectively.

On Sunday in Division One, fifth placed Abbeyfeale are at home to near neighbours Newcastle West who are nine points behind runaway leaders Kilfeacle in second place but with a game in hand. Abbeyfeale go into the tie on the back of a narrow 19-17 defeat by Crosshaven from which they claimed a losing bonus point in South Cork. The visitors will be looking to claim all points on offer in a bid to remain in the top four as they ran out 15-10 away winners over Bandon in their last game.

Unbeaten leaders Kilfeacle welcome Clonakilty, who are seventh, to West Tipperary. Kilfeacle will be looking to take another step closer to the title following their maximum point 24-19 away win over Skibbereen. This is Clonakilty’s first League game since their 17-14 home defeat by Mallow in January, from which they claimed a losing bonus point.

Third-placed Thomond entertain Galbally and they will be looking to maintain their challenge for a top four finish following January’s 29-14 home win over Crosshaven, from which they claimed maximum points. Galbally are eight points clear of the drop zone in 11^th place with five losing bonus points to their credit.

Skibbereen, who are battling relegation recorded a 22-7 maximum point 22-7 home win over Clanwilliam, face a tricky task as they make the relatively short trip to Old Chapel to take on Bandon in a West Cork derby. Bandon, who are sixth, claimed a losing bonus point against Newcastle West last time out.

Elsewhere, Crosshaven and Richmond go head to head in a mid-table clash in South Cork, with both sides going into the tie on the back of defeats by Clanwilliam and Mallow respectively.

Old Christians will be looking to reclaim pole position in Division Two from Muskerry following their comprehensive 78-7 away win over Tralee, as they welcome Fethard to Rathcooney. The South Tipperary side are 11^th on seven points and they go into the tie on the back of a 37-3 away defeat by Muskerry. Their only win was when they ran out 59-7 home winners over Tralee in December.

Cobh Pirates, who are still without a win will be looking to make the most of home advantage count following their Munster Junior Bowl semi-final win over Youghal, as they lock horns with Fermoy at the Paddocks. The Pirates were defeated 26-10 by Charleville at Smith’s Road last time out and their three points to date came from a 10-10 draw against Ballincollig and a losing bonus point against St Mary’s. Both games were played in November. The North Cork side are eighth on 18 points and go into the tie on the back of five successive defeats. Fermoy’s last points came from a 28-22 home win over Dungarvan, which was also played in November.

Ballincollig, who played out a 10-10 draw against Thurles in the Premier County last time out, face a tough assignment as they entertain sixth-placed Charleville at Tanner Park on Saturday evening.

Ennis, who are second in Division Three, will be looking to complete their campaign with a maximum point home win to earn a home semi-final tie in the promotion play-off series, as they welcome Bantry Bay to the Banner County. Both sides go into the tie on the back of wins against Waterford City and Douglas-Carrigaline respectively.

Mitchelstown are at home to Scariff with both sides in the hunt for places in the promotion play-off series, while the East Clare side have a game in hand. Mitchelstown ran out 29-24 maximum point winners over Waterford City on Suirside last time out, while Scariff claimed a losing bonus point from their 15-12 home defeat by Ennis.

A new name will be inscribed on the Muster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Shield as Kanturk and Kinsale go head to head in the decider.

The Martin O’Sullivan Cup decider, which is a Kerry derby between Killarney and Killorglin, is also a repeat of last season’s decider, which Killarney won on a 20-14 score line.