Munster Senior Challenge Cup Round-Up

2nd September 2023 By Leonard Allen

Last season's finalists Nenagh Ormond and Young Munster RFC recorded opening round wins. INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

The opening round of games in the new format of the men’s Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup, produced some exciting games.

In Group 2 holders Young Munster began their campaign with a 15-5 win over Garryowen at Dooradoyle. Stephen McLaughlin and Tomas Clifford were among the winners try scorers, while Bryan Fitzgerald replied with a try for Garryowen, who trailed 7-5 at half time.

In the other game in this section, Cashel defeated U.C.C. 13-3 with a try from Kevin O’Connor and a conversion and two penalties by Ben Twomey. Sam O’Sullivan replied with a penalty for the Students.

Nenagh Ormond caused an upset in Section A with a 29-19 win over Shannon at Coonagh. In an exciting opening half Shannon led 19-17 at half time with tries from Shane Carew, Matt Burke, and Killian Corkery. Michael Cooke converted two of the tries. John Healy, Kevin O’Flaherty, and Conor O’Shaughnessy replied with tries for Nenagh, and Ben Pope kicked a conversion. Willie Coffey and Nicky Irwin added further tries for the visitors and Pope converted one.

In the other game in this section, a late rally from Cork Constitution saw them come from 10-7 down at half time to win 36-20 away to Highfield. Luke Kerr, James Taylor, Mattew Bowen (2), and Daniel Hurley scored tries for Con’ and Taylor converted four and also added a penalty. James Rochford and Rob Murphy replied with tries for Highfield and Shane O’Riordan converted both and also added two penalties.

In Group C, a thrilling game at Musgrave Park saw Dolphin take the points thanks to a late penalty from Daryl Foley to beat Clonmel 29-27. Eoghan Herlihy scored two tries for Dolphin, and Foley and John Fitzgerald got one a piece, Foley converted three of the tries. Tim Nugent, Tom O’Dea and Dean Slattery replied with tries for Clonmel, and Josef O’Connor converted all three and also added two penalties.

Bruff got the better of U.L. Bohemian 23-22 at Annacotty, with tries from Cillian Rae, Pa Maher and three penalties and two conversions from Paul Collins. Myles Lawlor and Pairic Nesbit were among the U.L. Bohemian try scorers.

RESULTS:

Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup

Group 1: Highfield 20, Cork Constitution 36;

Shannon 19, Nenagh Ormond 29;

Group 2:Cashel 13, U.C.C. 3;

Garryowen 5, Young Munster 15;

Group 3:Dolphin 29, Clonmel 27;

Group 4:U.L. Bohemian 22, Bruff 23;

Next round of fixtures – Saturday 9th September (KO 2.30pm)

Group 1

Cork Constitution v Nenagh Ormond

Shannon v Highfield