Nenagh can’t afford another setback
Division One leaders Nenagh Ormond face home ties against two of their main challengers in the coming weeks and begin with Kilfeacle.
The visitors are eight points behind the leaders but with two games in hand they cannot afford to lose. Kilfeacle’s only defeat was at home to Nenagh in the opening round of the Challenge Cup, when they went down 17-3.
Nenagh, having lost to Bruff in the league, have made up the leeway with bonus points, but know another setback could be disastrous. Old Christians travel to Bruff and they will need to improve from when the sides met earlier in the Challenge Cup, when they lost to the Limerick side 44-5 at Rathcooney.
After narrow defeats the visitors eventually recorded their first win of the campaign with a 43-24 win over St. Mary’s last time out.
Bruff were fortunate to beat Skibbereen last week and will have to show a big improvement to maintain their unbeaten run and move into second place ahead of Cobh Pirates, who are not in action. At the other end of the table defeat for both Richmond and St Mary’s would be a huge setback. Bottom side Richmond travel to Shannon to take on St Senan’s knowing this is a game they must win to avoid dropping into the Second Division.
The Clare side are a difficult proposition on their own patch and are unlikely to lose for a second successive time, having been beaten by Bruff 10-3 two weeks ago.
St Mary’s, after winning the Second Division title last year, are finding tit difficult in the top flight.
They face a difficult task away to Youghal.
The East Cork side, after a disappointing opening to the season, seem to have turned things around with victories in their last two home games against St Senan’s and Clanwilliam and they are likely to add to the Limerick side’s problems.
Both Clanwilliam and Clonmel saw their league hopes almost disappear two weeks ago when both lost and they will be anxious to get back to winning ways. Clanwilliam host Bandon and the West Cork side showed a big improvement, with the return of Bryn Canniffe in their win over Clonmel and would not want to be under estimated. Clonmel travel to Crosshaven with both sides anxious to pick up the points and gain a top four finish.
The top two sides in the Second Division meet in a game that will have a big bearing on promotion. Tralee, a point behind leader’s Thurles, will have home advantage and both s go into this contest unbeaten in the league.
Thurles, after a bright opening, have gone of the boil and will have to rediscover that form to maintain their challenge.
Cashel will be hoping to take advantage of any slip ups, when they travel to face bottom side Ballincollig, still looking for their first win.
Despite their defeat by Nenagh last week in the Cup, the Tipperary side should be good enough to get maximum points. Skibbereen have Ennis as visitors and the West Cork side, despite two successive defeats, should bounce back with a victory to keep their outside side hopes of promotion alive.
Douglas, who share bottom spot with Ballincollig, face Muskerry and with a bit of luck, they will hope to repeat their 23-9 victory when they met in the Challenge Cup. Kanturk, after their surprise win over Skibbereen, will be confident of another victory with a home win against struggling Castleisland.
Charleville travel to Waterford, where a defeat for either side will see them hovering above the relegation zone.
After losing to Galbally on the opening day of the league, Newcastle West have moved into fourth place with some fine performances in recent weeks.
They face their biggest hurdle this week, when they travel to face the surprising league leaders Mallow. The North Cork side can extend their lead as their nearest challengers Fermoy are idle.
Abbeyfeale can move ahead of Fermoy with a home win against Dunmanway and end the West Cork side’s promotion hopes.
Kinsale hope to end their poor run with a home win over Presentation, while home advantage should see Carrick-on-Suir edge out Newport.
Killarney, after a poor run, hope to get back to winning ways with a home victory over Dungarvan and bottom side Kilrush can expect little joy at Galbally.
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