Pressure mounts for teams at summit and basement

THE PRESSURE is on for the sides at top and the foot of the tables in the Heineken Munster League, as the second last series of games are down for decision this weekend.

First Division leaders Bruff take on St Senan’s at Kilballyowen Park and know that any slip up, could allow Nenagh take over the top spot again.

Bruff closed the gap on the Tipperary side with two recent excellent performances that saw them defeat Youghal 56-8 and Crosshaven last week by 38-20.

They also collected a bonus point in both games. They know that not alone do they have to beat the Clare side, but must get a bonus point, to be sure of top spot entering the final day of the league on March 16.

St Senan’s have given a good account of themselves in their first season in the top flight and while it would be a major shock if they were to stop the leaders from winning, they may deny them that valuable bonus point.

Nenagh Ormond entertain Richmond and they must, like Bruff, also win and score four tries. They should have the ability to do both after Richmond’s poor performance last week away to Bandon.

At the other end of the table, the bottom two sides meet with Castleisland having home advantage against bottom of the table Thurles.

A defeat for the Tipperary side will see their unbeaten run in the top flight come to an end, since the leagues began 12 seasons ago.

All six games in the Second Division are vital to either promotion or relegation issues.

Leaders St Mary’s travel to Carrick-on-Suir, knowing a win would put them in a strong position to secure promotion.

Carrick are just a point clear of relegation trouble and they will be just as anxious to pick up some thing from this tie.

Second-placed Muskerry face Kanturk in a local derby and the Mid-Cork side will have to improve after last week’s failure to win in Tralee. They can not afford another slip up.

Kanturk still in with a chance of going up, seriously dented Douglas’s hopes of promotion last week and with home advantage, they could send their opponents home disappointed.

Douglas know they must win their remaining games and hope results else where, go their way.

They face a difficult task away to Ennis. They have failed at this stage of the season, when the pressure is on in the past few seasons and they will do well, to come away with the points.

Old Christians five points behind the leaders with a game in hand, face a tough encounter away to Tralee.

Kinsale take on Ballincollig in a relegation battle, with Kinsale knowing that a win and a bonus point is a must, if they are to have a realistic chance of staying up.

Galbally, leaders of the Third Division, face two crucial games in their final games and a defeat in either, could see both Cashel and Charleville overtake them. They travel to face Presentation at Rathuard and the Limerick side are not an easy side to beat. It is one of the most important games in the club’s history since they were formed over 30 years ago they may come out on top, just.

Charleville are a point behind the leaders and with a game in hand, play their local rivals Mallow.

They have beaten their opponents twice this season in both cup competitions and while they should win this encounter, they may find difficulty in breaching the Mallow defence four times, in order to secure a bonus point.

It’s also a big day in the Munster’s Seconds League, with leaders Dolphin completing their programme with a visit to Dooradoyle to face Garryowen.

A point will almost certainly secure Dolphin a place in the Millennium Cup, while Garryowen must win to bring themselves back into contention.