Crosshaven look to take unbeaten run to play-off semi-finals
This is another crucial tie for the Ken O’Connell-coached Crosshaven side, who have been very impressive in their league games to date. They are unbeaten in their five games and secured a bonus point in four of these ties, the exception being their last game at home to Kilfeacle.
Ennis have proven difficult to beat this season and on their home ground they will want to give their supporters something to cheer about after their exit to Nenagh in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup recently.
The Cork side shouldn’t underestimate their opponents and they would be happier going into their final game away to Cashel this month with an unbeaten record.
Third Division leaders Douglas are free this weekend, which gives Newcastle West or Newport a chance to go ahead of them in the table. The west Limerick side have played a game more then Douglas and are two points off the pace - they face a daunting task away to Presentation, who have won their five games to date. Newcastle West have been totting up the points, scoring over 130 points in their last two league games, but they were on the receiving end last week in the Garryowen Cup when Clanwilliam ran 10 tries past them.
This will be Presentation’s first real test and their failure to pick up bonus points in previous games could prove costly. It should be a close contest with the visitors likely to shade it.
Newport are in third place, three points behind the leaders, and they face a difficult task away to Mallow. The north Cork side have lost twice already in the campaign to Douglas and Galbally, and another defeat would end their promotion hopes.
The Tipperary men would also fall down the pecking order if they lose but with so much at stake, home advantage could give Mallow the edge.
Carrick-on-Suir have seen their challenge falter in recent weeks and they entertain Killarney, who could cause an upset.
Ballincollig will hope to move further up the table with a home win over Dungarvan, who are propping up the table, while Kinsale will hope to add to Dunmanway’s recent woes with a second successive victory.
Cork Constitution can recapture the Munster Seconds league title with a win away to Shannon, though a defeat would mean the Cork side facing Garryowen in a play-off.
The promotion spot in Division Two has become a bit complicated, with UCC objecting to Bruff being awarded the game in their recent scheduled tie. If they win their objection and beat Old Crescent this weekend, then the students would be back in the reckoning for the top spot.
A win for the Limerick side will see them level with Bruff and they will at least be guaranteed a play-off for that promotion spot.
There are three ties in the Garryowen Cup, two of them in the first round. Nenagh Ormond will hope to shrug off last week’s disappointing defeat by Cashel in the Challenge Cup final with a home victory over Third Division side Galbally.
Kilfeacle entertain Clonmel and the home side will be anxious for a win to boost them ahead of their final league game against Ennis.
Charleville will travel to Waterford City confident they can book a semi-final spot after an impressive win over Carrick-on-Suir last week.
Cobh Pirates will hope to follow up last week’s success in the Kelly Cup with a home win over Old Christians and set up a mouth-watering semi-final tie away to Bandon.
There is a vital U20 League tie at Musgrave Park with Sunday’s Well taking on Cork Constitution. The Temple Hill side have held the advantage in recent meetings and victory would see them into the play-offs. The Well are at the wrong end of the table and a win could help them out of the relegation zone.
There are two games in the opening round of the U20 Cup.
Depleted Clonakilty take on Ballincollig, who have had a great run in the league and will fancy their chances of a meeting with Kanturk next week in the second round.
The other tie sees Midleton take on Clonmel at Towns Park and the home side should advance with something to spare.
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