Nenagh set to bounce back against basement side Richmond
Leaders Nenagh Ormond will want to shake off the disappointment of last week’s defeat at Bruff by collecting all five points from their game away to Richmond, who are bottom of the table, and still looking for their first win of the season.
Bruff, whose hopes of retaining their title received a great boost by that victory last week, travel to Shannon to face St. Senan’s. While they will be expected to collect the points, a bonus point would be a big plus in their quest for their third title. The Clare side can be difficult to beat, especially on their home patch and the champions will treat them with the greatest respect.
Second placed Cobh Pirates were far from impressive in beating Bandon last week and they face a difficult tie away to Crosshaven, where they must win to maintain their challenge. Crosshaven, with defeats by Bruff and Kilfeacle, are as good as out of the hunt for honours, but they will not make it easy for the Pirates.
Clanwilliam defend their unbeaten record at Youghal and on last week’s results should notch up another victory. Youghal caused a surprise in their last home game against St Senan’s, when they won 19-9 and will have to reproduce that from if they are to end the Tipperary side’s unbeaten run.
Clonmel, despite two defeats, are still in the chasing pack and they will want to stay in contention with a victory away to Bandon. The West Cork side are without a win in their last four games and have only one win to date in the league and will be anxious to halt that slide.
Old Christians and St Mary’s, the two promoted clubs, meet at Rathcooney, with both in search of their first league win. Old Christians are ahead of the Limerick side by a point and while it should be a close contest, a defeat for either side will see them face a relegation battle for the remainder of the season.
Thurles, having joined Tralee at the top of the Second Division last week, could take over the leadership with a home win against Waterford City. The Tipperary men have not been finding it as easy to score tries as they were earlier in the campaign, but they still possess too much power to be troubled by the Suirsiders.
Tralee face a tricky assignment away to Muskerry. The Kerry side will be boosted by their victory over neighbours Castleisland last time out, while Muskerry were totally outplayed by Cashel. The Mid Cork side have been finding it difficult to get scores and this could lead to their undoing, as they must win to stay in touch with the leaders.
Cashel host Ennis and current form would indicate a home victory, although the Clare side made it difficult for Thurles in their last outing.
Skibbereen, four points behind the leaders, will be hoping to stay in contention by picking up all five points from their visit to Kanturk. The West Cork side have yet to gain a bonus point and this could be their undoing come the end of the season.
Castleisland after their relegation from the top flight last season, are finding the going tough this term and could badly do with a win to halt the slide. They travel to Charleville, a side that has made a slow start, but are beginning to find their feet in recent games and could take the points.
Both Ballincollig and Douglas are at the foot of the table and this is a game that both sides must win if they hope to avoid relegation.
The top three sides in the Third Division face difficult ties away from home. Mallow, after their win over Presentation in Limerick last week, travel to Carrick-on-Suir and the Tipperary venue is not an easy place to pick up points.
Fermoy, who joined Mallow at the top last week, travel to Presentation. The Limerick side’s hopes of promotion have vanished after last week’s defeat, but they will be anxious to get back to winning ways over an inform Fermoy side.
Abbeyfeale, two points behind the leaders travel to Galbally. The home side, after a bad start, have rediscovered the form that saw them win all their league games last season and they will pose the biggest challenge the West Limerick side have faced yet this season.
Dunmanway, still in with a chance of promotion, travel to Newport and they should add to the Tipperary side’s recent woes.
Newcastle West will be hoping to continue their recent revival when they make the journey to Kinsale. The home side, after a good start, have been hit badly by injuries in recent weeks and will be anxious to get back to winning ways.
Dungarvan travel to Kilrush with both sides looking for their first win of the season.
Kilrush, without a point, are due a change of fortune and home advantage may give them the edge.
Garryowen and Cork Constitution should maintain their challenge in the Munster Seconds League with victories over pointless Sunday’s Well and Young Munster.
The big game in the Under 20 League is the meeting of the joint leaders Garryowen and Sunday’s Well in Section “B” at Dooradoyle.
A win for the home side should guarantee them top spot after their victory over UCC last week.
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