Nenagh can clinch last 16 date with Highfield

NENAGH ORMOND begin the defence of their Heineken Munster Junior Cup title with a visit to Clifford Park to take on Young Munster, while Cork Constitution face Ballincollig in the other outstanding second round tie of the weekend.

Nenagh’s ambition this season is to win their first Munster Junior League title and become the first Tipperary side to qualify for the All-Ireland League. They have been firing on all cylinders since their defeat in the opening league game against Youghal, picking up a bonus point in each of their subsequent ties.

Young Munster have already had an outing in this competition, beating St. Senan’s with a last minute drop goal from Jeff Purcell.

The odds must be on Nenagh to make it to the last 16, where a home tie against Highfield awaits the winner.

Ballincollig, after their surprising 9-8 victory over Mallow last week, face a difficult task at Temple Hill, where they take on the newly-crowned Second League champions, Cork Con.

Ballincollig have taken time to adjust to life back in the Third Division following their relegation last season, and though they’ve shown a marked improvement recently, they have left themselves with too much to do to get back in the hunt for promotion.

Constitution easily brushed aside the challenge of fancied Cobh Pirates in the opening round, when they ran out easy 22-3 winners. It’s difficult to see their season coming to an abrupt end on Sunday.

There’s a noon kick-off time at Temple Hill to facilitate those wishing to see Ireland’s game against Italy in Rome, while the game at Clifford Park has also been brought forward to 1pm.

Youghal conclude their league program with a trip to Kanturk and must win to be sure of number one seeding in the play-offs for the First Division League title, which would guarantee them a home semi-final tie. Defeat will probably mean an away game.

Kanturk have been having a poor run lately and only avoided the relegation series because of Abbeyfeale’s failure to win their final game at home to Clonmel. It would be a major shock if they were to inflict a their first league defeat of the season on Youghal.

There are four ties in the opening round of the Munster Junior Plate, with Cashel taking on Thurles in the big game.

Cashel were beaten finalists two seasons ago and will want a win ahead of their vital league game with Crosshaven next week.

Cobh Pirates, who defeated Cashel in that final in 2003, have a home tie against Mallow and should make it safely to the next round.

Old Christians take on Kinsale at Rathcooney, with a trip to Youghal the prize for the winners.

Richmond travel to Corbally to take on St. Mary’s in a derby game and the visitors should add to the Saints’ season of woe.

Clanwilliam travel to Galbally in the semi-final of the Mansergh Cup and should book their place in the final against Cashel.

Garryowen and Bruff meet tonight in the final of the Gleeson League at Thomond Park (7.30). Holders Bruff go into this tie as underdogs as their third string are playing, whereas last season it was their second side that was victorious.

The winners of this competition will have a home tie against Muskerry in the Munster Junior Two League quarter-finals, with the losers entertaining Bandon.

The Webb Cup also gets under way with seven ties down for decision.