Tralee bid to get back on track

IT is back to league action in the Munster Junior Leagues as all three divisions approach the tail-end of the season, and every point will be battled for as teams bid for glory or aim to avoid the dreaded drop.

The top three teams in Division Three all face tricky tasks and with only three points between them they know that there is no room for slip-ups.

It was a mixed weekend last time out for Tralee with the news that Crosshaven defeated title rivals Cashel, slightly soothing the blow of being knocked out of the cup by Clonmel.

However, the Kerry side will have to ensure they are at full strength as they host Crosshaven this weekend. Tralee have produced some sublime displays this season but will face a big test of mental strength in these final weeks.

Crosshaven earned their first win of the campaign last weekend and know another victory could pull themselves up to mid-table. They will need their defence to be in top form and hope the boot of Ger Fitzgerald is accurate on the day.

Second-placed Richmond will be confident of success at home to Thurles but the Tipperary side will be desperate to pick up some points. Richmond will hope their powerful, dynamic pack can establish some dominance and allow some of their dangerous runners to expose any space on offer.

Cashel will find it difficult to bounce back from their surprise loss, as they face a massive Tipperary derby at Kilfeacle. The hosts are still unsure of their status in the top flight but the added incentive of ruining their rivals’ title chances will ensure they will throw everything into this game.

Things are very tight at the bottom with over half the clubs threatened with relegation. There is a big clash at the Paddocks as both Cobh Pirates and St Senan’s look to push up the table. The East Cork team will hope that Brendan Ronan can produce a top-class display while the Clare side will want to get some quality ball out to speedster Declan Coughlan.

Ballincollig and Clonmel both have difficult ties but each enjoy home advantage. A win for Ballincollig over Skibbereen should ensure their safety, but Skibbereen will be tough to beat. Clonmel face Waterpark with the Tipperary team likely to be brimming with confidence following their cup success over Tralee and that momentum should see them claim the points.

In Division Two, the top three are likely to keep their promotion push going over the weekend. Galbally, arguably, have the toughest task as they travel to Bandon. The West Cork club will prove difficult opposition and the Limerick side will need to be at their best to gain the points.

Despite a hammering of Old Crescent last weekend, Ennis will find it difficult to get the better of top of the table Clanwilliam in Clare. Old Christians will enjoy home advantage against Kinsale. The Seasiders promotion hopes have evaporated but they will be sure to put up a strong fight at Rathcooney.

Youghal and Kanturk meet in a repeat of last weekend’s Cup clash with the Duhallow club eager to obtain revenge while Youghal will hope to get a win as they bid to avoid the drop.

St Mary’s will be desperate to get their first victory of the season at home to Muskerry who have rediscovered some form themselves. The other game in Division Two is a mid-table affair as Newport host Newcastle West with the home side likely to come out on top.

Abbeyfeale still retain a faint hope of promotion from Section A of Division Three and face a must win game against fellow contenders Presentation.

The other contenders for the runners-up spot, Killarney and Corca Dhuibhne, will expect to get wins over Scariff and Killorglin respectively. Runaway leaders Castleisland look almost unstoppable and won’t expect much trouble from Kilrush.

Things are extremely tight in Section B with a massive game at the top of the table as North Cork rivals Mallow and Charleville come face to face. Mallow can overtake the league leaders with a win and with so little to choose between the sides it is likely to go right down to the wire.

Douglas and Fermoy clash at Moneygourney with defeat likely to dash either side’s promotion hopes. Waterford City and Carrick-on-Suir will be expecting to get wins as they seek a top-two spot with games against Dungarvan and Shandon respectively.