Richmond and Tralee’s title battle goes right to the wire

AFTER a long hard season, it is down to the final two in the battle for the Munster Junior League crown. Richmond and Tralee will have to be fully focused on their own matches as they each face very tricky away ties in Cork.

The two teams are level on points with no one else able to catch them. Tralee will have to better the Limerick side’s result as Richmond hold the advantage, having won the head-to-head game, and maximum points from their trip to Ballincollig will ensure the title. The Limerick side did suffer a rare defeat in the cup last weekend having rested several key players.

Brian Begley, with all his experience, has been a huge asset. He has been supported by a well-rounded team and they will be fired up to put in one more big performance as they bid for the league crown.

Ballincollig will be a tough proposition and will want to finish their campaign on a high and have the opportunity to be the highest placed Cork team in the league. They will put it up to their visitors and ensure Richmond will have to battle to the end.

Tralee do not have it any easier as they cross the county bounds to play Skibbereen. The Kerry club have built on a strong outing last season. They have played excellent fluent rugby at times with Nessan Crean and Chris Dermody among their main playmakers. The pack have often set up the space for their backs with Brendan Cullotty and Danny Giles among those who often slog it out in the tight as their counterparts grab the highlights.

Skibbereen is not a place they would have wanted to visit in such a crucial encounter, as the West Cork men would love nothing more than to dampen a Kerry’s team’s ambition. They possess a strong team and will be going into the match on the back of a cup win over Clonmel. Both matches promise to be nervy affairs with plenty of twists likely before the end.

There is also plenty to battle for at the bottom of the table as teams look to avoid finishing second bottom. Crosshaven currently occupy that spot and travel to a relegated St Senan’s. The Cork side have hit form since the New Year and will be confident of a win that would put pressure on the teams above them.

Thurles are directly above them and having lost a big game against Kilfeacle the previous weekend things don’t get any easier as they travel to Waterpark, who will be keen to finish their season on a high.

Kilfeacle ensured their safety with that win over their local rivals and could put another Tipperary team in trouble as they play Clonmel who need a win to ensure their safety.

Little rides on Cashel’s game with Cobh Pirates on Saturday but having reached the cup quarter-finals the Tipp club may look to build momentum ahead of that clash.

In Division Two, Old Christians look to continue their promotion assault. They travel to Ennis, who are battling relegation but the Rathcooney club should have too much power up front to pick up the points.

St Mary’s will have to get a win against fellow strugglers Youghal to harbour hopes of survival.

Kanturk travel to Kinsale while Newport host Bandon.

In the cup, Galbally and Muskerry will face off for the third time in as many weeks. There has been little to separate the teams but Muskerry will have gained confidence from their encounters and with Galbally having one eye on promotion, the mid-Cork team may just progress.

In Division 3A, Presentation resurrected their promotion hopes with a win over Killarney and the teams clash again this weekend with the Kerry side hoping to gain revenge. Abbeyfeale and Corca Dhuibhne are also in contention as they also meet on Sunday. Castleisland should continue their winning ways at home to Scariff while Kilrush host Killorglin.

The big match in Division 3A sees promotion contenders and local rivals Mallow and Fermoy come face to face after good wins last weekend. The teams drew the last time they met and a similarly close encounter is expected this time around.

Charleville can cement a top two place with a win at home to Waterford City. Shandon are still in search of their first victory as they travel to Dungarvan while Carrick-on-Suir host Douglas in the other match.

There is one game in the Junior Plate as Nenagh Ormond will hope to cause an upset as they host Thomond.