Clan renew cup battle with Bruff
Clanwilliam have been used to late dramatics in recent weeks and it is likely to be every bit as exciting as they travel to Bruff for their replay. They needed a late drop-goal by Willie Dwyer to grab a replay, having led for most of the game, and Dwyer almost snatched victory with an effort in injury time that rebounded off the post.
Last weekend saw them grab two tries in eight minutes of injury time to secure promotion from Division Two and also claim the title.
Despite giving up home advantage, Clanwilliam will be fired up to secure a place in the last four.
Bruff have enjoyed a very good run and their success at this level has certainly fed into the senior team, with the strength in depth crucial to their bid for promotion in the AIL. There is a great mixture of youth and experience in their side and everyone in the club will have fond memories of this competition from their days as a junior club. The players will love to compete for the trophy. It should be another close affair with the Limerick side probably having the slight edge.
The other semi-final pits Cashel against Old Christians in what is another intriguing tie.
There would have been obvious disappointment around the Tipp club that they were unable to claim their third league title in the row but winning the cup for the first time in history would be just as big an achievement. They certainly possess a team capable of giving any other side a stern test and will start this clash as favourites.
Old Christians have gained their main aim of promotion back to the top flight and would love to pit themselves against the side who have been to the fore in Munster Junior rugby in recent years. Last week’s last-gasp defeat to Clanwilliam did deny Christians the chance to claim the Division Two title but they could be dark horses to claim this prestigious trophy. The Rathcooney outfit will need their pack to put in a big effort while the likes of Aidan Tobin and Stuart Lee will need to be clinical.
Another big game this weekend sees the Munster Junior Shield final take place as Galbally play Kanturk at Charleville. Galbally, having narrowly missed out on promotion to the top flight, will wish to salvage something tangible and will start as favourites to claim their second piece of silverware. Kanturk head into this match in form following a heavy victory over Muskerry. The North Cork side will be confident they can upset the odds on Sunday.
There is a massive match in Division 3A as the two candidates for the second play-off spot face off, as Abbeyfeale host Killarney. A draw would guarantee the Limerick side’s spot with the Kerry side needing a win to maintain hopes.
Castleisland visit Corca Dhuibhne and should prove too strong for the home side. This game will go ahead at Ballydavid on Saturday The two games in Division 3B have little effect on the play-offs with Mallow’s place already guaranteed and they face Douglas. Fermoy travel to Carrick-On-Suir.
One of the big games in the Junior Plate takes place on Saturday as Bandon host Ballincollig in a local derby. The hosts have not enjoyed a very successful year but can’t be complacent as their opponents will be fired up for a win.
Two of the strongest looking sides in the competition, Cobh Pirates and Kilfeacle, play each other at the Tipperary venue. Each will fancy their chances and it should prove to be a close encounter.
Tralee face a very tricky test as they travel to Fitzgerald Park to face Thomond, with the Limerick city outfit well capable of causing an upset. Sunday’s Well may fancy their chances of getting the better of Garryowen.
Dolphin will be expecting to progress at the expense of Waterford City in their replay, while Highfield will hope to make use of home advantage against Thurles.
There are two matches in the Bowl, with Charleville and Newport likely to get wins on the road as they face Killorglin and Shandon respectively. There should be a keenly-fought game in the O’Neill Cup as Midleton host Clonakilty.
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