Impressive Cashel set to welcome Premier rivals Clonmel

THERE were several eye-catching performances in the opening round of the Munster Junior League with several of the title contenders impressing.

Cashel’s 76-12 demolition of Ballincollig was the big talking point of the weekend but the victors face a much tougher prospect on Sunday at home to Clonmel. Clonmel, who required a late fight-back to overcome Skibbereen (25-15), are desperate to avenge a Cup semi-final loss to their Tipperary rivals.

Richmond won’t relinquish their title easily and impressed with a bonus point win away to Old Christians. They should build on that good start with a home win over a Kilfeacle side who lost to Clanwilliam last time out.

Waterpark host an up-and-coming Tralee side. The Waterford outfit are reaping the benefits of a strong underage structure but the experience of the Kingdom visitors could sway the issue.

Crosshaven are unbeaten this season and despite the absence of star man Liam Delaney still managed a comfortable win at Thurles. They host an Old Christians side and hope to make life tough for their visitors up front.

Clanwilliam will be hot favourites against a Ballincollig team reeling from that Cashel hammering.

The other two matches feature sides who all lost their opening clashes. Skibbereen will be expecting to bag their first win as they host Cobh Pirates while Thurles travel to St Senan’s with both eager to get points on the board.

In Division Two, Galbally are favourites for promotion and have added an extra cutting edge to their robust defence. They face a tough trip to St Mary’s with the Limerick city side on a high after upsetting Kinsale. They possess plenty of young talent and if they can get off to a strong start they could cause trouble for the visitors. Mallow were the only team to gain maximum points last weekend and will be looking to push on from that away to Newcastle West.

Killarney enjoyed a good opening day success at Charleville and will another Cork scalp against visitors Kinsale. Muskerry impressed at Galbally and will fancy their chances at home to Youghal, though the East Cork side have an impressive back line.

Ennis bid to bounce back from their first day loss as they host a Kanturk side keen to have a more consistent season. Newport and Bandon will both be expecting wins against Charleville and Castleisland respectively.

Both Waterford sides currently top Division Three with maximum points from their initial League games. Dungarvan have a free weekend while Waterford City make the long trip to Corca Dhuibhne. It will be a rematch of their Martin O’Sullivan Cup semi-final where the Suirsiders won out impressively. The Gaeltacht side will be keen for revenge but the visitors should win if they play to their potential.

Martin O’Sullivan Cup winners Presentation had a break last weekend and will be eyeing up a win as they host Douglas. Abbeyfeale and Fermoy get the home vote as they face Shandon and Bantry Bay respectively.

Kilrush may fancy their chances of a result against Carrick-on-Suir who don’t seem as strong as in recent years while Killorglin’s trip to Scariff is the other Third Division game down for decision.