Crosshaven face tough trip to Clanwilliam

THE severe weather looks set to cause further disruption to fixtures in Munster this weekend.

As it stands, there is a very busy schedule on Sunday. The Munster Junior Cup gets underway with a host of intriguing first round ties while there is a full set of Division One and Two fixtures.

The big game in Division One pits in-form Clanwilliam against All-Ireland Cup semi-finalists Crosshaven. The Tipperary side are joint second and, having regained their top flight status, are proving a force at this level.

For Crosshaven, it is another difficult clash to negotiate having travelled to Cashel and Dromore with mixed results in the last two weeks. If their strong pack can match the hosts they have enough talent out wide to win.

Leaders Cashel and second-placed Richmond will be expecting to pick up wins and may also be aiming for bonus points despite both being on the road. Cashel make the trip to St Senan’s, who will be hoping to put in a big performance while the holders travel to Thurles who have shown mixed form.

Tralee host Kilfeacle, both teams probably too far behind to be in the title race, but both be aiming to finish as high as possible. It should be a tough game.

Old Christians will be expecting to get a win at home to Clonmel, while Skibbereen face a tough task as they face a long trip to Waterpark. Cobh Pirates should have enough quality to win at the Paddocks where they take on Ballincollig.

In Division Two, league leaders Galbally host promotion contenders Mallow. The home team will be confident of maintaining their unbeaten record with Liam Casey and James Taylor being among the division’s top players. Mallow will be fired up to cause an upset, and if they can get off to a good start, could put the home side’s defence under pressure.

St Mary’s joined Galbally at the top last Sunday and will aim to maintain their strong position in the table as they host Ennis. The Clare side were very unlucky to lose out to Kinsale and are capable of causing a surprise.

That was a big win for Kinsale. They will be aiming to build on the momentum as they host Muskerry in a local derby.

At the wrong end of the table, Charleville host Youghal and the home side would be favoured to win.

Games in the Munster Junior Cup first round are scheduled to kick-off at 2pm. Scariff have been one of the top sides in Division Three and will fancy their chances of getting a good run. They host Corca Dhuibhne, with the Kerry side more than capable of pushing the Clare team all the way.

One of the most intriguing encounters sees a powerful Presentation team make the short trip to Abbeyfeale. Both teams are in contention for promotion and neither side will want to lose to their rivals.

Fermoy should be too good for Killorglin, while Kilrush will aim to make home advantage count against Dungarvan.

Old Crescent are notoriously poor travellers so Clonakilty will fancy their chances , while Midleton will be expecting a vocal crowd behind them as Waterford City travel to Towns Park.

Shandon and Bantry Bay would love to get a big cup upset under their belts as they face Douglas and Carrick-on-Suir, respectively.