Cashel look to maintain good run

THERE is a full programme of League fixtures this weekend with the battle for the Division One Title looking like it has boiled down to a two horse race.

Cashel are currently in pole position and are viewed by many as favourites to go all the way but Richmond are also well in the hunt and will be eager to reclaim their crown.

The Tipperary club face a difficult task as they travel to Skibbereen. The West Cork side are a formidable outfit, especially on their own soil and will relish the opportunity to upset the League leaders. They’ll look to their strong pack to take the game to Cashel with Peter Stout and the experienced Declan Coppinger key players. Cashel have been in exemplary form of late and if they maintain their recent momentum they should prevail despite the best efforts of their hosts.

Richmond are also on the road and will be expecting to keep the pressure up as they face struggling St Senan’s. The Clare side recently suffered a very heavy loss against Cashel and will look to ensure they don’t suffer the same fate here. The Limerick side had an exciting win over Crosshaven but know they will need to push on with the likes of Ian Madden and Ger McCarthy looking to replicate their recent form.

That Crosshaven lost that game effectively rules out their hopes but they will aim to get back to winning ways as they host Kilfeacle. The Tipp’ side will provide a robust opposition and can overtake Crosshaven with a win.

Clanwilliam currently lie in third place and while unlikely to threaten the top two they will want to maintain their strong position and will fancy their chances of coming out on top against a Waterpark side who have exhibited mixed form this campaign.

Bottom of the table Ballincollig are currently three points off Thurles just above them but must travel up to the Tipperary side. A defeat for ‘Collig could see them cut adrift at the bottom and recent results haven’t gone well for them. Thurles have put in some decent efforts and know the importance of this game.

Old Christians host Cobh Pirates in a Cork derby with the Rathcooney side set to maintain their good campaign.

Tralee host a Clonmel side who will be rejuvenated after an impressive win over Cobh last weekend.

The big game in Division Two sees promotion chasers Castleisland host top of the table Newcastle West. The Kerry side will hope that a vocal crowd can get behind the likes of Nessan Murphy and Sean Riordan. The Limerick team will know that they need a strong defensive display and hope the likes of Tommy Kelleher can take chances when they arise.

Kinsale continue to put in a string of mixed performances. They host a strong Kanturk side with the North Cork team very much in the hunt for League glory and they will have to keep the likes of Peter Murphy and Fraser Hodgson quiet if they are to win out.

Charleville will hope that they can climb off the bottom of the table as they take on Mallow in a big North Cork derby with Mallow needing a win to keep any promotion hopes alive.

Galbally should maintain their unbeaten run as they host struggling Bandon. St Mary’s will be expecting a home win over Youghal but the East Cork side have shown their attacking capabilities in recent weeks.

Newport host Ennis with the home side desperate to get a win to move out of the relegation battle while Killarney will hope to win out against Muskerry.

In Division Three, top of the table Presentation will be expecting to maintain their unbeaten run as they host Dungarvan. Mark Phair and James Ryan have been key players for the Limerick team and they look well set for a promotion spot.

Scariff are hot on their heels and face a very difficult trip as they visit a Corca Dhuibhne side who always give their all. This game also doubles up as a Junior Cup tie.

Fermoy put up a big score last week in the Cup against Killorglin but will be just happy with a win at Abbeyfeale to keep their League aspirations alive while the clash between Carrick-On-Suir and Waterford City will see the loser cut out of the promotion hunt.

Douglas should maintain their good form as they host Bantry Bay while Shandon may be hopeful of finally getting a win under their belt as they host Killorglin.