Free-scoring Richmond will be all out to keep up pressure on Cashel

THE two contenders for the Munster Junior League will be aiming to keep up their recent run of good form with home victories on Sunday.

Richmond currently lie three points off leaders Cashel but with the Limerick side to have home advantage when the two sides meet later in the season, they will know that the title is well within their reach. The reigning league champions have been running up some impressive scores of late with a couple of crucial bonus point victories. The scores are being spread across the team with Finbar Hogan and Ger McNamara among their key men. They host a Waterpark side that have slipped into a tough run recently but will be fired up to cause an upset.

Cashel — with Cian O’Connor and Phil Silke playing some outstanding rugby — will be expected to keep their advantage over Richmond with another win against Old Christians. The Rathcooney side are enjoying a strong campaign and with a dogged pack, the Tipperary team will be provided with a tough game but should have the strength to prevail.

Crosshaven look to be out of the race but after defeating Kilfeacle they look like they should claim third spot. They will also want to build up momentum ahead of their All-Ireland Cup semi-final and the short trip to Ballincollig — who are stranded at the bottom of the table — shouldn’t provide them with too much difficulties..

St Senan’s are Ballincollig’s relegation rivals and they also face a difficult game away to Kilfeacle who will be eager to bounce back from their narrow loss in Myrtleville. Thurles got a much-needed win last week and will be aiming to follow that up as they face a big derby against Clonmel.

Clanwilliam are joint third and will want to keep their strong campaign going. They host a Skibbereen side that are capable of beating many teams on their day and it should be a hard-fought encounter. Cobh Pirates can take a big step to safety with a win at home to Tralee.

In Division Two, the big game is undoubtedly between unbeaten leaders Galbally and fellow promotion hopefuls Newcastle West. Galbally look to be the outstanding side in the division having built on a strong campaign last year, with Ian Ryan and Liam Casey leading the charge. Newcastle West were the leaders until a narrow defeat at Castleisland last week, but on their own turf, they will certainly be confident of a win. Tommy Kelleher poses a big threat while Sean Berkery and Rory Keating are both key players.

Kanturk are sandwiched in between those two sides and face a home tie against St Mary’s. Darragh Meade’s strong boot and ability to control matters from out-half is a big asset for the North Cork side. The Limerick team will be fired up, having suffered a surprise loss, and there should be plenty of passion on display.

Youghal have had a major upturn in form in recent weeks, running up some impressive scores. They will be wanting more of the same against a Killarney side who have enjoyed a superb season. The Kerry team will need a win to maintain their hopes of a top two finish. Other promotion hopefuls Castleisland and Mallow will also be hungry for points as they take on Ennis and Kinsale respectively.

At the bottom of the table, there is a massive game with Bandon and Charleville battling it out. The result is likely to have a big bearing on which team may face the drop.

Newport and Muskerry are also in danger but whoever wins can build a bit of a gap from the relegation zone.

In Division Three, Presentation travel to Fermoy in the big promotion clash. Scariff face a true test of their promotion credentials as they face a strong Abbeyfeale side.

Waterford City and Douglas should keep their outside hopes of promotion alive as they travel to Killorglin and Dungarvan respectively. Corca Dhuibhne should get the better of Kilrush while Shandon and Bantry Bay will both be seeking a rare win when they clash at the West Cork venue.

There is one game taking place in the Munster Junior Cup this Sunday, at Musgrave Park, as Clonakilty make the trip to Sunday’s Well with the winners facing Garryowen in the next round.