Focused Cashel chasing Munster clean sweep

CASHEL bid to add another trophy to their bulging collection at the expense of Crosshaven, while promotion and relegation issues will become clearer across all three divisions on a busy weekend of junior action.

Any thoughts of a let up in Cashel’s aspirations after claiming league honours were dispelled last week with an impressive cup win over Dolphin. On Sunday they hope to secure a clean sweep of Munster trophies by claiming the Challenge Cup against Crosshaven.

With quality players in all positions and strength in depth, the enter the tie as favourites. Pat O’Connor has been their star performer but Conor Quinlan and Kevin Leamy are key men in the Cashel camp.

Crosshaven had a surprise defeat at home to Clanwilliam in the league last week but perhaps their focus was on Sunday’s affair. They gave Cashel a tough league game before the Tipp side pulled away in the closing stages.

Merle O’Connell’s performance is central to their hopes while the dynamism of Jake Grey and Eamon Ring can create openings for dangerous finishers such as Andrew Lane. It should be a full-blooded encounter but it is hard to look past Cashel to make more headlines in this remarkable season.

Ballincollig’s relegation from the top flight could be confirmed this weekend if they fail to overcome Tralee at Tanner Park.

While Tralee may be disheartened after their Junior Cup elimination, they should have enough quality and determination to claim the win, a result which would be welcome news to Cobh Pirates and St Senan’s, who are also near the drop zone.

Meanwhile Galbally can secure top flight rugby with a win away to Castleisland. The Limerick side have not lost a game and will be on a big high following their progress to the last four in the Cup. Having overcome Tralee last week, they once again face Kerry opposition in Castleisland, and will be hoping that Eddie Fraher can reproduce his heroics of last week.

Kanturk look set to secure the second promotion spot, but face a massive game at home to local rivals Mallow.

At the other end of the table, Muskerry are desperate for a win in their battle against the dreaded drop. They face a tough assignment away to Killarney who have plenty of momentum following the Plate win over Kanturk.

There is a full round of fixtures in the Third Division and Presentation can guarantee promotion with at least two points at home to Corca Dhuibhne. Given their form, it is hard to see beyond a win for the Limerick side.

Scariff are also well placed to make the jump up to the Second Division. They can go along way to securing their promotion spot with a win away to Shandon. The Cork city side have struggled for results but can not be faulted for effort and will ensure the Clare side are given a tough challenge.

Waterford City and Fermoy hope Shandon can do them a favour but both have to win to keep them in the promotion race as they face-off in Waterford. The hosts are better placed to pounce should Scariff slip up and home advantage should be a major factor. Carrick-on-Suir can leapfrog Dungarvan if they beat their local rivals while the other game should see Douglas overcome Kilrush.