Waterpark face fierce battle in Skibbereen
After four games, Skibb lead the way with a 100% record. They have a strong robust pack with some exciting runners who can take advantage of the space created.
Waterpark look set to rise again having been demoted from the senior grade a couple of seasons ago. The club has gone about things in the right way and have one of the country’s strongest youth sections.
That is beginning to bear fruition with many young players now playing with the adult teams. This week will be a very tough test with Skibbereen a formidable venue and the west Cork team should take advantage of being at home.
Richmond lie just below the top two and will be expecting to end the weekend in second place at least as they host a struggling Thurles side. The Limerick side should be too strong and may target a bonus point while Thurles may target later games to pull themselves off the bottom.
Galbally had a break last weekend and will relish getting back to action as they host St Senan’s. Galbally have carried their form from their promotion last year and look to be a major force at this level. It will be a tough ask for the Clare side but their powerful pack will pose questions and they do have some threatening counter attackers in their team as well.
Kanturk look to be the surprise package after a convincing win over Clonmel last week. Their fiery pack has set the basis for a lot of their success, setting a strong platform from set-pieces as well as attacking the breakdown with vigour. Carlton O’Leary and Dan McCabe are among their star men and will hope to put in a big show at home to Cobh. The east Cork side won’t have much pressure on them going into the game and have players in their pack who will relish the challenge.
Clonmel will be aiming to bounce back immediately from that defeat. They should have enough to get the better of an Old Christians side who haven’t reached their standard of last season.
Kilfeacle won their first league game last weekend and will aim to keep Tralee winless while Clanwilliam will fancy their chances of overcoming Crosshaven at home.
The three top sides in Division Two will aim to maintain their 100% records with home games. Presentation have proved to be more than capable of competing at this level having gained promotion for the first time in their history last year.
Muskerry should provide stiff opposition but Pres’s momentum should carry them through.
Of the three, St Mary’s face a tough test as they take on Newcastle West in what should be a fierce local derby. Sean Lyons’s strong kicking could prove a crucial weapon for the Corbally outfit.
Mallow host Ballincollig and will be expecting a victory as the mid-Cork team are still winless in the league. Michael Flynn will hope to keep his scoring record going for the north Cork side.
There is a big Kerry derby as Killarney host Castleisland. The home side will need to be at their best as Castleisland will be fired up to get their first win of the season.
Kinsale will hope to take advantage of any slip-up by the top teams as they host Ennis, while Youghal will face a tough trip to Bandon as the east Cork side bid to get back to winning ways.
The other match is a bottom-of-the-table clash, with Scariff hopeful that they can make home advantage count and get their first win in Division Two against Newport.
Killorglin have been flying in Division Three with a series of impressive victories and should continue their good form as they host Dunmanway. Dungarvan will also expect to keep their unbeaten start going against Corca Dhuibhne with the Waterford side proving mentally strong when things are tight.
Waterford City should prove to be too strong for Shandon while Douglas will be aiming to upset Carrick-on-Suir as they travel to the Tipperary club.
Abbeyfeale should respond to their recent defeat against Killorglin with a win in Bantry while Fermoy and Kilrush will be battling it out for their first win of the campaign at the north Cork venue.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
