Unbeaten Skibbereen braced for tough trip to Galbally

SKIBBEREEN continue to lead the way at the top of Division 1 of the Munster Junior League, with five teams just behind them.

The west Cork side remain the only unbeaten team but face a very tough run of fixtures before the New Year, with this weekend’s trip to Galbally will be their toughest assignment to date. They will be ready for a difficult day but have proven themselves capable of getting out of sticky situations to win their last couple of matches with a skilful backline aligned with a fearsome pack that can last the pace and will be ready to strike if things are in the balance going into the final quarter.

Galbally suffered their first league defeat in nearly two years at Waterpark last weekend and will be eager to bounce back immediately. A lack of discipline has cost them with red cards in the last two games but on their own soil they still possess a team capable of matching anyone.

Richmond have the most bonus points of the league contenders which has kept them very much in the race. On their day they are capable of running in the tries and will fancy their chances of pushing for maximum points at home to St Senan’s. The Clare side won’t be pushovers and will play with plenty of confidence but the Limerick side’s class should tell.

Kanturk are the surprise package of the campaign and despite a series of injuries, there is no sign in them letting up. With home advantage against Thurles they should maintain their run, although the Tipperary club got a much needed win against Kilfeacle. They have bounced back after a poor start but may target several other games to pull out of the relegation zone.

Waterpark enjoyed a great win over Galbally and with John Flynn in fine kicking form, they will feel confident of getting a win on the road to Clanwilliam. The Tipperary side have hit a rough patch despite plenty of talent in their side and should the Waterford side have an off day, they could be ready to pounce.

With a game in hand, Clonmel are very much in the race and a bonus point win against Cobh Pirates did them no harm last week. They have narrowly missed out on full points and if they can be more clinical in attack, they could quickly pile up the points. They will be expecting a win at last at home to a Tralee side who are surprisingly in the relegation battle. The Kerry side undoubtedly have quality players but on current form may just be happy with a strong performance.

After the disappointment of a loss to Thurles, it will be difficult for Kilfeacle to get back to winning ways as they host a Crosshaven side who have shown an upturn in form in recent weeks. The other Division 1 game will give a big boost to the victors in the bid to avoid the drop as Cobh Pirates host Old Christians.

There are three matches in Division 2, all of which are set to have a big impact in the relegation battle. Last year there were two divisions between Ballincollig and Scariff, but at the moment the Clare side look to be in better form. The side in the Cork suburb will need to make full use of home advantage to get a win that could push them up to mid-table.

More than local pride will be at stake as Muskerry host Bandon. Bandon already suffered a derby defeat to Ballincollig last week and will be hungry for success but Ballyanly is a tough place to visit and the Muskerry players will target this as a must-win game.

Newport currently lie bottom of the table and they will need a big performance if they are to overcome a strong Killarney side who look to be out of the title race but should be pushing to finish as high as possible.

With Killorglin on a rest week, Dungarvan have the chance to move top of the table as they host Dunmanway. The county Waterford side have produced some excellent rugby and should prove too strong for the Cork side, who are unlikely to return from their long journey with more than a losing bonus point.

With Killorglin and Dungarvan opening up a large gap, it will need a big surge by the other sides to catch them. Charleville will be aiming to lead the chase and a home tie against Corca Dhuibhne should help them keep somewhat in touch. Abbeyfeale almost got the better of the County Waterford side last week but face a difficult trip to Fermoy, who have recovered from a couple of defeats early in the campaign.

Carrick-on-Suir and Waterford City should prove a very intense encounter while Bantry Bay will aim to cause an upset at home to Douglas.