Richmond set for Skibb showdown
Richmond are currently two points ahead, although the west Cork side have a game in hand away to Galbally. Home advantage could prove decisive for the battle-hardened Limerick side. They haven’t been at their best in recent matches but have shown great battling qualities to hold out for narrow wins. The boot of Jonathon Ford will be crucial and he is well capable of punishing any Skibb indiscipline in their half.
Skibbereen, meanwhile, took away an impressive bonus point victory against Clanwilliam. Their side will be full of confidence but know they can’t expect anything easy. They will need a big game for their pack where Peter Stout at prop is crucial at set-piece and in the loose.
The other main contenders, Kanturk, had their game postponed last week. Despite going on a great run, they have suffered several injuries and are awaiting the return of key players. Their pack laid the foundations of their earlier wins and if they can put in another big performance at home to St Senan’s, they should keep the pressure on the other two.
There are also a number of big games with a bearing on the relegation battle. Cobh Pirates got a major boost with a win at Tralee last week and will feel they can push themselves up to mid-table as they host bottom-of-the-table Thurles.
Kilfeacle are surprisingly second from bottom but a big east Munster clash at home to Waterpark could be the spark to get them back to winning ways. Waterpark have hit a stumbling block in the last couple of games and a focused Kilfeacle effort could give them a serious test.
Tralee are another of the basement sides — albeit surprisingly. The influential Gareth Walsh will be looking for players around him to meet his standards as they host Old Christians. Galbally’s surprise defeat to Old Christians means they have a big gap to make up and won’t get anything easy at Clanwilliam while Clonmel and Crosshaven should provide a competitive game at the Tipperary venue.
In Division 2, Mallow have put a nice cushion between themselves and the chasing pack with a big win over title challengers Presentation. The north Cork side can’t afford to rest on their laurels as they travel to Kinsale. The Seasiders have lost two games but are still in with a chance of promotion. They can’t afford many more slip ups and will be psyched up for a win this Sunday.
If the form book is followed, Presentation and St Mary’s should both maintain their promotion pushes as they host relegation strugglers Bandon and Ballincollig respectively. Another challenger, Newcastle West, will have it slightly tougher as they travel to take on Scariff, who have equipped themselves well at this level.
There is a big game at the bottom of the table as Muskerry face Newport away. The Cork side can be dragged into relegation trouble with a loss as Newport have the chance to join them on nine points. The Tipperary side should be fresh with two recent games postponed and with an impressive win over Killarney last time out they will be full of confidence going into this clash.
Ennis can ease their worries if they pick something up from their trip to Castleisland while the mid-table match between Killarney and Youghal should provide plenty of open attacking rugby.
The chasing pack will have a chance to close the gap on league leaders Dungarvan in Division 3, as the Waterford side enjoy a rest week. Second placed Killorglin have stumbled recently with successive defeats in leagues and cup. Carrick-on-Suir can boost their own push for a top two place if they defeat the Kerry side.
After a poor start, Fermoy are right in the hunt for promotion and can keep the pressure up with a home win over Douglas. Charleville are level with their north Cork rivals and may be aiming for a maximum return as they host Dunmanway.
With a couple of games in hand, Waterford City cannot be discounted and will be expecting to pick up a win at Bantry Bay while Kilrush will hope to cause an upset at home to Abbeyfeale.
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