Cashel’s tricky cup defence at Abbeyfeale

CASHEL begin their first defence of the Munster Junior Cup this weekend while a couple of title challengers will be aiming to get closer to Richmond in the top flight.

Many of the big-hitters will still be sitting out the cup this weekend but there are plenty of quality teams who will fancy their chances of a good run in this competition. Holders Cashel will have a vastly different team to last season as they are now set to field a seconds team but will still be looking to make a decent defence. They face a tricky trip to Abbeyfeale, who have not set Division Three alight but are able to raise their game.

Dungarvan have been in excellent form in Division Three and earned a good win in extra-time against Sunday’s Well last time out. They face an even tougher test as they take on a strong St Mary’s side. The Waterford team will relish the chance to test themselves against a high-quality team but the Limerick side should prevail.

Youghal suit the cup as they are able to play some scintillating attacking rugby but lack consistency in their performances. However, they will need to put in a big effort to progress as Newcastle West host them looking to add a good cup run to their excellent league form.

Presentation are another side in fine form but will be wary of Bruff — a club that relish the chance of good cup runs. Another team capable of a run is Mallow, although they cannot have any let up in their performance as they travel to take on Rosbrien to take on Old Crescent.

Some sides may not be in the final frame but will be aiming to cause some upsets this weekend. Home advantage will give Carrick-on-Suir a great chance to defeat Castleisland, who have been getting results recently despite a long injury list. Charleville travel up to Ennis, who have been struggling of late, and the north Cork side would relish heaping further misery on the Clare team.

Bandon are a side who may be thankful to take their minds off the grind of the league. A trip to Dooradoyle will be a daunting prospect but they can go into the match without any fear as Garryowen will be expected by almost everyone to progress.

There are a couple of interesting Cork derbies on offer too. At Woodleigh Park, Kinsale make the short trip up to take on Highfield. Many of the players will know each other well and it should be a hard-fought encounter.

Ballincollig won’t be relishing their trip to Midleton, who are likely to have a vocal crowd behind them as they will sense a chance of a good run. The one other game should be another close encounter as Muskerry host Scariff, with the visitors showing better form so far this season.

There are three matches taking place in Division 1 which are likely to have consequences at both ends of the table. With Richmond awarded four points from their game with Clonmel following a meeting of the Munster Junior Committee, the other title challengers can’t afford any slip-ups.

Kanturk currently occupy second place and now trail the Limerick club by seven points. No matter what happens from here it has been a hugely successful year for the north Cork club following their promotion last year. They will need all their experience to overcome a Crosshaven side who have not been on top form this year but are still a tough team to get the better off. The half-back partnership of Paul Cotter and Darragh Meade is likely to be crucial to Kanturk if they are to win.

Skibbereen and Galbally still have chances of league glory as they are eight and 10 points behind Richmond respectively. The west Cork team must travel up to play their clash this weekend. They put in a strong effort before coming up short against Richmond, while Galbally looked to have been hitting form again before Christmas and should pick up a win.

Clonmel’s loss of the points from the Richmond game now sees them thrown into a very crowded relegation battle. They are three points above Old Christians who they face this weekend at the Tipperary venue. Christians, who occupy the second relegation spot, were well beaten last week at Tralee and it will require a big mental effort to bounce back with another tough away trip. Clonmel should do enough to get a win that would go a long way to securing their safety.