Cup defence on track as Richmond torpedo Kilfeacle’s hopes once again

There was a disappointing start to the opening round of the Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Cup with only three of the scheduled seven games going ahead.

Holders Richmond defeated Kilfeacle 24-17 in a repeat of last season’s final at the Tipperary venue. Richmond led 12-0 at half time with tries from Stephen Clancy and Finbarr Hogan with Clancy kicking a conversion. Gareth O’Hanlon and James Hayes added further tries and Brian Mullins converted one. Kilfeacle replied with tries from Pat Ryan, Charles Walsh and Packie Burke with Shane Looby converting one.

Richmond will now be away to Waterpark in next week’s quarter-finals.

Newcastle West defeated St Mary’s 20-13 in the battle between the two promoted sides. The Corbally outfit led 10-7 at half time with a try from Sean Markham and a conversion and penalty by Sean Lyons. Brian McAuliffe replied with a try for the west Limerick side and Conor Whelan converted. Whelan put the visitors ahead with a try which he also converted and Tommy Kelleher added a drop goal. Lyons kicked a penalty for Mary’s.

Old Christians made their trip to Tralee a winning one, coming out on top 25-18. A try, conversion and two penalties by Gareth Walsh gave Tralee a 13-8 interval lead. John O’Flynn scored a try for the visitors and Conor Mangan kicked a penalty. Old Christians rallied early in the second half with two converted tries from Darragh Daly and Chris Collins with Mangan converting both to lead 22-13. Eoin Murphy closed the gap to four points with a try but another Mangan penalty sealed it.

In the Munster Seconds League South Highfield had a 53-7 win over UCC at Curraheen Road. James Sheehan scored four tries for the winners and John Sheehan, Colin Forde, Fintan O’Sullivan, George French and Jack Duffy got one each. Sean Quaid kicked four conversions. Midleton defeated Sunday’s Well 45-11. Luke McKeown and Jason Holland scored two tries each for the winners and George Glennon and Gearoid Collins also scored tries. Kieran Burns converted all six tries and also kicked a penalty. Cashel were 43-11 home winners over Dolphin.

In the North Munster Seconds League Old Crescent had a 32-28 away win over Nenagh Ormond and UL. Bohemian defeated Thomond 23-8.

Cork Constitution will contest yet another Dennehy Cup final after their 16-0 home win over Kinsale while the other semi-final between Dolphin and Carrigaline was postponed due to a bereavement.

Bandon and Mitchelstown will contest the Muskerry Cup final following wins over Sunday’s Well and Clonakilty respectively.