Junior Rugby Focus: Bandon cause big upset

It was another exciting weekend at the top of Division 1 of the Munster Junior League.

Bandon caused a big upset when they defeated second placed Richmond 28-15. Richard Walsh was the star, scoring two tries and a penalty. Ray Nea and Kevin Lucey also scored tries and Chris Laidler kicked a penalty and a conversion. Brian Mullins replied with five penalties for the home side.

Leaders Clonmel needed a late penalty try which Conor Cooney converted to share the spoils with Old Christians (14-14). A try from Jeff Hodder and a penalty and a drop goal by Sean Meaney had the visitors 11-0 ahead after 60 minutes. Gareth Mulcahy brought Clonmel back into contention with a try which Cooney converted. Meaney added another penalty before Clonmel’s late equaliser.

Clanwilliam recorded a 14-13 away win over rivals Kilfeacle. Niall Leahy scored a try and three penalties for Clan’ and Diarmuid O’Donnell replied with a try for Kilfeacle and Shane Looby converted and added two penalties.

Galbally needed a late penalty from Jack O’Mullane to pip Newcastle West 8-6. Raymond Forde scored a try for the home side. Skibbereen won their relegation clash with Waterpark 11-5. Donal Collins was the home side’s try scorer and Denis McCarthy kicked two penalties.

Abbeyfeale extended their lead in Division Two after their 48-3 home win over Tralee. Derry O’Connor scored two tries and Kieran McCarthy, John Murphy, Liam McHenry and Dean Enright got one each. Steve Daly kicked five conversions and two penalties and Tom Hassett also added a conversion.

Kinsale moved into second after their 26-15 away win over Ennis. Aidan McCarthy, Pat O’Regan, Peter Murphy and Timmy Broderick scored tries for Kinsale and Broderick kicked three conversions. Kealan O’Flaherty and Cian Nugent replied with tries for Ennis and O’Flaherty kicked a conversion and a penalty. Thurles were convincing 78-10 home winners over bottom side Dungarvan.

John Lillis scored four tries and seven conversions. Colm Skeehan and Nicky Irwin got two tries each and Ciaran Ryan, Declan Rahelly, Paddy Phelan and Larry O’Gorman one apiece. Maurice Power replied with a try for the visitors and David Hickey converted. Stephen Phelan added a drop goal.