Junior Rugby News

In Division One of the Munster Junior League, the League title and a place in the All Ireland Round Robin series will be up for grabs when Cobh Pirates travel to Nenagh Ormond on Sunday.

HEINEKEN MUNSTER JUNIOR LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION FINAL Nenagh Ormond v Cobh Pirates Sunday 20th March 2005 Nenagh, 2.30pm

In the first division of the Munster Junior League, the League title as well as a place in the All Ireland Round Robin series will be up for grabs when Cobh Pirates travel to Nenagh Ormond on Sunday.

Nenagh Ormond had a narrow home victory over Kilfeacle in the semi finals, with just one point separating the sides at full time at 15-14, with tries from Trevor Slattery and Denis Connolly, and the boot of Liam Delaney giving the home side the edge. Nenagh Ormond have come through to the latter stages of both the Munster Junior League and Munster Junior Cup, after securing their semi final place in the Munster Junior Cup last weekend with a 20-15 win over Dolphin. Nenagh Ormond are the defending champions in the Munster Junior Cup and a series of excellent results put them well in position to contest strongly for both titles. The squad is very much a home grown one, with captain Robbie Pole and Denis O Meara lending a wealth of experience. Combined with a number of younger players brought on from the 2000 All Ireland U.18 team, the side has a successful blend of youth and more experienced players.

After a 12-3 win against Cashel in the quarter finals, Cobh Pirates had to go to extra time with Youghal to secure their 20-10 victory in the semi finals. Both teams were level at half time with seven points a piece, and at full time were locked on 10-10. It took the dynamic David Whalley at full back to launch Pirates into the final with an extra time try which edged out a battling Youghal. Cobh Pirates had a tough first round clash with Cork Constitution in the Munster Junior Cup, but have progressed to the semi final of the Junior Plate, with a 20-17 win over Youghal last weekend. Key players include captain Brendan Ronan at out half, Brett Abramson and Ian Dunne in the back row, and a strong front row. For Cobh Pirates, it s the biggest day in the club s history, having never got to this stage previously and is sure to be well supported.