Bank Of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup Preview

This Saturday’s Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup Final promises to be an intriguing encounter with two sides who are also in the thick of promotion races in their respective divisions. The game is a repeat of the 2007/08 final where Shannon won a tight game 12-6. This game promises to be every bit of close.

Amazingly that was the last time Shannon lifted this trophy, while they seemed to be in a period of total domination. A win today will make it their 20th success in the competition while Highfield are aiming to make it a third Final victory. The Cork side won the tournament twice in the late 60s during a golden era for the club.

Both teams have had a mix of hard-fought nail-biters and some convincing dominant displays during this season’s tournament that started in early September. Shannon looked like they might fall at the first hurdle away to Division 2C side Bruff. The hosts led 22-10 with 20 minutes left but Shannon rallied to seal a 27-22 victory. David Smith scored two early tries to keep Shannon in the game with Josh Costelloe grabbing a brace late on and Jack O’Donnell also touching down for a crucial score.

Highfield won more comfortably in their opener as they raced into a 29-0 lead away to Cashel. Travis Coomey was the hero on the day with a hat-trick of tries while David O’Sullivan also dotted down. Shane O’Riordan added nine points with the boot while Shane Buckley also added a late penalty to leave the final score at 32-12.

Highfield who had the tougher game in the quarterfinals, as they edged out top-flight Young Munster in a 26-25 thriller. In a thrilling encounter, a try at the death by Cillian Twomey, which Shane Buckley duly converted secured a magnificent win. In an open flowing game, James Cronin, Jamie Sheehan and Coomey again scored tries; with Buckley finishing with three conversions.

After the opening round score; Shannon ensured not to leave anything to chance as the saw off Midleton 24-0. Harry Long and Matt Te Pou scored tries to add to a penalty try. Cillian O’Connor converted both players’ tries and kicked a penalty.

The semi-finals both took place on Valentine’s Day, with no love lost between respective opponents. Shannon had their best win of the competition so far; toppling Cork Constitution 16-10 on the back-pitch at Thomond Park. An excellent start saw them lead 13-0 at the break courtesy of a Cian McCann try, with Jamie Gavin adding the conversion and two penalties. They withstood the second-half comeback by Con’ with Gavin adding another crucial penalty.

Highfield went to Dooradoyle and a superb, disciplined display saw them book their place in today’s decider. A tight first-half saw the Woodleigh Park side hold a slender 6-5 lead courtesy of two Buckley penalties. Buckley monopolised the scoring for the visitors; amidst a great all-round team effort; notching a try which he converted and adding two more penalties to see his side through with a 19-10 victory.