Provincial Rugby Roundup

On a very quiet weekend, the battle for a top four finish in Division 1 of the Munster Junior League hots up with six sides in contention for the four All Ireland Junior Cup places next season.

Clonakilty have moved up to second place, six points behind leaders Kilfeacle after their 32-27 away win at Muskerry, a result that does not help Muskerry’s cause of avoiding relegation.

Gus Aversa scored two tries for Clon’ and Niall Barrett and Dara Walsh also got tries. Barrett kicked three conversions and a penalty, and Eoin Downey also kicked a penalty. Ryan Spillane replied with two tries for Muskerry and Phil O’Callaghan and Shane Coleman got one each. Rob Cahill kicked two conversions and a penalty.

Richmond moved up to fifth place a point behind both Mallow and Sunday’s Well, following their 24-8 away win at Clanwilliam.

A penalty from Niall Leahy gave Clanwilliam a 3-0 half time lead. Richmond took the lead with a try from Shane Halpin and Shane Purcell converted. Tom McMahon extended Richmond’s advantage with a try to 12-3.

Gavin Downey brought the home side back into contention, but a Rian McNamara try, converted by Purcell made it 19-8. With the last play of the game Osama Farag earned Richmond a bonus try victory, with their fourth try.

There was one game in Division Two, that involved sides in a battle to move away from the relegation zone.

It resulted in a 28-19 home win for Cobh Pirates over Castleisland. Cobh moved up to eight place, while Castleisland are just four points outside the relegation places.

In a closely fought opening half the Pirates led 14-12 at half time. Josh Crone, Killian O’Connell, Jack Worral and Cian Ahern scored tries for the Pirates and Mikey White converted all four. Thomas Conway replied with two tries for the Kerry side and John Bell got one. Joe Sheehy kicked two conversions.