Weekend Preview | Garryowen Contest Bateman Cup Final

Over a relatively quiet Easter Weekend, the All Ireland League promotion play-off series, the Bateman Cup decider and the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup semi-finals take centre stage.

Garryowen and City of Armagh get the show on the road at Templeville Road in the Bateman Cup final. This is the Sky Blues’ sixth time reaching this decider while the Ulster side are first time finalists. Garryowen are seeking their third title, having previously won the trophy in 2007 and 2012.

Cashel welcome Navan to the Spafield for their Division 2A promotion play-off semi-final, with the winners due to meet Buccaneers or Queen’s University, who go head to head in Athlone.

Cashel ran out 23-7 when they met the County Meath side at the Spafield in the last series of games before the Christmas break, while Navan won the corresponding fixture 20-13 when the competition resumed in January.

Midleton and Bruff contest the Division 2C promotion play-off semi-final at Towns Park with North County Dublin neighbours Skerries or Malahide meeting the winners.

The County Limerick side, who secured their Senior Status following their victory over Bandon in last year’s relegation play-off, defeated Midleton 26-8 at Kilballyowen Park last time out. The East Cork side, who narrowly avoided relegation last year, won the corresponding fixture 35-8 on the opening day of the season.

The semi-finals of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup are down for decision on Easter Sunday.

Holders Cork Constitution welcome 2014 winners Clonmel to Temple Hill and Highfield entertain Cashel at Woodleigh Park.

Cork Constitution will start favourites to qualify for another final, especially as Clonmel will have their eyes focused on Saturday’s week game away to Seapoint to decide if they will be playing Senior or Junior rugby next season.

Highfield will be expected to see off the challenge of Cashel especially after their great come back in the last round away to Young Munster, but Cashel are the dark horses and would not want to be underestimated.

Holders Cork Constitution and Highfield clash in the final of the South Junior 2 Cup at Irish Independent Park on Friday evening and this is sure to draw a huge crowd.

Highfield saw their bid for a fifth successive victory ended by Con’ last season and they will be eager to claim the trophy for the 17th occasion while Con’ will be bidding for their 32nd victory

Newcomers Ardscoil Rís Old Boys face Gleeson League champions Shannon at the 4G UL arena on Friday night with a place in the Webb Cup final at steak.

There are also two finals down South to be decided, Mallow face Kinsale in the Kelly Cup in Fermoy on Friday and Ballincollig take on Fermoy in the McCarthy Cup decider at Irish Independent Park on Sunday morning.