Rugby season up and running

WE are off and running in Munster Junior Rugby in the last number of weeks and the clubs of North Cork are back battling in some of the toughest grades of junior club rugby in the land.

There were many great performances last season from some of the well-established names in local rugby, but overall the season saw more downs than ups with Kanturk’s life as a senior club coming to an end when they came back from Division 2C down to the J1C of Munster rugby.

Muskerry were also the big losers last time out as they lost their position as the only local side plying their trade in the J1. Relegation to the mid division was avoided for a few years however considering the struggles of the last number of years a fresh start in J2 was probably a good way to go.

There were a few shocks last weekend with the likes of Skibbereen taking the spoils against a highly fancied Bandon the biggest among them, however, Kanturk’s heavy loss to a Kilfeacle side that racked up 42 points – running in six converted tries at home to the Duhallow men’s seven points.

Darren Lowry, Ciaran Lowry, Brian Roche, Tom Doyle, Jamie Heuston and Cormac Ryan did the damage for the victors with Heuston slotting over four conversions with Shane Luby adding a brace.

Raymond Alesana responded for the visitors with a try which was converted by Paul O’Keeffe, but this one really was one way traffic and will reinforce the knowledge in Kanturk that this season may be junior but the level of competition is every bit as challenging as it was in the senior ranks.

In the J2 both Mallow and Muskerry were in action last weekend with both surely fancying their chances of taking something from the respective occasions. Both sides will feel they have a lot to prove in 2017/2018 after failing to show their top form for most of the previous campaign.

Mallow showed in spurts last year they have plenty of class however more often than not they failed to take points when they were on offer. For Muskerry there is little doubt that relegation from the J1 was a bitter pill to take however being competitive in the J2 will hopefully again lead to a big challenge for this prestigious Mid-Cork club.

Last weekend it was a clash with Kinsale that occupied the minds of those at Muskerry and despite putting up a really good showing it was the seasiders that ultimately took the spoils and with it went top of the early season table.

Barry McGrory scored a try, two penalties and a drop goal for the victors who came out on top by the narrowest of margins 14-13. Muskerry had their moments to cheer with Killian Horgan going over for his sides only try with Jonathan Buckley adding a conversion and two penalties.

Muskerry will be disappointed with the home loss, but taking something from every game is hugely important so the losing bonus point may well prove important when the season gets closer to the business end of proceedings.

Mallow faced up to an Old Christians side that came into the tie top of the early season table however if there was ever proof needed that Mallow have what it takes to challenge for a title this was it as the men from the banks of the Blackwater showed just what they have to offer – taking the day by 18-11 at home in St Joseph’s Road.

Mike Sweeney and Peter Cosgrove were the main men for the winners with a try a piece with Jimmy Glynn adding to the Christian’s pain with a conversion and two penalties. Gale Kaleng hit back for the vanquished side with their only try of the afternoon while John Marnell bagged two penalties.

The win sees Mallow set down a genuine early marker after a few seasons where they struggled from the off. This is likely to be a tough season for all the local clubs in the J2, but having said that there will be some tasty local derbies to look forward to in the coming months.

In the J3 Fermoy had the unenviable task of taking on a Tralee side that have seen relegation twice in a few years. The Kerry men slipped from J1 to J3 in double quick time so they will be desperate to get back to challenging for titles.

Fermoy had a mixed bag of a season last year and after looking competitive early in the campaign they fell away to ultimately disappoint.

Tralee had home advantage as well as scoreboard advantage here winning out by all of 20 points 26-6 with a brace of tries from Kevin O’Shea with Martin Stack and Michael Maher each going over for five pointers. Ben O’Neill converted on three occasions.

Dylan Lacey kicked two penalties for Fermoy which was as good as it got for a side that just didn’t have the answers on the day. Fermoy shouldn’t be too disappointed with the result here as Tralee are likely to put many of the J3 sides to the sword this season.

Charleville got off to a great start with their win over Ennis, 18-10. The North Cork side saw Bertie Murphy go in for their second try after the men in red received their opener as a result of a penalty. Jesse Smith converted one and hit two penalties. Ennis did go in for a five pointer with Cian Guilfoyle touching down with Bryan Murphy converting and adding a penalty.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 2.30pm

J1

Kanturk v Richmond

J2

Ballincollig v Mitchelstown Castleisland v Muskerry

J3

Bantry Bay v Charleville Fermoy v Dungarvan