Mallow take a giant step forward

IN the J2 there were important clashes involving Mallow, Mitchelstown and Muskerry with the latter two facing off against each other in an attempt to secure safety. All three local sides went into last weekend’s action sitting in the wrong half of the J2 table but a win for any of them would be crucial come season’s end.

Mallow were first to take a giant step forward as they saw off Waterford City to record their second win on the bounce. 22-15. Mallow’s timely victory means that they will be staying in the J2 next season which is a fair achievement considering a lot of this season didn’t go as planned for the lads from St Joseph’s Road.

The Muskerry versus Mitchelstown clash went all one way with the boys from Ballyanly following Mallow to near safety with the win 14-0. The win sees Muskerry all but safe however one more win in their final three games would make sure. For Mitchelstown, this loss is another hammer blow to their chances of staying up as they now find themselves four points off safety with Ballincollig the side they need to catch.

Johnny Buckley got the ball rolling with a penalty before Joe Tracey bagged another try from the number 8 spot thanks to a pushover try. Killian Horgan impressed at the back of the pack with Michael Collins at Loose Head Prop also well worthy of mention.

It was 8-0 at the break, which was a fair reflection of how things went to that point, but the try line would not be crossed again in this game as Muskerry settled in for the win with two more successful penalties from Captain Buckley.