Another defeat for high-flying Mallow

A QUIET few days on the Munster Junior Rugby front last weekend as just two local sides crossed the whitewash – with Charleville taking on Tralee in the league while Mallow took on Abbeyfeale in the cup looking to secure a spot in the last four.

First up come high flying Mallow (well they were high flying before losing two games on the bounce) and their fixture away at Abbeyfeale

Looking to get back to winning ways, Mallow headed to the Treaty county full of the joys of life however they would ultimately succumb to third loss in a row – this one in the Junior Challenge Cup last Sunday.

This was Mallow’s second time going to Newcastle West in as many months but this time around it was knockout rugby.

Mallow won the previousclash between these two sides so there was little doubt that the hosts would be lying in wait for a North Cork side that have slipped off the pace in recent weeks.

Mallow are a side looking to compete at the highest level while at the same time eager to bring through some players for the future so on this day it was decided that a relatively new-look Mallow, featuring some exciting, emerging talent would take to the field – with all those selected looking to make a name for themselves and push for selection for upcoming J1 league action.

Unfortunately for Mallow, it was the home side that started this one better, opening up an early lead with a penalty from the boot of fullback, Derry O’Connor.

Mallow found themselves under territorial pressure throughout the opening exchanges, but to their credit, defended well to keep the scoreboard in check.

Mallow managed to work the ball into their opponent’s danger zone and Jimmy Glynn split the posts to make it 3-3.

The home side hit back with a try, conversion and penalty pushing them 10 points clear as the game headed for the half time break but Glynn again hit the target with a second penalty to make it 13-6.

The second half was much more of an arm wrestle as the teams cancelled each other out with plenty attacking and defensive play shown by all concerned.

Mallow did have a chance late on to drag this one from the fire when Sam Cronin won a brilliant turnover on the half way line but the men in green’s last attack amounted to nothing and Abbeyfeale advanced.

Despite the result, it was a very positive showing from the visitors who now turn their attention back to league affairs where they have been doing their best work of late.

An away day at Skibbereen is on the cards this Sunday for Mallow and all at the north Cork club will be hoping that this is their chance to get back to winning ways. Skibb have won just one of their opening five fixtures however they will be tough to see off at home, particularly for a visiting side whose confidence has taken a bit of a battering of late.

The only other game involving a local side last weekend saw Charleville travel to Kerry to take on a Tralee side in the midst of their own struggles. Charleville came into this one well in the hunt for a J2 promotion spot however if they were to stay in that particular race then a win here was vital.

And right from the off the Cork side showed their intent – pushing from the first to the final whistle to comfortably take all five points on offer with a clinical display that does their chances of elevation come season’s end no harm at all.

Charleville led this one by 8-0 at the break with a try from Tom Hanley and a Jess Smith penalty doing the damage. Four more majors followed after the half time team talk with Jack Buckley, PJ O’Connor, Tom Foley and Hanley again going over - Smith added the extras twice.

The win sees Charleville rise to third in the table however they have played one game more than those sides around them which will likely see the boys in red drop down a spot or two next weekend.

Muskerry are another local side vying for one of those two promotion places and the Mid-Cork men will get a chance to solidify their place in the top two this weekend with an away tie against 10th in the table Ballincollig.

Muskerry will need to be clinical and aggressive this weekend as they go in search of first the win and then a bonus point which will most definitely come into play come season’s end.

Sixth placed Fermoy are also back in action this weekend as they head to fellow Cork side Kinsale this Sunday.

This is a real mid-table battle with Kinsale currently just one place behind this week’s opponents. The losers of this one will find it difficult to get back into the race for promotion while the winners will feel they have seen off one of their main contenders for the right to go up. Huge game for both sides – expect this one to go all the way.

The last of the North Cork sides to play in the J2 this weekend is Kanturk and the Duhallow men will have it all to do if they are to stay in the title race.

Currently lying fifth, just three points off top spot, Kanturk have the daunting challenge of facing table toppers, Old Christians, away, this Sunday with pretty much everything on the line.

Kanturk will be right up for this one and they will know that is there is any side in this division that can stop Christians it is the boys from Knocknacolon.

Expect serious fireworks here and don’t be surprised to see the spoils heading back to the banks of the Allow.

In the J3, Mitchelstown are still well in the mix for a top four spot and this weekend they get the chance to solidify that position with a home game with struggling Corca Dhuibhne. The Kerry side have just one win from their opening four and will be struggling with confidence.

For their part, Mitchelstown have won three of their opening five and will look to make their home a fortress this Sunday.

FIXTURES

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2 AT 2.30PM Munster Junior League Division 1

Skibbereen v Mallow

Munster Junior League Division 2

Ballincollig v Muskerry Kinsale v Fermoy

Old Christians v Kanturk

Munster Junior League Division 3

Mitchelstown v Corca Dhuibhne