Kerry clubs look to improve their J-League positions

YET again all eyes from a rugby standpoint were focused on the national stage as the All Blacks came hunting for revenge after Ireland’s heroics in Soldier Field.

With many pundits claiming that Ireland would be favourites for this one there was little doubt that the tourists were hell bent on putting Ireland to the sword.

Three tunes and an intimidating dance later the All Blacks came flying out of the traps, scoring after three minutes of early dominance.

Ireland looked rocked but they responded with some attacking of their own, resulting in an early penalty.

New Zealand again crossed the Irish line and again Ireland struck a penalty which sent the sides in at the break 14-6.

The break would have been a chance for Ireland to get a grip on things, settle down and take a break, however they would need to show much more of a cutting edge if they were to make it back to back wins over the Blacks.

Ireland came out of the blocks in the second half in the same manner as the away side had done in the first however the physicality (overly-so it must be said at times) of the New Zealand side meant that Ireland again failed to register any score in 10 minutes of dominance.

Tries win games and New Zealand were able to cross the home side’s line when it counted, and that, as well as the enormous hits that they brought to the table, was enough to seal the deal.

Ireland will look to finish the Autumn Internationals with a win next weekend when they face up to an Australia side that will bring a different challenge to Lansdowne Road. All eyes will again be trained on the Irish stars as they go in search of another major southern hemisphere scalp.

Next weekend will see a resumption of the Munster Junior Rugby Leagues proper with the local teams heading into the busy Christmas period.

After a couple of weekends where Cup action took centre stage, the clubs who have been off duty will be keen to get back into action in an attempt to improve their respective league positions.

First into action this weekend is Abbeyfeale who entertain Cobh Pirates in division J1. The Limerick side have worked their way up to ninth in the table – just four points off third however there are some big challenges ahead with fifth placed Cobh first on the list of obstacles.

This is not a must win game for the home side however it is clear that a win here would move Abbeyfeale a good distance clear from the dangers at the foot of the table.

Castleisland make their way to west Cork to play Crosshaven in the J2 league with the Kerry side sitting eight while the home team in this clash sit two spots ahead in sixth. The winner of this game isn’t likely to move up any positions on the table however approaching the half way stage in the league another loss for either will seriously affect the chances of getting one of the promotion places come season’s end.

Castleisland will fancy their chances in this game however in reality if they can bring anything home from a side that have looked impressive at times this season the day may well be seen as a success.

Also in the J2, Tralee will make their way to Limerick to take on Presentation this Sunday with the visiting side in desperate need of a win soon as they currently prop up the middle of the three junior tables.

Five losses from five clearly identifies the slump that the Kerry side are in however history has shown on many occasions that one win can turn a season around in a flash. Presentation will bring more intensity this week however Tralee must repel the Limerick men who currently sit four spots ahead in 10th.

There is a big Kerry clash in the J3 this weekend as Killarney prepare to entertain Corca Dhuibhne on Sunday at 2.30. Neither side have impressed in the early stages of this division so both will be desperate to push on and mount something related to a title challenge.

Corca have recorded one league win this season while Killarney have failed to take the spoils of victory in the opening two games. This could be a real belter.

Wrapping up is the clash between top of the table Killorglin and Cork side Douglas-Carrigaline. Killorglin have a perfect four from four record with one bonus point also garnered while their opponents have won two from their first three encounters.

Killorglin will be clear favourites here but the visitors will be coming to Kerry to try and secure what would be an unaccepted point for them.

Killorglin will stay top if they win this one and will move one step closer to this season’s goal of a place in the J2 for the next campaign.