Kanturk need another win to preserve Division 1 status

IT won’t come as a surprise to anyone that last weekend was a total wipe-out when it comes to local rugby. Munster clubs, like their comrades in the other provinces all got to sit back and play with the snow last weekend as the elements dominated what was hoped would be a near full calendar weekend of action.

All in all, it is an ill wind that doesn’t blow good somewhere so the gap in action gives us a quick break to review just what a season it has been for the local club sides in the Munster Junior Leagues.

First up, as usual, is Kanturk. The club that came back from senior rugby in the off-season and now plies its trade in Division 1 has long been the top club from north or mid Cork in the province’s club game.

Kanturk have not had an easy run to this point after re-joining the ranks of junior rugby. Sitting 11th of 14, Kanturk are a side that in the main have failed to deliver this season. The men from Knocknacolon have won just three of their nine league fixtures to this point with at least one more win necessary to stay in the top flight come season’s end.

A win over Waterpark started things off on a positive note for the men in green however a heavy loss to Kilfeacle and a losing bonus point result against Richmond soon brought the Duhallow men back to earth.

Big defeats against Clonmel, Bandon and Clanwilliam followed before wins over St Senan’s and Abbeyfeale either side of Christmas seemed to settle things down. That bubble was burst last time out when Newcastle West thumped Kanturk to increase the pressure on one of the pre-league favourites.

Bottom side Cobh, as well as Galbally, Youghal and Skibbereen will round off this season’s league fixtures and with three of that four currently placed below Kanturk it is fair to say that the men from the banks of The Allow have this season well and truly in their own hands.