Two to go for title-chasing Richmond

WITH a comfortable lead and two fences to go, Richmond are now in sight of the winning post after getting a bonus point victory over Clanwilliam in Richmond Park yesterday. The chasing pack have not given up the hunt but with a visit from Old Christians and a final fixture away in Kilfeacle, the green and whites have the Munster Junior League title within their grasp.

Yesterday’s victory was certainly what they required, taking the full points on offer despite a strong effort by the visitors. The in-form Mike O’Friel got over for Richmond’s first try, Sean Bennett got a second before the break and Jonathon Forde’s two conversions gave the green and whites a 14-0 lead.

The green and whites had to show their defensive qualities early in the second half but tries by Gareth O’Hanlon and full-back Jeffrey McNamara ensured the crucial five points.

Galbally bounced back from last week-end’s defeat to Richmond with a bonus point 0-29 victory over Kilfeacle. It was 0-10 to the county side at the break thanks to tries from Danny Hayes and Kevin Casey but they cut loose in the second period with further tries from James Taylor, Tony Henebry and Wayne McCarthy. Liam Casey added a brace of conversions.

In MJ2, Presentation crashed to defeat in Kinsale, losing 25-17 after leading 3-17 at the short whistle. Their second half collapse is hard to understand considering their consistency all season but they failed to add to two tries from Stephen Ryan and one from Brendan Coleman, converted by Shane O’Brien, as Kinsale staged a remarkable recovery.

Newcastle West marched on in their quest for promotion with a 31-7 bonus point home win over Muskerry. James Kelly, Declan Moloney and Niall Kennedy scored first half tries for the West, all converted by Alan Roche and the kicker also landed the extra two points after Michael O’Leary’s second half try.

St Mary’s have also been in good form of late and they too got a bonus point victory in their 33-19 win over Bandon in Grove Island. The Saints were coasting at the break after jumping into a 26-0 lead (tries by Sean Lyons, Sean Markham and Darragh Clancy; three conversions Lyons) but they had a rest period in the second half, allowing Bandon to claw back 19 unanswered points. Two late penalties by Sean Lyons eased anxiety and ‘Mary’s’ finished comfortable winners.

Munster 2nds League, Young Munster 32, UL Bohemian 0: The black and ambers were in scoring form in this seconds league game, running in tries by Andrew Carey 2, Declan Bannon, Shane O’Leary and Mark Mulvaney while Brian Haugh chipped in with a penalty and two conversions.

In Dooradoyle last Friday night, Garryowen set up a clash with Thomond in the final of the Gleeson League.

A fine semi-final display by the light blues saw off the challenge of Shannon and their 29-0 victory just about summed up their superiority. Anthony Gahan gave a man of the match performance with a hat-trick of tries and the rest of the points came from the boot of Kevin McEvoy.