We’re back for week 3 of the Munster Schools Cup action, with the focus shifting to the Munster Schools Junior Cup matches this coming week. Hope you enjoy the read and the games to come.
St Munchin’s Vs St Clement’s
Tuesday 30 January, Thomond Park Back Pitch (kick-off 2.30pm)
Their Senior teams may not have gotten off on the right foot, but St Munchin’s and St Clement’s Munster Schools Junior Cup sides will be thrilled with their starts to their respective campaigns. Munchin’s put in a proper Cup display in their opener as they dismantled Bandon on their own patch, while Clement’s can only build on a stunning last-gasp defeat of Glenstal at UL. This Munchin’s team may be sitting at the top table of Junior Cup rugby, but don’t be surprised to see Clement’s reproduce the character and pride displayed in previous rounds again here.
Verdict: St Munchin’s by 10 points
Crescent v’s PBC
Wednesday 31 January, University Of Limerick (kick-off 12pm)
Neither of these two traditional heavyweights have set the world alight so far, but a gripping contest should nonetheless be in the offing as the Munster Schools Junior Cup season proper kicks in. PBC travel to Limerick looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Castletroy at the Mardyke and will fancy themselves should Comp. fail to improve upon the patchy performance they produced in their narrow win over St Clement’s in round one. It’s all set up for a memorable meeting with nothing on paper between the sides.
Verdict: PBC by 3 points
Castletroy College v’s Bandon Grammar
Wednesday 31 January, University of Limerick 4G (kick-off 1.30pm)
Castletroy fancy their chances in the Cup this season and their quality showed in the opening round when they did the nigh-on-impossible and turned over PBC in their Cork lair. Bandon, who qualified for the quarter-finals with a bye, would have also been well satisfied with their first round showing as they proved a tricky opponent for St. Munchin’s. That said, it would be a surprise if Castletroy did anything other than repeat the efforts of their Limerick neighbours and advance to the semi-finals.
Verdict: Castletroy by 7 points
Rockwell College v’s CBC
Wednesday 31 January, Clanwilliam RFC (kick-off 2.30pm)
Both sides have got off to solid starts in the Munster Schools Junior Cup with CBC were convincing winners in the opening round against Ardscoil while Rockwell edged past Glenstal. Either side would be unfortunate to exit at this early stage, but Rockwell will probably need to produce something special to overcome this physical Christians outfit. This could well be the tie of the round but we make the Cork side favourites.
Verdict: CBC by 7 points
Remember to track all the results and match reviews on Munster Haka, in association with PSA Academies and Impact Gumshields.
