Mixed results for Limerick clubs in Munster Senior Challenge Cup group games

THERE were wins for Garryowen, Old Crescent and Bruff in the second round of group fixtures in this season's Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup on Saturday.

The results have seen Crescent book their place in the semi-finals of the Munster Senior Cup.

In Group 2 Garryowen bounced back from their opening round defeat to Young Munster when easing past UCC 27-10 at the Mardyke. 

Garryowen, who led 10-3 at half-time, scored three tries over the 80 minutes. Ronan Quinn crossed for a first half try for the Light Blues, which Kelvin Langan converted to add to his earlier penalty.

Into the second half, Garryowen added two further tries, from Alex Wood and Jack Costelloe late on, with Langan adding the remaining points with the boot.

Garryowen have six points in the table, two more than Young Munster who face UCC in the final fixture in the three-team group at Tom Clifford Park on Thursday next, 7.30pm.

In Group 4, Old Crescent have cemented their place at the top of the table and qualified for the semi-finals, following a second group win. Crescent scored a bonus point 24-14 success over Midleton at Towns Park.

Crescent, who led 14-7 at half-time, scored four tries through Sam Hanrahan, John Hurley, Darragh O'Brien and Brian Molloy. Hurley also added two conversions.

Meanwhile, in Group 3, Bruff secured a precious 24-14 bonus point win over Limerick rivals UL-Bohemian at Kilballyowen Park.

Bruff outscored their visitors by four tries to two, with the home side's five-pointers coming courtesy of John Bateman, Craig Carew, John Sheehan and Adam O'Dwyer. The winners, who led 12-0 at half-time, also had two conversions from Paul Collins. 

UL-Bohs scored tries through from Ronan Deegan and Lochlin Kelleher in the second half, with Oisin Fagan converting both. The result leaves Bruff with a win and defeat from their first two group fixtures, trailing table toppers Clonmel by three points ahead of their final group game against Cashel in November.

In Group 1, there was no joy for a youthful Shannon side who succumbed 43-5 to Highfield at Woodleigh Park. The home side scored seven tries in all.

Highfield led 14-0 at half-time. Shannon also lost their opening fixture to Cork Constitution who were defeated by Nenagh Ormond in their second group game on Saturday.

Shannon host group leaders Nenagh Ormond in their final group game in November.

The winners of each of the four groups will advance to the Munster Senior Challenge Cup semi-finals.