Three Limerick clubs eye Munster Senior Cup quarter-final fixtures

THREE Limerick clubs are involved in Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup quarter-final action this Saturday afternoon.

Shannon and Young Munster joined Garryowen in the last eight following wins in their first round fixtures last weekend.

Shannon defeated Bruff 27-22 in a hard fought opening round Limerick derby fixture at Kilballyowen Park. Young Munster enjoyed a more straight forward task after the All-Ireland League Division 1A side thumped Clonmel 64-10 at Tom Clifford Park running in 10 tries in all.

READ NEXT: Munster Rugby issue squad injury update ahead of home Bath friendly 

It was home side Bruff who held the upperhand in their first round Munster Senior Cup tie with Shannon, with the South Limerick side leading 17-10 at the break.

The visitors first half points came courtesy of two tries from David Smith on 12 minutes and 36 minutes. Bruff had led the game 17-5 at one stage.

Bruff then moved into a 22-10 lead when crossing for their fourth try, before Shannon hit back with 17 unanswered points to claim a hard-earned win. Josh Costelloe struck for a brace of tries for the Parish side, while Jack O’Donnell also dotted down. 

Jamie Gavin converted one of the tries as Shannon set up an away date with Midleton in the quarter-finals of the Munster Senior Cup on Saturday, 2.30pm. Conor Fitzpatrick, Wiktor Wilczuk and John Bateman were among the Bruff try scorers, while  Paul Collins kicked a conversion.

Meanwhile, Young Munster booked their quarter-final place with a crusging victory over Clonmel. Munsters’, who led the game 31-0 at half-time scored 10 tries in a comprehensive victory.

The Limerick side had a brace of tries from wingers Hubert Gilvarry and Ihechi Oji, while Stephen McLoughlin, Kelvin Langan, Jake O'Riordan, Fionn Gibbons, Luke McCready and Ajae Hanson also crossed the whitewash.

Tryscorer Langan converted four of the tries, while Harry Langbridge added three conversions. Young Munster's reward is a quarter-final date with Highfield in Cork on Saturday.

Garryowen secured their place in the Munster Senior Cup quarter-finals when defeating neighbours Old Crescent 29-15 at Takumi Park on Friday. Garryowen led 17-3 at half-time. The Light Blues scored four tries through Gordon Wood, Fionn Rowsome, Jonathan Byrne and Andrew Sexton. Lachlan Stewart added a penalty and three conversions.

Old Crescent's points came courtesy of a Glen Kelly penalty, while Daithi Byrnes and captain Niall Hardiman added tries. Aaron Cosgrove converted one of the tries.

Garryowen will face UCC in Cork in the quarter-finals next weekend.

Meanwhile, UL-Bohemian succumbed 17-40 to Munster Senior Cup holders Nenagh Ormond in North Tipperary, after trailing 10-21 at half-time. Donnacha O’Callaghan, Darragh O’Gorman and Darren Ferrar scored tries for UL-Bohs and O’Gorman added a conversion.

Newly promoted Thomond lost out 20-15 away to Midleton at Towns Park.

Thomond led their East Cork opponents 12-7 at half-time, thanks to tries from Riain Ahern, which was converted by Luke Costelloe, and a second five-pointer from hooker Sean Rice.

Costelloe added a second half penalty for Thomond, but Midleton crossed for a decisive late try to seal the win.

Meanwhile, in the Munster Senior Plate this Saturday, UL-Bohemian will take on Bruff in Annacotty, while last year’s Senior Cup runners up Old Crescent will take on Dolphin in Takumi Park.

Clonmel, who were held scoreless by Young Munster, will face Cashel in round one.

Thomond, who were beaten by Midleton last weekend, received a bye in the first round and will meet the winner of Old Crescent v Dolphin.

Saturday, September 13 (All 2.30pm)

Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup Quarter-Finals

Highfield v Young Munster, Woodleigh Park;

Midleton v Shannon, Towns Park;

Nenagh Ormond v Cork Constitution, Nenagh;

U.C.C. v Garryowen, Mardyke;

Cyril Fitzgerald Plate

Clonmel v Cashel, Clonmel;

Old Crescent v Dolphin, Takumi Park;

U.L. Bohemian v Bruff, Annacotty;