The heat has been turned up a degree or two for this week’s Junior Cup action as attention turns to the quarterfinals. Check out our predictions, leave yours, and follow all the action over the next few days with Munster Haka Schools or the Munster Haka app.
St Munchin’s Vs St Clement’s
Tuesday 30 January, Thomond Park (kick-off 2.30pm)
Their Senior teams may not have gotten off on the right foot, but Munchin’s and Clement’s Junior Cup sides will be thrilled with their starts to their respective campaigns. Munchin’s put in a proper cup performance in round one as they dismantled Bandon on their own turf, while Clement’s come into this encounter fresh off the back of a stunning last-gasp defeat of Glenstal at the 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 this Tuesday at Tom Clifford Park.
Verdict: Munchin’s by 10
Castletroy Vs Bandon
Tuesday 30 January, Garryowen FC (kick-off 2.30pm)
Castletroy fancy themselves this season and their quality showed in the opening round when they did the nigh on impossible, defeating PBC in Cork. Bandon, who qualify for the quarter-finals with a bye, would have also been relatively proud of their first round showing as they proved a tricky opponent for 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
Rockwell Vs CBC
Wednesday 31 January, Clanwilliam FC (kick-off 2.30pm)
Both sides have started the Cup season quite well. 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.
Verdict: CBC by 7
Crescent Vs PBC
Wednesday 31 January, University Of Limerick kick-off 2.30pm)
Neither of these two traditional heavyweights have had perfect starts to the season, but a gripping contest should nonetheless be in the pipeline. 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 Clement’s in round one. It’s all set up for a memorable meeting with next to nothing between the two sides.
Verdict: PBC by 3
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