LIMERICK Club rugby is to the fore once more this weekend as Young Munster fly the flag in the final four of the Ulster Bank League, while Garryowen look to remain in Division 1A as they face Buccaneers in a relegation playoff.
The Mike Prendergast coached Young Munster face the might of Cork Con this Sunday at Temple Hill Road. The game, kicking off at 2.30pm and live on RTE2, is the biggest game in Young Munster’s recent history. Since taking over a season ago, Prendergast has lead Young Munster to a Munster Senior Cup win, a promotion and two Charity cup wins.
The success rumbles on and Young Munster, although being slight underdogs on Sunday, will be fancied by many to upset table topping Cork Con.
Munster’s have already tasted success against Cork Con this season. A 6-3 home win was secured back in February, however, the last time the Limerick side visited Cork Con, they came away on the wrong end of a 32-19 loss.
Cork Con may have finished top of the table, but some stats ahead of the weekend make for some positives for Young Munster. The Greenfields side have amassed four losing bonus points this season, which means they have more often than not been able to stay within striking distance of their opponents. Coupled with their 220 points scored, Munster’s will be more than happy to take on the might of Cork Con on Sunday.
With tries being hard to come by at times this season, Munster’s have relied heavily on the scoring boot of Alan Kingsley and the tactical boot of out half, Willie Sexton.
Young Munster’s coach Mike Prendergast commented this week to Postsport, that the tightness of the group has been key to the performances.
“The win over Cork Con this season for us was a huge psychological boost for the team. We know we can mix it with anyone and we will be going down to Cork on Sunday with that attitude. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain from the match”.
Cork Con are strong this season and may well be boosted further by returning Munster players who might have played a part, or benched on Saturday night against the Scarlets. However, according to Mike Prendergast, it doesn’t matter who they face.
“We don’t mind who is going to be opposite us. We know we have to focus on our game and the rest will look after itself. We are waiting on one or two injuries and we will be looking to play the style of game we played down there this season. It was only in the second half that we believed we could win”
Cup rugby is what Limerick clubs thrive on. Young Munster’s are no different. Prendergast concurs, “Cup rugby is all about the day. We have had a great season and this weekend is reward for that. Anything can happen after that.” Here’s hoping for a Limerick win.
