WITH the luxury of a match in hand, Richmond have been crowned Munster Junior League Division 1 Champions.
The Canal Bank club were confirmed as competition winners for the fifth time after their last-minute converted try saw them defeat Thomond 32-26 in front of a fine crowd at Liam Fitzgerald Park.
The losing bonus point proved enough to keep Thomond in the top flight next season.
Keelan Stephenson gave Richmond an early lead with a try, but three penalties from Adam Guerin to two by Tadhg Bennett had Richmond leading 11-9 entering the final stages of the opening half. Jeff McNamara extended Richmond’s advantage with a try, which Bennett converted, but Jack Cosgrove replied with a try for Thomond and Guerin converted for an 18-16 halftime lead for the visitors.
Jordan Dillon extended Richmond’s lead with a try and Bennett converted. Dean McGinn replied with a try for Thomond and Guerin’s conversion followed up by a penalty put Thomond in front 26-25. James Reeves’ try converted by Bennett ensured Richmond their thirteenth victory of the campaign.
Richmond, a club founded way back in 1928, will now represent the province in next month’s All-Ireland Round Robin Series.
Defending champions Newcastle West lost at home to Clanwilliam 34-26. The home side had two tries from Sean Murphy and one each by Jason Woulfe and Alex O’Halloran, with the latter converting three of those scores.
Newcastle West, Kilfeacle, and Bandon all qualified for the All-Ireland Junior Cup next season.
