Despite the bad weather and the vagaries of the 'bowlout', Leinster managed to maintain a strong interest in the RSA Irish Senior Cup with seven of the ten teams making it through to the next round. In the first round teams from the same Union are deliberately kept apart. It is worth noting that all the Leinster teams in the second round also have external opponents. All local rivalries have been avoided with six northern teams in the frame and Pembroke taking on Cork County. In all there are three home ties and four away.
The three top teams in the country [according to the Table prepared by Paul Reynolds], Waringstown, Merrion and YMCA have managed to avoid each other. Railway look to have a difficult away tie to Warringstown. YMCA are also on the road and will have to play well to beat Colraine. Merrion have the advantage of a home setting for their match against Ardmore. The full draw is as follows.
RSA Irish Senior Cup - to be played Sunday 8th June
Coleraine v YMCA
Fox Lodge v Clontarf
Merrion v Ardmore
North Down v Phoenix
Pembroke v Cork County
St Johnston v Strabane
The Hills v Bready
Waringstown v Railway Union
The RSA National Cup was less kind to fancied local teams with Malahide, Balbriggan and Rush all losing in bowlouts. Civil Service, Laois, Dundrum and Mullingar are still in contention but all the D2 clubs have now exited the competition. It certainly leaves it open for someone to spring a surprise. Following their excellent win on Friday, Laois will be hoping that they can put together a cup run. The local tie between Mullingar and Dundrum also ensures continued Leinster interest for another round. The full draw is as follows.
RSA National Cup - to be played Sunday 8th June
Ballaghaderreen v Co. Galway
Bangor v Carrickfergus
Civil Service Dublin v Limerick Raiders
Cliftonville v Newbuildings
Creevedonnell v Killyclooney
Laois v Ballyspallen
Mullingar v Dundrum (LCU)
Woodvale v Co. Clare