Navan favoured

The Smithwicks Provincial Towns' Cup sweeps into the home straight this weekend with the two semi-finals scheduled for Drogheda, where Ashbourne face Mullingar, and Portlaoise, where Navan meet Enniscorthy.

Navan have assumed the mantle of favourites after knocking out holders Naas at the quarter-final stage. The town have already won back-to-back cups in 1990 and 1991. Their last final was in 1997 when they lost to Carlow 21-3.

Their opponents, Enniscorthy, were beaten in last year's semi-final but came through their last round game with a flourish, beating Dundalk 32-9 in what was a record cup defeat for them. The Wexford side have not won the competition in the last 10 years since they beat Mullingar 6-0 in 1989. Their last final was in 1995 when they lost 17-6 to Naas.

Newcomers to the competition Ashbourne ensured an encouraging start to the competition by coming through 18-9 against Gorey at Milltown in the quarterfinals.

Captained by their experienced hooker, Paddy McLoughlin, who previously won the Town's Cup with Navan in 1990 and 1991, Ashbourne face a youthful Mullingar side which includes former Youth international Michael Walls at scrum-half in partnership with his brother, David, in the number 10 jersey.

Mullingar, who were beaten 2510 by Carlow have not won the trophy since 1956 but might just go into this tie as slight favourites.

Semi-finals (Sunday April 15th 3.00): Ashbourne v Mullingar, Boyne RFC, Shamrock Lodge, Drogheda; Navan v Enniscorthy, Portlaoise, Togher, Portlaoise.