THE battle between Francis Connors and Paul Beecher to see who will be crowned 2016 Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand Prix league champion continued at Limerick Show on Sunday, where both riders added to their points tally.

Just four combinations managed to make it into the jump-off, with Connors triple-handed and Beecher making it through with his league-leading mount Danqu.

Connors closed the gap on Beecher at the top of the table with a brilliant win aboard Capitol Cruis in the Greenmount Veterinary Hospital-sponsored competition, crossing the line clear in 46.72 seconds.

Connors also filled second place with another clear from Newmarket Clare Lady (51.88) and finished third with Uskerty Diamond Lady, who lowered one fence in 40.08.

Crucially, however, Beecher collected valuable league points with Danqu when finishing fourth, while he also produced the fastest four fault score from the first round to finish fifth with Loughnatousa Eric. Olivia Roycroft slotted into sixth place with Milan Cruise.

The Limerick result leaves Beecher and Danqu at the top of the table on 73 points, with Connors and Capitol Cruise just three points adrift in second spot.

Just two rounds of the Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand Prix League now remain, with the Munster region show hosting the penultimate leg on Saturday September 10th, followed by the final leg at Banteer on September 18th.

THE TOP SIX

1. Francis Connors/Capitol Cruise 0/0/46.72

2. Francis Connors/Newmarket Clare Lady 0/0/51.88

3. Francis Connors/Uskerty Diamond Lady 0/4/40.08

4. Paul Beecher/Danqu 0/4/46.52

5. Paul Beecher/Loughnatousa Eric 4/82.50

6. Olivia Roycroft/Milan Cruise 4/84.08

LEAGUETABLE

Paul Beecher/Danqu 73 pts

Francis Connors/Capitol Cruis 70 pts

Francis Connors/Uskerty Diamond Lady 59 pts

Paul Beecher/Loughnatousa Eric 50 pts