Next weekend
comes the culmination of the group stage of the new format Masonite Senior
Championship and all but two of the sixteen clubs still have a chance of making
it to the Quarter-Finals. Drumreilly and Bornacoola are the two of fall already
but elsewhere, the competition for a place in the last eight is intense.
The tightest
Section of all is the one everyone expected to be the easiest with Melvin Gaels,
Aughawillan, Ballinaglera and Glenfarne all with chances of making it through.
But the biggest game of the weekend is undoubtedly the meeting of Allen Gaels
and St. Mary’s in a crucial game. Below we take a quick look at the four
sections.
Group
One
Carrigallen v
St. Caillin’s
Drumreilly v
Gortletteragh
The big game is
this group is Carrigallen against St. Caillin’s with the winners qualifying
for the Quarter-Finals. St. Caillin’s started disappointingly when they lost
to Gortletteragh in the first round but made hard work of their victory over the
Drumreilly men, struggling to capture any real form.
Carrigallen had
a hard fought win over Drumreilly but fell apart against Gortletteragh. A young
enough team, they have been beaten by the eventual winners in the last two years
but are once again facing a make or break championship match to decide their
future.
It will be a
tough one to call as both sides have not exactly set the world on fire so far
this year. But one feels that the Fenagh men probably have the edge in
experience and it could prove vital in a tight Championship battle.
In the other
game, Gortletteragh have been the surprise packets of the group - not so much by
winning but the manner in which their youngsters have settled in so well. They
should prove far too strong for a Drumreilly side that is already out of the
championship.
Prediction:
St. Caillin’s & Gortletteragh.
Group
Two
Glenfarne v
Aughawillan
Ballinaglera
v Melvin Gaels
The group of
death is definitely this one as a series of results could see all teams with a
chance of qualifying. However, the money probably is on Aughawillan and Melvin
Gaels to emerge but don’t be too sure about that.
Melvin Gaels
have suffered a lot with injuries this season and will now miss Colin Regan.
They struggled to put away Aughawillan in the first round and were lucky to get
a draw against Glenfarne in the second. Ballinaglera had a great win over
Glenfarne but found the experience and tension too much against Aughawillan.
However, they will not fear their North Leitrim rivals.
In the other
game, Glenfarne were rejuvenated with their draw against Melvin Gaels after a
poor first round. They will fight all the way but I was very impressed with the
manner and style of Aughawillan’s victory over Ballinaglera in the last round
as all the old experience and know how proved too much for Glera.
The biggest
upset could come with the ’98 champions going out to Ballinaglera but a lot
will depend on how Glera approach the match. Either way, this is a group that
will go all the way to the wire.
Prediction:
Aughawillan & Ballinaglera.
Group
Three
Allen Gaels v
St. Mary’s
Bornacoola v
Sean O’Heslin’s
The game of the
round must be the clash of Carrick and Drumshanbo in a winner takes all contest.
St. Mary’s must defeat Allen Gaels as a draw will do the light blues and the
game is sure to be eagerly awaited.
St. Mary’s
were well beaten by Sean O’Heslin’s in the first round but improved
considerably in the second, despite kicking a lot of wides. However, they will
up their game considerably when they see their Drumshanbo rivals.
The Gaels have
had much better form and were bitterly disappointed that they only drew with
Ballinamore in the game of the year so far. They are moving reasonably well
but are
vulnerable down the wings. However, they are in good form and will also be all
pysched up for the game.
For Sean
O’Heslin’s, the test is how they deal with being outstanding favourites
against a Bornacoola side who have nothing, expect pride, to play for.
Ballinamore have come on a lot and a good performance would leave them in a
great position for the Quarter-Finals.
O’Heslin’s
should be tight but the other game is anyones. It is hard to call but the Gaels
have the better form going in and could sneak it.
Prediction:
Allen Gaels & Sean O’Heslin’s.
Group Four
Aughavas v
Kiltubrid
Mohill v Glencar/Manorhamilton
Aughavas cannot
be caught but all other teams have a chance to make it through, even Mohill who
are pointless. All it would take is a Mohill victory over Glencar/Manor and an
Aughavas win over Kiltubrid to force a three way playoff for second.
Aughavas and
Kiltubrid is a crucial game - Aughavas are already through and looking
reasonably strong, although they were a good deal lucky to squeeze by
Glencar/Manor in the second round. Kiltubrid have surprised everyone and showed
amazing heart and commitment in their victory over Mohill and cannot be ruled
out.
Glencar/Manor
were very unlucky against Aughavas and will be looking to Mark Rooney to repeat
his heroics with brother Aiden alongside him. Mohill have been terribly
disappointing so far but there is the talent there to cause a surprise if they
can get their act together.
All the matches
will be a lot tighter and closer than people are expecting but one has to expect
that the experience and strength of Glencar/Manor and the hunger for success of
Aughavas will carry them through.
Prediction: Aughavas & Glencar/Manorhamilton.
(c) 2000 Leitrim Observer
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