Weekend Championship Previews
CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS.
Our Junior A Championship kicks off this weekend while in the Senior and Intermediate Championship it’s “seconds out – Round 2”.
It’s really hotting up after Round 1 of the Senior and Intermediate Championship. Five teams will be facing into relegation battle if they are defeated this weekend and even a win might not be enough for some as Scóring averages look more and more likely to become the decisive factor. Below we take a look at the Round 2 games.
CONNACHT GOLD SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 2
Bornacoola v Glencar Manorhamilton – Saturday at 6pm in Pairc Sean
A must winÓgame for the Bors who were desperately unlucky last weekend not to beat Carrigallen in their first round game – the concession of goals cost them dearly. They will have to be at their best to account for the county champions this weekend. Manor start as firm favourites but they won’t have it all their own way as the game is “all or nothing” for Bornacoola.
Kiltubrid v Allen Gaels – Saturday at 7.30 in Pairc Sean
This derby game was forecast as the key game in the group and that is exactly as it has turned out. Kiltubrid are on the back foot after their defeat at the hands of neighbours St Mary’s last weekend. They are now a wounded animal and this could bring out the best in them. On the other hand, Allen Gaels will be anxious to record victory with St Mary’s next up for them. The tempo of this game is sure to set hearts racing!
Drumreilly v Annaduff – Saturday at 6pm in Ballinamore
Drumreilly have a mountain to climb in this game after being handed a 7 point defeat last weekend. They simply have to win. They have the benefit of the game under their belts and with their youngsters so impressive last weekend I suspect Annaduff are not taking this game lightly. If Annaduff arrive in focussed mood they are going to be difficult to beat but with so much at stake for Drumreilly they won’t be found wanting in a contest of this magnitude!
Mohill v Cloone – Saturday at 7.30pm in Ballinamore
Last weekend Mohill were made fight all the way for their win by a spirited Aughawillan side. A goal six minutes from time effectively decided that contest. If Cloone are to be successful in this tie they will need to replicate Aughawillan’s spirit -something which they are more than capable of doing. This is another derby match and it remains to be seen if the underdogs can upset the favourites!
GWP INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 2
St Mary’s v Glenfarne Kiltyclogher – Sunday at 2pm in Drumshanbo
St Mary’s enter the game on the back of a nine point defeat against Drumkeerin last weekend however the scoreline is unkind to their performance on the day. Glenfarne Kiltyclogher enter the championship with confidence having recently beaten St Mary’s first team in the Division 1 league. They have a mixture of experience and young talent in their ranks and if their minds are concentrated on a St Mary’s side who must win one feels they will be hard to stop.
Eslin v Glencar Manorhamilton – Sunday at 2pm in Pairc Sean
Eslin put on a master class last weekend when they defeated Aughnasheelin and in doing so they have sent out a real message of intent. Glencar Manorhamilton’s second string have been forewarned and they will certainly need to be at their best to live with a talented Eslin side. The North Leitrim men recently defeated them in the league but it remains to be seen who will be available to them with their seniors in action on Saturday evening.
Melvin Gaels v Gortletteragh – Sunday at 3.30pm in Pairc Sean
Last weekend Melvin Gaels showed in bucket loads why they are hot favourites to lift the title. Gortletteragh make their debut this weekend and no doubt they were interested and exploratory observers at the first round match. If they have learned from their observations then they could trouble the Gaels. The prospect of a “do or die” last round game against Ballinaglera should provide Gortletteragh with plenty of motivation.
Aughavas v Fenagh – Saturday at 7.00pm in Cloone
Aughavas suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Dromhair last weekend and the question is can they recover in time? They will have the advantage of the game under their belts but having to record a substantial victory is an added pressure. Fenagh are a team in transition and they will have a lot of young talented players on show. It is widely expected that the winner of this tie will join Dromhair in the quarter finals – so expect a titanic battle.
GWP JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 1
Leitrim Gaels v Allen Gaels (Sunday at 12noon in Cloone)
Ballinamore SOH v Annaduff (Sunday at 1.30 in Cloone)
Mohill v Drumkeerin (Sunday at 1.30 in Fenagh)
Kiltubrid v |Bornacoola (Sunday at 3pm in Fenagh)
Leitrim Gaels are the only first string team in the Junior A Championship and this clearly sets them out as the team to beat. They were beaten in the final last year and are surely intent on making amends. There are however a number of strong second string teams that will test them along the way. All teams will be anxious to record first round victories as it will ease the pressure and build momentum going forward. This competition is sure to be as competitive as ever and will provide us with a few shocks along the way.
GET BEHIND YOUR TEAM THIS WEEKEND!
28-Jul-11 by Colette Fox – PRO
