Tuning up for the big gigs ahead

Eight of the twelve teams already know their fate going into the last round of group games. The only two imponderables are where they will finish in the group and who will they meet in the last eight. If it is cut throat football you’re after then Walsh Park and Fraher Field will be the two venues to target. It may not provide free flowing fare but at least there will be a competitive edge. For the rest, it is matter of building up some momentum for the quarters and avoiding injury at all costs.

Round 5 Previews
18 August
Ballinacourty v Ardmore (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1
Without any great fanfare, Ardmore have bagged three wins from four games and are building steadily for the quarters. Ballinacourty need to find a spark from somewhere and last week’s scare may fire them into action.
Prediction: Ballinacourty

Gaultier v St Saviours (7.00 at Walsh Park) Group 1
This promises to be a tense affair with a low winning total likely. Gaultier carry the better form into it on the back of their resolute display against Ballinacourty and if JJ Hutchinson receives sufficient supply they should come out on top.
Prediction: Gaultier

The Nire v Rathgormack (7.00 at Leamybrien) Group 1
Nothing at stake for the championship favourites but Rathgormack will be keen to arrest a recent slide. At the same time, The Nire didn’t hold back last weekend and retain enough scoring power to prevail.
Prediction: The Nire

19 August
Clashmore v Kilrossanty (7.00 at Bushy Park) Group 2
The outcome of this clash will do nothing to alter the final standings. Clashmore will top the group and Kilrossanty will finish fourth. Remarkably, both sides hold almost identical scoring and concession records. Five out of five for Clashmore perhaps?
Prediction: Kilrossanty

Stradbally v An Rinn (7.00 at Leamybrien) Group 2
The winner of this one secures second spot in Group 2. An Rinn battled valiantly without a number of regulars last weekend but Stradbally are beginning to get up to speed with Robert Ahearne in top form.
Prediction: Stradbally

Brickey Rangers v Dungarvan (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
It’s difficult to argue for either side. Brickeys have failed to score more than eight points in their games to date and are also without a goal. Dungarvan’s dual commitments have resulted in a series of below par displays culminating in a hefty 17 point defeat on Wednesday night. Brickeys went toe to toe with Stradbally for thirty minutes and that steeliness along with Conor McGrath’s return may be sufficient to beat the drop.
Prediction: Brickey Rangers