De La Salle can stifle Sarsfields’ attacking flair

 

Thurles Sarsfields v De La Salle

2.00 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Referee: Shane Hourigan (Limerick)
Thurles Sarsfields 1/2 Draw 9/1 De La Salle 15/8

With no Munster title to show after winning 32 county crowns, Thurles Sarsfields go into Sunday’s final carrying great expectations. After putting 2-20 past Sarsfields of Cork, they have been installed as hot favourites. It’s a scenario that suits the Waterford champions.

While the two Sars amassed 39 scores between them, De La Salle ground out the win against Newmarket. The gritty manner in which they carved out the result won’t trouble them as it gives them scope for improvement without any major hype surrounding the camp. They know what provincial finals are all about and what’s required to win them. Ten of Sunday’s starters were involved four years ago when they claimed their first Munster title against Adare. On that occasion, they failed to score in the opening half before storming back on the resumption. In 2010, when they faced Thurles Sarsfields, they led by five points at the break but only clung on by the minimum at the finish. That experience stood to them in Sixmilebridge and they will draw on it again when they enter Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

A second clean sheet in a row will give the defence a much needed boost after Lismore and Mount Sion rattled home six goals in the space of two knockout games. Even when Kevin Moran and Ian Flynn swopped places it didn’t appear to disrupt their shape. Moran maintained his high standards in both central positions but Stephen Daniels and Eoin Madigan weren’t far behind him. If they can make it three clean slates on the bounce, they will be in a strong position. With that in mind, the forwards are probably under a bit of pressure to perform after misfiring in the semi final. Only John Keane could hold his hand up afterwards and say that he played up to the required standard. Certainly, more wayward finishing will come at a higher price on Sunday.

Thurles will be full of confidence after they also left it late to see off Sarsfields. While De La Salle rely on their power, physical strength and aerial ability, the Tipperary champions can turn to their high levels of skill and slick touches. Their forwards can inflict devastating damage in a flash if given the space to do so. Aside from the familiar faces of Pa Bourke and the rejuvenated Lar Corbett, young guns Aidan McCormack and Michael O’Brien have been chipping in with their fair share of scores. They are unlikely to be afforded the same latitude that they received a fortnight ago but they have a couple of speedsters that will give the De La Salle defence food for thought. They also weathered a couple of storms to emerge victorious against Kilmallock and Sarsfields so they know how to come through a battle as well.

The midfield battle may ultimately prove the decisive one. Johnny Enright emerged with the man of the match award from the semi final but De La Salle’s pairing have formed one of their strongest units so far this season. Eddie Barrett always puts in a diligent shift around the field, does a lot of unselfish work and is willing to lay off the sliotar to a colleague rather than go for an ambitious score. His partner Dean Twomey is not shy in shooting for a score and bagged two more last time out. He offers an authoritative presence and also rolls up his sleeves to gain possession in tight situations. Enright and Michael Gleeson will have their work cut out to get the better of these two. Both players can land points from distance and distribute the ball into that lively attack but they have a hard working duo to deal with on Sunday.

Sarsfields would prefer a more free flowing and open game while De La Salle will seek to shut the door and let their half back line and midfield dictate the terms of engagement. Thurles have unfinished business after striking seventeen wides in the final two years ago and that supplies them with plenty of motivation. De La Salle have been down this road before however and while they are not without their flaws, they are proven performers and can pick up the pieces from a patchy semi final to eek out a one point win.