Old reliables can take Salle a step further – Munster semi final preview

Newmarket On Fergus v De La Salle

2.00 at Sixmilebridge
Referee: Johnny Ryan

Betting
Newmarket 7/4 Draw 9/1 De La Salle 8/15

While De La Salle can reflect on a proud one hundred per cent in two previous Munster missions, victories in this competition are hard earned and lapses in concentration are punished. Ballygunner didn’t see Na Piarsiagh coming last year in a provincial championship they were favourites to win. De La Salle’s recent history also shows that all four wins achieved in Munster came by two points or less.

Again they will rely on their half back and midfield to set the tone. The half backs offer an effective shield to a full back line that can be caught for pace at times. All three players are strong under the high ball and can drive forward. The work rate Dean Twomey and Eddie Barrett and their ability to join in the attack also make them a difficult combination to break down. Their ball winning ability all over the field was eye catching in the county final. It didn’t matter if the ball came in high or low to the forwards, they could always make something of it. John Mullane lifted his game for the final and it will be interesting to see whether he lines out at centre forward or closer to goal this weekend. Jake Dillon will also need to hold his nerve on the frees like he did throughout the county campaign. Overall, Newmarket will be need to deal with De La Salle’s physical power in order to put themselves in a winning position.

Clare have not produced a provincial winner in twelve years. Sixmilebridge were the last team to collect the Munster cup back in 2000 and despite the Clare champions reaching the final on three occasions since, they all came away empty handed. This time, Newmarket emerged from the pack after a 31 year famine and they enjoyed an unbeaten run in six games. Their only blip was a draw against 2011 provincial finalists Crusheen in round 3 of the group phase (2-13 apiece). They scored an average of 16 points and conceded an average of 12 in the Clare championship. Inter county representatives James McInerney and Enda Barrett command the central positions in defence but their talisman is undoubtedly Colin Ryan who racked up 1-8 on county final day. Like their opponents, Newmarket took the title with a degree of comfort as they got a grip early on against Cratloe.

Derek McGrath will urge his troops to maintain their discipline and not present Ryan with straightforward placed balls. Seven of Dungarvan’s twelve points in the county final came from frees. If the De La Salle defence can keep an eye on Ryan, it may knock Newmarket out of their stride. Another worry for the management team will be the toll  that last weekend’s Eastern under 21 semi final (which went to extra time) took on players like Jake Dillon, Eoin Madigan and Shane McNulty. The change of venue to Sixmilebridge also throws something different into the mix and Newmarket’s familiarity with the ground may be a worth a point or two.

All things considered, De La Salle’s composure at this level should see them through the sticky patches here and if their half back line and midfield perform to their best, they can supply the front men and reach their third Munster decider.

De La Salle’s Munster club record

2008 semi final
De La Salle 0-18 Sarsfields 0-16

2008 final
De La Salle 1-9 Adare 0-10

2010 semi final
De La Salle 0-22 Sarsfields 2-15 (AET)

2010 final
De La Salle 0-9 Thurles Sarsfields 0-8