Plenty of potential in familiar pairing - Stradbally v Ballinacourty preview

 

The Waterford football final frequently goes right to the wire. The last three deciders have been settled by the bare minimum. Since 2002, the teams have required a second day out on five occassions. The odds of a draw on Sunday? 7/1.  

On the semi final evidence, these two rivals are hitting peak performance at just the right moment. Stradbally’s dissection of An Rinn set an intimidating benchmark. The Reds appear to moving better than ever before. Michael Walsh and Paddy Kiely form a balanced partnership at midfield. The Brick can drop deep to start attacks while Kiely is given licence to attack. The Ahearnes are combining in perfect symphony. 2-22 posted between them in the last two knockout games. Stephen Cunningham integrated a number of new combination during the group stages and they are gelling with the old guard. Nearly a third of the team didn’t start last year’s final. Paddy Doyle, Kevin Lawlor, Tommy Connors and David Grey are now permanent parts. Jack Mullaney is also a regular replacement.

A week later, Ballinacourty swept The Nire aside with an explosive start. They led by 3-6 to 0-2 approaching half time. The most striking aspect of their seven successes has been their creation and conversion of goal scoring opportunities. Fifteen green flags raised thus far and only one blank fired (in the quarter final versus St Saviours). Mark Ferncombe’s flair is bringing out the best from those around him. His razor sharp finishing (5-15 banked in this year’s championship) and eye for a pass has increased their output. Patrick Hurney is taking on a greater leadership role in both codes and has outshone Gary to start Sunday’s final as the ace marksman in the Courty ranks (2-26). They too have added a different dimension to their playing pool. Shane Briggs and Sean O’Hare now start at three and six respectively. David Collins and Brian Looby provide freshness in defence while Jason O’Brien and Michael O’Halloran are regular contributors to the scoreboard.

In the scoring stakes, they are matching each other stride for stride. Ballinacourty tend to hit 21 points per game while the holders are running at rate of 20 per game. The spread of scorers is also encouraging for both sides. Not for the first time the weather may stop the landslide of scores. The 2011 mudslide should never have been staged. Courty got first use of the gale to score six points and Stradbally’s second half return fell a single short (0-6 to 0-5). Nobody wants to see a rerun.

Courty will look to dictate the tempo straight from the throw in. In a similar fashion to the semi final, they may chase an early goal to lure their opponents into an open contest. Positioning Gary Hurney close to the target may form part of that plan. Will they earn enough possession at midfield to ask those searching questions of Stradbally’s last line? Walsh and Kiely are supported by hard working half backs and half forwards that soak up the breaks. The Ahearnes can also put in a shift around the centre. The match ups also pose problems from a Ballinacourty perspective. Will Sean O’Hare shadow Shane Ahearne after his semi final masterclass? Will Shane Briggs follow Robert Ahearne or stay back and mind the house? Even if the twin towers are limited in their influence, David Grey and Ger Power need close surveillance. The Stradbally defenders are more versatile and flexible. They are no fazed by unfamiliar surroundings if they are dragged out of position.

Despite their congested mantelpiece, the Reds still harbour a hunger to top the pile. Nine titles in thirteen attempts is the latest piece of history in their sights. They start each season with a clean slate and their workrate remains as fierce as ever. Ballinacourty will feel that they should have more to show for the footballers at their disposal than two titles (2007 and 2011). Last year’s semi final loss offers further motivation.

The third time in four years for these two to wind up in the final but what kind of contest will emerge from this familiarity? If it turns into an arm wrestle or a more expansive spectacle, Stradbally can adapt. The accumulation of finals means that few situations surprise them and they adjust to their surroundings swiftly. The Brick acts as their sat nav to get them safely to their desired destination. The combination of the Ahearnes up front can steer them to the slimmest of wins. The recent tradition of football finals almost guarantees a tight squeeze. The average winning total from the last ten deciders is eleven points. The 2013 edition may prove an exception in that particular area.

Betting: Stradbally 4/5 Draw 7/1 Ballinacourty 5/4
Prediction: Stradbally