The final round of SHC group games packed into Saturday evening are full of possibility with Group 1 providing the most intrigue. Mount Sion and Dungarvan joined Ballygunner and De La Salle last weekend but the remaining eight teams are still mathematically in the chase for the other four positions.
Group Predictions:
Group 1: De La Salle, Abbeyside, Lismore, Passage
Group 2: Ballygunner, Mount Sion, Dungarvan, Tallow
Relegation Play-Off: Fourmilewater v Ardmore
Saturday 23 August
Ballygunner v Ballyduff Upper (5.30 at Fraher Field)
The Reds tend to fare well in this fixture. They famously defeated the Gunners in the 2007 county final and also achieved group wins in 2010 and 2012. Current form points towards a change to that pattern. Ballygunner are hammering over 27 points per game compared with 16 for Ballyduff Upper. Fergal Hartley’s side coasted through the group stages and are playing the same possession based game plan that brought them so close to silverware last year. Barring a catastrophic defeat, Ballyduff Upper should survive in the senior ranks in fifth position. If Ardmore win, their points difference could work in their favour.
Prediction: Ballygunner
Tallow v Ardmore (5.30 at Clashmore)
The two lowest scorers of the championship collide in Clashmore. 1-13 is the biggest total that Tallow have put up thus far and Robert O’Sullivan needs to have a near flawless evening on frees. Seamus Prendergast has scored 3-31 out of 4-43 for Ardmore. Points difference means that the 2013 intermediate champions require a big win to put themselves in the quarter final picture. Defeat may still keep Tallow on course but victory would guarantee a safe passage. A lot of this team have been around the block at this level and that should stand to them.
Prediction: Tallow
Mount Sion v Dungarvan (5.30 at Walsh Park)
This game will settle second place in Group 2. Mount Sion got the Ballygunner setback out their system by shooting 1-26 against Ardmore. Richie Roche moved back to the forward line after deputising for Ian O’Regan and he has four championship goals to his credit. Dungarvan are the second highest scorers in the championship behind the Gunners with six potent attackers. They can be even more ruthless at times and 16 wides last time around will concern Blues boss James O’Connor. This game will reveal more about how these two are shaping up for the business end of the season. Dungarvan left this game behind last year and maybe the Walsh Park factor will sneak this in Sion’s favour.
Prediction: Mount Sion
De La Salle v Passage (7.00 at Walsh Park)
A clash of two attack-minded teams. 7-63 in the De La Salle account so far and 5-67 for Passage. The holders claimed their first win since the county final last Friday to ease the pressure somewhat. Eoin Kelly’s return gives them a sense of menace at the edge of the square. They still concede too many chances at the other end and Eddie Lynch has been kept on his toes. With a shootout in prospect, De La Salle get the nod to finish on maximum points due to their tighter defensive unit.
Prediction: De La Salle
Lismore v Fourmilewater (7.00 at Fraher Field)
Fourth round defeats mean that victory is only option for these two to put their name in the hat for the next stage. Fourmile’ have lacked a threat close to goal in the absence of Shane Walsh as one green flag in four games suggests. Lismore fought back to level up three times against Abbeyside last Saturday but couldn’t push on. 11 wides (including five from Maurice Shanahan) hindered them. This could come down to a battle between Shanahan and Jamie Barron. Only one team can progress and a more settled Lismore may have the edge here.
Odds: Lismore 10/11 Draw 8/1 Fourmilewater Evens
Prediction: Lismore
Abbeyside v Roanmore (7.00 at Kill)
Two wins on the bounce leaves Abbeyside in control of their own destiny. Patrick Hurney was back among the goals last Saturday night and has become the leader of the attack over the past two seasons. Mark Ferncombe has switched successfully to the frees and John Hurney enjoyed his new centre forward role against Lismore. Richie Foley has settled at centre back with Sean O’Hare at number three. Roanmore ran out of steam against De La Salle when Gavin O’Brien made way early in the second half. With their star man likely to start and with Shane and Brian Nolan also on the comeback trail, the Sky Blues will target a rare knockout appearance. 25 points separated them last year but expect a much tighter game this time.
Odds: Abbeyside 2/7 Draw 12/1 Roanmore 5/2
Prediction: Abbeyside
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