Rock have every chance insists manager
ROCKCHAPEL remain one of the more consistent sides in the County IFC, that is evident after a run of solid results in the business end of the current campaign by overcoming Aghabullogue and Millstreet in the respective quarter and semi finals.
Under manager Donal Casey, Rockchapel havce again exhibited their qualities and credentials.
“We expected a tough battle from Aghabullogue, they had defeated us earlier in the season in the league and that alerted us to formidable opponents,” he said.
“We were happy at half-time, the way Aghabullogue play, they operate a possession game and are capable of good scores. The way the game panned out, we had set up defensively for Aghabullogue had some pretty good forwards, but everybody involved held a determination to succeed.
That performance and the facility to create goals pleased Casey after a bout of injuries had served to limit the involvement of key personal.
“The goals gave us a cushion, a good overall performance from a side hit by injuries. The lads taking the field all expect to be playing, we don’t have a massive panel but there are up 24 capable of playing the grade,” said Casey.
Looking entirely comfortable as they made light work of divisional neighbours Millstreet in the semi final, Rockchapel exhibited their potential with a convincing eight point victory.
“Not the greatest of starts by us on conceding an early penalty but there was no immediate panic, plenty of time to settle and we were soon into the fray having got onto the scoreboard,” said Casey.
On a windswept occasion, Rockchapel made less errors and worked that bit harder confirmed on a great move that allowed Liam Collins pounce for a goal.
“We play the possession game, holding the ball going forward, the goal was a terrific boost, our play deserved a goal, a great finish to allow us enjoy an all important interval lead. Chances were missed, kicking the ball high seemed to affect the direction of the ball.”
Still the uncertainty about the outcome maintained interest with just three points separating the sides during the third quarter.
“Millstreet went for it, committed alot of players forward, carrying the ball into the tackle. Once the tackle was broke, putting together two or three passes, there was alot of space and we made the most of it to add up the points during the latter stages.”
Casey realises a stronger challenges lay ahead, on facing up to Bandon in the county decider.
“Its a feel good factor to return to a final, very much 50/50 against Bandon, hopefully we can do better than the loss to Éire Óg two years ago but there are aspects to our game that require improving.
“Bandon appear the form team, having overcome Mitchelstown in impressive fashion, they bettered championship favourites Cill na Martra in the opening semi final,” he said.
“With dual involvement and their hurlers completing the first leg of a possible double, they’re strong opponents. It will be a tough battle but our team is solid and Rockchapel have every chance to succeed.”