Ducon Cup reaches semi-final stage with pair of attractive fixtures

SEMI-FINALS of the Ducon Cup command interest in two attractive tussles over the weekend.

Dromtariffe and Knocknagree meet in an appealing clash, little expected to separate the pair to the Cullen hosting on Friday evening.

When the sides met in the opening game to the campaign in February, Dromtariffe pulled off a dramatic late victory. Reacting to a precarious situation, Dromtariffe found themselves two points adrift deep into injury time only for Adam Buckley net the matchwinner.

Dromtariffe maintained an unbeaten run up to the last game, with qualification guaranteed, a weakened side had no answer to the power of Boherbue. Likewise, a decent run by Knocknagree, just a pair of losses to Dromtariffe and Boherbue earned a comfortable position to the knockout phase.

Largely a second string outfit, Knocknagree can operate with five players of their intermediate side, they are sure to raise their game to a new level for this eagerly awaited battle yet Dromtariffe are fancied to succeed.

Boherbue and Cullen come together on a meeting at Knocknagree on Saturday evening, as defending holders, Boherbue are seeking a five in a row of titles and current going indicates, they are a team in form.

Boherbue encountered few problems from Cullen in the preliminary stage, a resounding 2-16 to 0-6 win recorded. At their best, Boherbue held control all over the field, real penetration in their game to shoot excellent points before a pair of late goals put the icing on the cake.

Hardly surprising, Boherbue are unbeaten in domestic affairs, a win over senior side Kiskeam in the Duhallow Cup sure to further boost confidence. Cullen are capable of raising their performance for knockout competition, illustrated on a marked improvement during the second half to sweep past Castlemagner in the opening round to the JAFC.

This contest will surely be much more competitive than their last encounter but by virtue of taking a step closer to a fifth consecutive titles, Boherbue wear the favourites hat to succeed.