Contenders go

First game in the winner’s section features two of the teams fancied by many to be serious contenders to Rathnew’s crown facing off. With the losers having another chance some of the edge could be missing from this one but the prize of a quarter final place is a decent carrot to dangle all the same. Bray brushed aside the challenge of the North District group team easily enough in round one and looked very impressive in doing so. Even without the injured Paul Cunningham and Niall McGraynor they managed to tot up an impressive 3-13 and have plenty of pace and power all over the field. Another win here could see them get some serious momentum going and be live contenders.

Blessington only snook over the line against Annacurra, having said that they didn’t look to be under too much stress at any time even if the final moments were a little hairy. A few notable absentees like Anto McLoughlin and Gavin Murray could return and both will offer Barry O’Donovan a really nice selection headache around the middle third. The injury picked up by Kevin Hanlon looked serious and his loss around the half back line will be sorely felt.

The forwards were starved of ball against Annacurra and a more constant supply will be needed for them to show their true potential. Mikie O’Connor looked dangerous and finished his goal well but the scoring load will have to be shared out a lot more for them to progress and worry the better teams.

Prediction: Both squads were missing big names the last day and survived, Bray are probably a little further down the road in their development under John Walsh and this could be the difference.