Last of the semi-final berths up for decision this weekend
THE preliminary rounds to the divisional Junior A Football and hurling leagues are building up for an exciting climax with a number of key games down for decision.
From the Ducon Cup, Castlemagner, Lyre and Boherbue are assured of semi final positions with a number of other teams clustered close together in search of the remaining place up for grabs to the knock-out phase.
The state of play in the Ducon Cup reads Castlemagner (7 games played) 14 points, Lyre (8) 12 pts, Boherbue(6) 10pts, Dromtariffe(7) 6 pts, Kiskeam (6) 6 pts, Knocknagree(6) 4 pts, Millstreet (7) 4pts, Cullen (6) 4 pts.
The last remaining semifinal position rests between Dromtariffe, Kiskeam and Cullen. Dromtariffe's encounter against Boherbue will throw light on matters. Boherbue's position in the last four is confirmed yet they can be expected to offer a competitive test. The form of Dromtariffe' is mixed, their cause not helped by a spate of injuries.
After recent defeats, Dromtariffe will be keen to finish the preliminary rounds on a positive note where a win or a draw may be good enough for that place semi final berth. Given Kiskeam are on County Premier IFC duty on Sunday, their involvement at domestic level is deferred for a week, facing two crunch games against Millstreet and Knocknagree.
In the meanwhile, Cullen visit Knocknagree on Sunday and nothing less than a win will suffice for the away side. If Cullen come through, they can look ahead to their concluding game against Kilbrin later in the month with a semi final possibly at stake.
Freemount set the pace in the Kanturk Credit Union Junior A Hurling League. Unbeaten after six games, Freemount are assured of a place in the penultimate hurdle as are Newmarket and Kilbrin.
The placings the League table read Freemount (6 games played) 12 points, Kilbrin (6) 10 pts, Newmarket (6)
in 12 pts, Tullylease(6) 8 pts, Banteer (4) 4 pts, Castlemagner (5) 2 pts, Millstreet (6) 2 pts.
Realistically, the last semi final berth rests between Banteer and Tullylease. The latter visit Millstreet on this Friday evening where Tullylease attempt to recover from late lapses against Kilbrin and Freemount.
Looking to Sunday, Banteer need a result on home to holders Kilbrin. Some great tussles have emerged between the pair over recent times and Banteer will be keen to reverse a narrow loss to Newmarket.
Elsewhere, the two form sides Freemount and Newmarket clash in Newmarket on Sunday, both looking ahead to the knockout phase. Banteer return to action on Wednesday evening, a win over Castlemagner would strengthen their hand.