Banteer and Tullylease clash to shed light on league knockout place
IT’S crunch time to both the Ducon Cup and the Kanturk Credit Union Junior A Hurling Leagues with the preliminary series set for an exciting climax over the coming days where a number of key games will determine the concluding positions to the knockout berths.
From the Ducon Cup, Castlemagner, Lyre and Boherbue are assured of a semi final position with Kiskeam, Dromtariffe or Knocknagree in line for the concluding slot. The outcome is somewhat complicated but results will resolve the issue.
Kiskeam hold two games to play, coming up against Millstreet on this Friday before taking on Knocknagree one week later. Two wins will guarantee Kiskeam a semi-final slot.
On the other hand, if Kiskeam were to lose both games, Dromtariffe and Knocknagree would finish on 8 points yet Dromtariffe advance after shading a win between the pair earlier in the season.
Interestingly, a loss by Kiskeam to Millstreet on Friday will not see elimination for a win over Knocknagree would allow Kiskeam go through to the penultimate hurdle.
The state of play in the Ducon Cup reads Castlemagner (7 games played) 14 points, Lyre (8) 12 pts; Boherbue (7) 10 pts, Dromtariffe ( 8) 8 pts, Kiskeam (6) 6pts; Knocknagree (7) 6 pts; Millsteeet (7) 4 pts; Cullen (7) 4pts; Kilbrin (6) 0pts
Freemount, Newmarket and Kilbrin set the pace in the Kanturk Credit Union JAHL, all on 12 points from seven games ensures a semi final position. The placings in the League table read Freemount (7 games played) 12 points, Newmarket (7) 12pts, Kilbrin (7) 12pts, Tullylease (7) 10pts, Banteer (5) 4pts, Millstreet (7) 4pts, Castlemagner (6) 2 pts, Dromtariffe (6) 2 pts.
Banteer required a mid week win at the expense of Castlemagner to remain in contention. Indeed Banteer need to win all of their three remaining games against Castlemagner, Tullylease and Dromtariffe to guarantee a semi final position.
The big clash comes up on Saturday evening, Banteer home to Tullylease where a draw will suffice for the visitors. Tullylease recovered from defeats to Freemount and Kilbrin to overcome Millstreet.
Banteer came a cropper on back to back defeats to Newmarket and Kilbrin. Only positive results will suffice if Banteer are to remain in contention.
Freemount encounter Kilbrin, both happy in the knowledge of gaining positions in the last four.
Dromtariffe and Lismire hit the trail in the County Junior B Hurling Championship on Saturday. A trip to Macroom sees Dromtariffe encounter Iveleary, Dromtariffe looking to build from involvement in the Junior A league in Sunday.
The same applies to Lismire on a clash against Carbery Rangers in Coachford. Last season, Lismire made it to the semi-final stage only to falter to Ballyclogh.
Meanwhile Glenlara encounter Ballyhooly in the County JBFC on Sunday. Glenlara will hardly lack motivation after incurring a narrow two point defeat last season.