Boherbue and Banteer set pace in league
THE preliminary rounds to the divisional Junior A Football and hurling leagues are taking shape with a number of key games down for decision over the coming days.
From the Ducon Cup, Boherbue are well positioned to reach a semi-final with a number of other teams close together in search of the remaining places up for grabs.
The state of play in the Ducon Cup reads Boherbue (6 games played) 9 points, Knocknagree(4) 6 pts, Cullen(4) 4 pts, Dromtriffe (3) 2 pts, Castlemagner (3) 2pts, Lyre (4) 1 pt.
Two games on Friday may throw light on matters, Castlemagner host Knocknagree where a win would either side’s challenge. When the sides met in the championship last month, Knocknagree as reigning champions stepped up a notch to overcome stubborn opposition.
There was no doubting the merits of Knocknagree win, dominating key sections of the game yet they were forced to stave off a determined but wasteful Castlemagner onslaught. From league fare, Knocknagree incurred a narrow loss to Cullen and they will be keen to get back to winning ways.
Results from the aforementioned games will be eagerly awaited and a clearer picture will emerge as to who are in the frame ahead of the closing series of games.
Banteer set the pace in the Twohig’s Supervalu JAHL and look well placed of advancing to the knockout semi-finals. The current placings in the League table read Banteer (3 games played) 6 points, Kilbrin (4) 4 pts, Newmarket (4) 4 pts, Castlemagner (3) 4 pts, Dromtariffe (3) 4 pts, Tullylease(3) 4pts, Freemount/ Millstreet (3) 0 point.
To date unbeaten Banteer have put together solid performances while Kilbrin, Newmarket, Castlemagner, Dromtariffe and Tullylease are closely knitted together. On Sunday evening, high flying Banteer are away to Kilbrin where the outcome will shed light on matters.
The pair are well acquainted, Kilbrin appear to hold the upper-hand on their opponents in more recent seasons particularly in championship action. Some consolation for Banteer on faring much better in the league and that may be the case again on Sunday before the sides renew rivalry in the Kanturk Co Op Mart JAHC next month.
League holders Newmarket visit Castlemagner with a few blips for both parties. Still Newmarket appear to be coming into form, evidence from chalking up a pretty decent tally against Kanturk in the JAHC.
Nothing more than a positive result will suffice for either side if they are to retain an interest and it makes for an interesting tussle.
Meanwhile, Dromtariffe attempt to maintain a decent start on playing host to Millstreet. Early on in the campaign, Dromtariffe chalked up decent tallies and their debut in the JAHC yielded a deserved victory over Castlemagner.
Opponents Millstreet are fielding understrength, no return from three outings and they may face another reversal here.
The programme continues on Wednesday evening, Banteer host Dromtariffe. Interestingly, the pair have made significant inroads and if the form book is an indicator, both teams hold the potential to advance in the competition.
Likewise a keen struggle is likely to unfold on the clash of Tullylease and Newmarket, the outcome will shed light on the form of two sides keen to secure a ticket to the penultimate hurdle.