Millstreet, Ballydesmond and Rockchapel fancied to record Intermediate Championship wins

Millstreet v Ballinora

MILLSTREET were never troubled on chalking up an emphatic victory over St. Finbarr’s, all through the Duhallow side performed with style and conviction rewarded on first half goals from Neil Flahive and James Broxton.

Ballinora rallied strongly in the second half against Glenville, last season’s Cork minor Neil Lordan won a penalty for Darragh Holmes to tuck away.

Both sides faltered to Knocknagree last season yet they appears to be confidence aboard both parties, a winner here is close to a qualifying place at the next stage.

Verdict: Millstreet

Dromtariffe v Ballydesmond

DROMTARIFFE dug deep to force a last gasp equalising pointed free from Evan Murphy to salvage a draw with Rockchapel after failing to capitalise from a glut of early possession. They will have to find a replacement for injured Conor Cremin.

Not the best of outings for Ballydesmond, for the second consecutive season, they faltered to Kinsale, though Donncha O’Connor, Niall and Brendan Fleming found the target, they operated second fiddle.

It took a replay to divide the Duhallow sides last season, don’t rule out another stalemate but Ballydesmond need to get something out of this to keep their interest alive.

Verdict: Ballydesmond

Rockchapel v Kinsale

BY virtue of a victory over Ballydesmond, Kinsale are the front runners from a strong Duhallow presence in the grouping. The accuracy of Gearóid Finn and Colm Donnellan along with the Coughlan brothers helped secure a first round win.

Rockchapel recovered from a nervous start against Dromtariffe, the conversion of two penalties by Jack Curtin either side of the interval pushed Rockchapel six points ahead only to be reeled in for parity.

There is Rockchapel concern about injured Daniel O’Callaghan and they can ill afford to give Kinsale an early advantage.

Verdict: Rockchapel

Mitchelstown v Adrigole

MITCHELSTOWN easily shrugged off neighbours Glanworth first time out with Cork attacker Cathal O’Mahony bagging 1-8, well supported in the scoring stakes by Shane Cahill and Mikey Walsh. The Avondhu side are amongst the fancies to create an impression when the knockout phase is reached.

For their part, Adrigole held off a late revival from Mayfield, second half goals from Kevin Goggin and David Harrington proved decisive but new opponents Mitchelstown are a step up.

Verdict: Mitchelstown

Aghabullogue v Kilshannig

BOTH sides enjoyed victories to their opening assignments, Aghabullogue were forced to grind out a result over Kildorrery thanks to goals from Ian Barry Murphy and David Thompson.

Newcomers Kilshannig easily accounted for Glanmire in a major statement from the 2019 County Junior kingpins. The O’Hanlon brothers, Jack Twomey and Darragh O’Sullivan are vital to the cause. Not too much expected to divide the sides but Aghabullogue’s experience at this level might shade it.

Verdict: Aghabullogue

Glanworth v Mayfield

IT goes without saying a substantial improvement is required from both sides after first day reversals.

Glanworth disappointed on a below par showing and a eight point defeat to neighbours Mitchelstown where the efforts of Shane O’Riordan and Stephen Condon attempted to keep apace with the ‘Town.

Mayfield’s rating has dropped in recent seasons, late goals from Stephen Hackett and Robbie Lynch came too late to trouble Adrigole. A big game for both sides, Glanworth hold the potential for improvement.

Verdict: Glanworth