Bonus point system has appeal for Model No 2

A BONUS point system for the new round-robin provincial hurling championships – as proposed last weekend by Irish Mail on

Sunday columnist Michael Duignan – has merit, according to Seoirse Bulfin

Score difference was a factor in deciding Wexford’s final Allianz League placing in Division 1A after the top four teams – Tipperary, Kilkenny, Wexford and Clare – all finished on six points apiece.

A points system involving four points for a win, two for a draw and a bonus point for a team who scores three goals or more is certainly worth examining, says the Wexford coach.

‘The only comparison we have is 1A in the League the last few years and there is always literally a puck of a ball between it,’ Bulfin began.

‘So maybe down the line that is something they could look at, a bonus point, to separate teams.

‘The one thing is, you don’t want to overcomplicate it either. It’s definitely worth looking at down the line. Sometimes the head-to-head can be different.’

As it stands, the head-tohead record or score difference could decide the positionings for a Leinster final (the top two in group), third place (and thus a place in the All-Ireland series), or fifth which could involve relegation to the Joe McDonagh Cup.

‘What happens this year will probably be different to in three or four years’ time,’ Bulfin continued, before adding no ideas should be discounted. ‘You can’t really rule anything out.’

‘THERE IS ALWAYS JUST THE PUCK OF A BALL IN IT’