The penultimate group fixtures are upon us this weekend. A couple of standout encounters in both Group A and B. Hawkeye Sidekick tries to do a bit better on his predictions after last weekend.
Group A: Crunch time for Adare
Adare are in must win territory. After their draw against Doon last weekend, they are now faced with the prospect of facing a Na Piarsaigh side who survived a big scare against Kilmallock to secure a share of the spoils. With Na Piarsaigh on high alert, Adare could see a Na Piarsaigh backlash and with Shane Dowling in superb form last weekend; this is a fixture that I do not see Adare winning given their scoring threat. Forty-nine points in three games is not an average that will be threaten Na Piarsaigh who should win this game with a bit to spare (six points spread).
The key fixture in this group is the meeting of Kilmallock and Patrickswell. A key fixture to determine who from the chasing pack will be the chief competition to Na Piarsaigh this year. Kilmallock will rue the closing exchanges of last weekend’s draw with Na Piarsaigh; a little more composure would have secured victory and they face a Patrickswell side who should be fresher after a routine victory over Ballybrown last weekend. There is not much between either side; going to sit on the fence and call another draw which would mean that Na Piarsaigh will top the group.
Ballybrown after defeat to Patrickswell last weekend look consigned to an early championship exit. A promising opening period against their local rivals ebbed away and Patrickswell’s key players came to the party in the third quarter to win the contest. Doon need to get their season back on track and their performance against Adare was a mixed bag. The ability in the squad is there but the level of performance is not but this weekend should see the East Limerick side aided by O’Donovan, English, Ryan and Murphy to win by around four or five points.
Group B: Monaleen and Murroe Boher key fixture
The key fixture in this group is the meeting of Monaleen and Murroe Boher; the top two in the group face off and whoever is victorious will have pretty close to a quarter final berth. Monaleen had a keynote six points win over South Liberties last weekend. Murroe Boher beat a most disappointing Cappamore side and the lack of test should be an issue this weekend. A key fixture for both rivals; was very impressed by Monaleen last weekend and with LaTouche-Cosgrave playing well, this is a fixture which the City side should start as favorites. A close one to two point win for Monaleen.
Ahane and South Liberties play in another key group tussle at Cappamore. Let us hope that both sides have linesmen for the fixture given the lack of officials at the Ahane game last week against Knockainey. South Liberties started last weekend top of the table but their performance against Monaleen lacked bite from the first whistle. They need to regroup and respond this weekend; otherwise, their season is over. Ahane overcame Knockainey, a good third quarter providing the platform for victory as the East Limerick side won by six points. Ahane’s scoring threat is still a concern (44 points over three games) but defensively have being tight to date and that should secure another win here as South Liberties’ inconsistent performances as of date are set to continue. Ahane by three points.
The last fixture in the group is the fixture of Cappamore and Knockainey. Both sides need a win to boost morale. Cappamore last weekend were well off the pace; struggled all over the pitch with Murroe Boher not seriously threatened. Knockainey had good opening period moments against Ahane, only trailed by a point but Ahane pulled away in the third quarter; the work rate from Knockainey was there until the final whistle. Last week, I would have tipped Cappamore to the hilt but seeing their performance against Murroe Boher, going to edge this encounter to Knockainey.
Predictions:
Group A: Na Piarsaigh, Doon with a draw between Kilmallock / Well
Group B: Monaleen, Ahane and Knockainey