Under-21 Championship Grading Rounds
The under-21 football championship remains behind schedule and the CCC will try to get the last competition back on track on Saturday when the remaining rounds of the grading games are scheduled.
In the games completed thus far there were wins for St Enda’s, Moneyglass, Lamh Dhearg, St Gall’s, Gort na Mona and Glenravel and they will proceed into the A grade whereas those sides which lost out will proceed to the B section.
Saturday 21st October
Under-21 Championship (Grading round) 2.00pm
Cuchullian’s Dunloy v O’ Donovan Rossa
This looks an intriguing contest as the favourites for the competition Rossa make their way down to Dunloy in what most certainly looks the game of the round.
Rossa, beaten finalists last term when they failed to cope with Aghagallon in the decider have most of that panel still on board and having taken the minor title last week when they proved too good for Aghagallon in the final they look a big threat.
Dunloy are the current under-21 champions in hurling and having collected the under-18 football title in 2016 they may well give their visitors a run for their money.
Little may separate them at conclusion with just a tentative vote given to Rossa.
Aldergrove v St John’s
Another town versus country meeting as the Johnnies take the road down to Crumlin and a meeting with St James Aldergrove.
The home side having collected the minor B title last week will fancy their chances to progressto a place in the opening round of the A grade.
St John’s have fared well on the under-21 scene in recent times collecting back to back titles in 2014/15 but having failed to impress on the minor scene of late they do not look the same force in 2017.
The home side will enter the fray as slight favourites to progress to the A section and they may well prove successful.
St Joseph’s Glenavy v Erin’s Own Cargin
This all South West affair sees Glenavy play hosts to the men from Toome at Chapel Hill and another close one looks in prospect.
The home side made it all the way to the under-21 B decider last term and they will be looking to make similar progress this term.
Cargin have failed to hit the heights in this grade for a while having last tasted success on the under-21 trail back in 2010 but the Erin’s Own men have been seen to make progress in the minor ranks recently.
This may prove a close one with Cargin just given the nod.
St Teresa’s v St Brigid’s
An all city meeting here as the Glen road based St Teresa’s welcome South Belfast side St Brigid’s to their abode in a preliminary round affair.
The home side will be doing their best to gain passage but St Brigid’s may well prove superior in this one.
The eventual winners are set to play hosts to Glenravel in the opening round of the A section.