ANDERSONSTOWN SOCIAL CLUB INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
St Paul’s v Cloney Gaels, Ahoghill at Pairc Pól
The final round of the group games in the Intermediate Hurling Championship are down for decision on Saturday, with just one of them a ‘dead-rubber’. St Paul’s who sit second bottom in Group 2, cannot advance any further, regardless of the result against Group 2 leaders Cloney Gaels, The Ahoghill men have full points from their three games and cannot be caught. They have been highly impressive in their wins over Cushendun, Tir na nÓg and Gort na Móna and will start as short odds favourites to win this one as well.
Robert Emmet’s, Cushendun v Gort na Móna at the Rigs
In the other game in Group 2 Cushendun Emmet’s need to beat Gort na Móna at home if they are to leapfrog Tir na nÓg and make it through the to the semi-final. A point earned two weeks ago against the Randalstown men, thanks to an injury time point from free taker Conlaoth ‘Loaf’ McNeill, just about kept their hopes alive, and they need to get a win on Saturday over the Gorts to book that semi-final spot. Playing in Division 1 this season Cushendun have found the going tough, having lost all their games as they return to Division 2. When they lost their opening Round 1 Championship game to Cloney Gael’s the future did not look bright, but a home win over St Paul’s got things going again, and that draw with Tir na nÓg means they are still standing and a win on Saturday would see them through ahead of Tir na nÓg on score difference.
Oisins Glenarffie v Creggan Kickhams at Waterfoot
In group 1 a great comeback win against Group 2 leaders and already qualified St Gall’s two weeks ago at Milltown have kept the Oisins hopes of a semi-final spot alive, but they needed to beat Creggan in Saturday game in Waterfoot to secure that place. The Glenariffe men started the campaign with a high scoring draw against Sarsfields in the Bear Pit, before beating near neighbours Con Magees in round 2. They travelled to St Gall’s in round 3 and appeared to be in a bit of bother until a later rally saw them home by three points against the group leaders. If they beat Creggan on Saturday they will be through, but if they slip up they can still be overtaken by Sarsfields. Creggan have been off the pace this season, not surprising considering the number of players who are involved in the club’s defence of the Senior Football title, plus the loss through injury of their star man Conor McCann. Glenariffe certainly cannont take anything for granted, but if they can repeat the form they showed in the second half against St Gall’s then they should go through.
Con Magees Glenravel v Patricks Sarsfields at Fr Maginn Park
Sarsfields destiny is out of their own hands as they travel to Glenravel to face a Con Magees side who is managed by one of their own, Ciaran Tub McKernan. McKernan guided Glenravel to the Junior Hurling Championship title last season, and though they are winless in this years’ Intermediate campaign, they have put up good showings in all three games, and had they been more accurate with their free taking things would have been ever closer. Sarsfields, who are still aiming for an Intermediate Football and Hurling double, know that whatever they do on Saturday will be to no avail, unless Creggan can cause a shock a few miles down the road in Waterfoot.