Downpatrick dark horses

Downpatrick dark horses

16 August 2017

IT’S championship action all the way again this weekend with another 16 games down for decision.

The draw was made for the winner and loser sections following Monday night’s game between Kilcoo and Clonduff and some interesting 

pairings in the SFC and IFC have been made.

In the SFC it is the last chance saloon for An Riocht or Bryansford who have been paired together. The Kingdom were poor in their defeat to Downpatrick in Castlewellan on Saturday, while Bryansford couldn’t match CPN in their opening tie.

Bredagh, who gave Castlewellan a run for their money, will fancy their chances of progressing at the expense of Ballymartin.

Glenn got thumped by Burren on Monday night and they will need to be wary of Division 2 side Loughinisland who pushed Ballyholland all the way in Newcastle on Saturday night and who really should be in the winners’ section.

Clonduff came so close to ousting defending champions Kilcoo in a game that went to extra-time and they will be happy they have drawn a disappointing Longstone offering.

In the IFC loser section Carryduff should bounce back with a success against Atticall after surprisingly falling to Tullylish.

Teconnaught and Drumaness will meet in Downpatrick on Saturday in another local derby with the St Colman’s side favoured to progress after a good showing against Rostrevor.

Clann na Banna might find St John’s too hot to handle while Saul and Glasdrumman will go right down to the wire.

The winners’ group in the SFC sees Kilcoo up against Ballyholland.

The Magpies will need to be on their guard, but should have enough in reserve. However, Stephen Poacher will have his Ballyholland side bouncing for this one and anything can happen in championship football if Kilcoo have an off night.

Castlewellan will be content with drawing Division 2 offering Saval. The ACFL Division 1 pace setters took a while to get the better of a stubborn Bredagh side, but they should have too much firepower for Saval.

The Burren and Mayobridge game at Pairc Esler on Sunday night should be a clinker with Burren’s credentials being truly tested as Mayobridge have the necessary credentials to cause an upset.

CPN are on a roll at the moment and they have a difficult assignment in the form of the Downpatrick who were impressive against An Riocht in Castlewellan.

Conor Deegan got his tactics spot on for Saturday and he has a number of potential match winners at his disposal.

The two favourites for the IFC clash with Liatroim going into battle with Rostrevor. Both were in great form with their respective wins over St John’s and Drumaness.

Shamrocks and Annaclone are equally matched, but Justin Lynch’s ‘Clone men have better championship pedigree.

Darragh Cross have drawn another Division 3 team in the form of Drumgath while Tullylish should have no bother dismantling the challenge of Bosco.