Crucial round two games down for decision in Mayo intermediate and junior championships

By Aiden Henry

IN both the Mayo intermediate and junior football club championships there are many crucial games on the fixtures list for this coming weekend. After last weekend’s opening round, there are many teams in both grades knowing that defeat next weekend will end their aspirations for championship success this year.

For most of the first round winning teams they will be well aware that a second victory will more or less guarantee them a place in the last eight of their respective championships.

INTERMEDIATE

In Group 1, a win for either or both of last weekend’s winners, Louisburgh and Bonniconlon, would more or less see them qualify for the quarterfinals.

Louisburgh, who had a good victory over Crossmolina, will travel to Lahardane to take on the home side. While Lahardane will put it up to the west Mayo side, it is hard to see them winning this encounter.

The second game in the group sees Bonniconlon take on Crossmolina in Crossmolina. This could be a cracking game and one which could go right down to the wire. With Crossmolina having county star Jordan Flynn available for this clash they will fancy their chances of winning and keeping their championship hopes alive. It’s a tough one to call and could easily end up with a share of the spoils.

In Group 2, the big game is between last weekend’s two winners, Burrishoole and Ballinrobe. Both teams produced eye-catching performances and whichever team comes out on top in this one is likely to be the group winners.

In the second game in this group between Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin and Kiltane, it is a question of a must win to keep their championship hopes alive. One would expect to see the home side, Parke, proving too strong for the north Mayo side here.

In Group 3, the big game is in Foxford where Bohola Moy Davitts will have home advantage against Ballyhaunis. Moy Davitts were impressive winners over Ardnaree last weekend while Ballyhaunis, who were nine points down at half time against Castlebar Mitchels B, had to pull out all the stops before getting a share of the spoils.

This promises to be another cracking game. Again, a tough one to call, but I think Ballyhaunis might just shade it.

The second game in this group sees Castlebar Mitchels B entertain Ardnaree. Mitchels, who were unlucky not to come away with a victory over Ballyhaunis last weekend, should prove too strong for Ardnaree here.

In Group 4, it is the two winning teams from last weekend against the two losers. Kilmeena, after their big win over Kilmaine, travel to Hollymount/Carramore hoping to secure their quarterfinal spot. But they will not have it easy against a Hollymount/Carramore side that were well below par in their opening clash with Kiltimagh. However, unless Hollymount/Carramore show a big improvement their interest in the championship will come to a halt.

The second game in the group sees Kiltimagh travel to Kilmaine to play the home side. There is little doubt Kiltimagh were eye-catching winners over Hollymount/Carramore last weekend. They just seem to have hit form in recent weeks and will be tough nuts to crack. While Kilmaine will put it up to their east Mayo opponents, I think they will come up short here.

JUNIOR

In Group 1, Cill Chomáin will be expected to clinch their place in the quarterfinals when they entertain Moygownagh in round two. They were very impressive winners over Eastern Gaels last weekend and should prove too strong for Moygownagh who lost narrowly to Ballycastle.

In the second game in this group where Ballycastle welcome Eastern Gaels, it is a must win for the east Mayo side. However, they will not find it easy against a Ballycastle team who were impressive winners over Moygownagh in round one.

The big game in Group 2 sees Swinford travel to Ballycroy to take on the home side who just lost out to Ardagh in round one. One would expect that Swinford will prove too strong here.

It will be interesting to see if the Ardagh versus Kilfian game takes place as Kilfian were unable to field a team against Swinford last weekend.

In Group 3, where there are only three teams in the group, Kilmovee Shamrocks travel to Killala to play the home side. Killala came up short against Islandeady last weekend and will be hoping to keep their championship aspirations alive here. But they will not have it easy against Kilmovee Shamrocks who will know that a victory would see them qualify for the quarterfinals.

In Group 4, Shrule/Glencorrib, who have home advantage, will be strong favourites to defeat Achill in this round two clash.

The second game sees Tourmakeady take on Lacken at home. It should be an easy victory for the home side.