Chasing pack close in on Knockmore’s senior title

IF round two of the Mayo senior football championship saw several teams step up to the mark, the third and final round this coming weekend will decide the fate of a number of those who still have one leg in the knockout stages.

Only three teams have planted both feet firmly in the quarterfinals – Breaffy, Castlebar and Westport – but even those three will be looking to win, if not draw, to ensure they finish on top of their groups, the advantage being they will be pitted against the runner-up of one of the other three groups in the quarterfinals.

All games will be played at neutral venues, score difference will come into play in deciding who finishes first or second, and, most importantly, any team who is level points with a team they have already beaten in their group will go through.

The contenders for this year’s championship were well posted prior to first round and, as expected, Westport, Castlebar Mitchels and Breaffy lead the pack, and I expect they will be joined by Ballintubber, Knockmore, Ballina Stephenites, Belmullet and Garrymore.

That’s my final eight to go into the quarterfinals but one or two, possibly even three, of those can be displaced if Ballaghadrreen, Aghamore, Claremorris and Charlestown get results.

GROUP 1

Saturday, September 24, 5 p.m.

Ballintubber v The Neale in Garrymore

Westport v Mayo Gaels in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh

Unless there is an outbreak of the black plague in either the Westport or Ballintubber camps, they will fill the top two spots, in that order.

Westport are already through but The Neale, who play Ballintubber, and Mayo Gaels, who face Westport, are unlikely to cause a shock at this stage – although of the two, Mayo Gaels, who defeated The Neale in round two, will have a cut at Westport.

Verdict: Westport to stay on top; Ballintubber to join them in the last eight.

GROUP 2

Sunday, September 25, 4 p.m.

Aghamore v Ballina Stephenites in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar

Ballaghaderreen v Knockmore in Charlestown

Well now, this is not going to be straightforward. All four teams – Ballina Stephenites, Knockmore, Agamore and Ballaghaderreen – still have a share in the quarterfinal ticket lottery, but you sense Ballina face the greater challenge against Aghamore.

Ballaghaderreen have the added pressure of needing to register big score (and win as well; they can't afford a draw) but I can’t see champions Knockmore losing this one, and Ray Dempsey will be looking for a vast improvement from their last performance, which saw them crash to Ballina.

A draw will do Ballina Stephenites, who have a slight cushion of +7 score difference to Aghamore’s +4, but if Ballina can produce more of the kind of football which saw them beat the county champions in the last round, they will make the last eight.

That said, Aghamore scored 3-14 against Ballaghaderreen to put themselves back in the picture and this will be a serious test for Ballina’s defence.

Verdict: Ballina to win the group, Knockmore to take the runners-up spot.

GROUP 3

Saturday, September 24, 5 p.m.

Belmullet v Breaffy in Crossmolina

Balla v Claremorris in Hollymount

This is another group with a lot to play for. Breaffy are through even if they were to lose or draw against Belmullet as they have a huge scoring difference of +16.

I expect Claremorris to beat Balla, which would put them on four points and secure in second spot – unless Belmullet cause a minor shock and beat Breaffy.

Then it will come down to score difference, and Belmullet’s is superior going into the weekend.

Balla still have an outside chance of going through too, so they will be going for victory against Claremorris.

If Balla, Belmullet and Claremorris finish on two points each, scoring difference will again come into it. As mentioned, Belmullet have the slight advantage here – but that could change against high-flying Breaffy.

It makes for an intriguing final round of games on Saturday.

Verdict: Breaffy to top the group, even if they lose to Belmullet; Claremorris to take second spot.

GROUP 4

Sunday, September 25, 1.30 p.m.

Davitts v Charlestown in Ballyhaunis

Castlebar Mitchels v Garrymore in Cong

Yet another group where the destiny of two teams – Garrymore and Charlestown – hangs in the balance.

Castlebar’s place in the last eight is already guaranteed but a draw with Garrymore would see them top the group.

However, Garrymore can’t take any chances on Charlestown getting a big score against Davitts, which would bring the Sarsfields bang into contention, so I expect Garrymore to go for a win.

Verdict: Mitchels to be joined by Garrymore, but in what order remains to be seen; I could see Garrymore bring home a point to finish on four points, with Mitchels topping the group on five.