Danske Bank MacRory Cup Group C: St Michael’s, Enniskillen v St Mary’s CBS (Tuesday, Derrytresk, 2pm); St Patrick’s, Armagh v St Patrick’s, Maghera (Tuesday, MUSA, 2.30pm)
THE focus in the MacRory Cup on Tuesday is on Group C, with both second round games down for decision.
With the winning teams from the opening round of games kept apart, it means that wins for both St Michael’s, Enniskillen and St Patrick’s, Maghera would set up an interesting shoot-out at the weekend in the final round of games - but their respective opponents on Tuesday afternoon might well feel that they cannot be counted out quite so easily.
Particularly St Mary’s CBGS, Belfast, who competed well last Wednesday in their opening game against Maghera. They were level with the holders going into the last few minutes only for Paddy Quigg to fire to the net and bag both league points for the Derry side.
However, there was more than enough evidence to suggest that the pace in the Belfast team will worry a few defences before the end of this competition. Maghera’s physicality however exposed a certain weakness in their set-up and the wily Dominic Corrigan will look to exploit this once more.
St Michael’s have started another campaign well and most observers would expect them to build on that opening win, a 4-14 to 1-13 victory against Armagh. With Lorcan McStravick, Dara McGurn and Tiarnan Bogue accurate enough up front, they should stand a good chance of picking up a second win.
The completion of the Ulster minor hurling competition at the weekend should release a few more of the Dungiven boys for MacRory action today, strengthening an already strong Maghera side. One of those Dungiven lads, Fearghal Higgins, came in last week to shoot four points in their competitive enough outing with St Mary’s and, with Paddy Quigg always a threat they will be expected to beat an Armagh side that was exposed at times in defence against Enniskillen.
In fairness, Mattie McGleenan’s side clocked up 1-13 but in reality were never in with a chance of winning last time out. That total would be good enough for a win on Tuesday - but will they be able to hold out in defence?
