With Castlehaven the only club sure of progress to the knockout stages, Sunday’s final set of group fixtures in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC will be fraught with jeopardy.
The six games take place at 4pm, with the Haven guaranteed top spot in Group 2 after wins over Clonakilty and St Michael’s. Seánie Cahalane’s side take on Castlehaven in a West Cork derby in Leap and will looking for a third victory to secure a route straight to the semi-finals.
Their Rosscarbery opponents could still qualify with a win, but would also need Clonakilty to beat St Michael’s in Bandon – and not by so much that they would move above Ross on scoring difference.
If the Haven win or draw, then the Clon-Michael’s clash will decide second place – Michael’s are on two points with Clon on one, so a draw would suffice for the city side.
Nemo Rangers are also on four points after two wins in Group 1, but there is a slight chance that they could miss out if they were to lose to Newcestown in Cloughduv and Ballincollig beat Éire Óg, with enough of a scoring-difference swing.
Should Newcestown not win, then Ballincollig would take second with the avoidance of a draw against neighbours Éire Óg in Kilmurry. However, if the Ovens side were to triumph then there could be a three-way tie for second – currently, Newcestown have the best scoring difference of that trio.
In Group 3, St Finbarr’s, who are on two points, must beat Valley Rovers (three points) in Coachford in order to progress. Mallow also have three points and face the already-eliminated Douglas but won’t have things all their own way as the city side will be seeking avoid the relegation play-off. (Courtesy Denis Hurley, The Echo)
With so much at stake across the six games, all with a 4pm start, the crowds should be swelled at every venue. Advanced ticket sales only from gaacork.ie/tickets U16’s FREE