Colman’s in crunch clash

WITH two places in Group A of the Dr Harty Cup up for grabs, today’s final round of matches take on added significance.

St Caimin’s, who led the group from the opening round, have completed their programme, but will keep their fingers crossed that results go their way.

Nenagh CBS are level on points with the Shannon school but have a game less played. Today’s clash with St Colman’s in Golden is a must win for the Fermoy college. Nenagh have a plus 12 scoring difference and a draw would be sufficient to progress.

The second match involves Carrigaline CS and St Flannan’s in Feenagh. The Ennis college are out of the reckoning after failing to win any of their three games. But they could spoil the party for the Cork college by winning.

Carrigaline have a minus one scoring difference. They must win by four points and hope that Colman’s are beaten to stay in the title race. For Colman’s to advance, they must win by three points and hope that Carrigaline are beaten.

Should Colman’s and Carrigaline both lose, St Caimin’s and Nenagh CBS would qualify, with the Tipperary school topping the group on seven points.

It’s all to play for then at Cashel today. Colman’s looked the part defeating St Flannan’s last time out. Tom Ryan was hugely-influential for the Fermoy college scoring 10 points in their 2-16 to 1-15 victory.

Defensively the Saints are particularly strong. Mark Flynn, Darragh O’Carroll and Ronan Clancy are great leaders and the Nenagh attack will earn their scores from this trio.

The Tipp school have an excellent marksman in David Nolan, who scored 11 points against Caimin’s. John Sheedy, Paddy Murphy and Rory Whelan will test the mettle of Colman’s.

Depending on how serious Flannan’s take their game against Carrigaline, they are taken to spoil the party for the Cork school.

Colman’s must be fancied in the second match, but Nenagh won’t be easily beaten.