Tight but Cross still just too much for Burren to bear

IT WAS noteworthy just how Crossmaglen struggled to use their extra man when Ballinderry had Martin Harney sent off in the Ulster semi-final.

Critics claim it shows inflexibility on their part but few can doubt the Armagh side’s workrate and attacking flair.

Yes, they can mix it too and will fight fire with fire if required but they are an excellent outfit who will aim to hurt Burren from the outset, as they did last year.

Burren claim they are better prepared this time but are missing key players and are coming off a demanding semi-final against Latton last weekend.

Their half-back line is perhaps their strongest trio and will need to protect their inside defenders from Jamie Clarke, who will be a man on a mission tomorrow after his dismissal against the same opposition last year.

Clarke hasn’t been scoring much of late but has been instrumental in the Cross attack, laying off points for team-mates as well as earning frees. Expect him to contribute more on the scoresheet on this occasion, though.

That being said, Burren have been racking up big scores themselves. The only problem is as much as they come into the Ulster final a better team than the semi-final one last year, so too do Crossmaglen.

What Burren have in youth so too do Cross but they lack the Armagh men’s ability to close out games which is just one string to their bow. There’s no John McEntee or Francie Bellew to come off the bench to calm the waters for Cross but they shouldn’t need either tomorrow.

Verdict: Crossmaglen Rangers