Crusheen's experience of tight games could prove key

LAST Sunday was a real test of character for both Na Piarsaigh and Crusheen, especially the final 10 minutes of their Munster Club decider.

Na Piarsaigh went a point down, came back to draw, then Crusheen went a point down and they too came back at the death. That’s going to be nothing though compared to test they face tomorrow with conditions having deteriorated during the week.

The big difference I saw between the sides last weekend is that while Crusheen are getting into a position to have a go at a goal, they’re not pulling the trigger..

Na Piarsaigh created a few chances with Kevin Downes having a couple of shots but Crusheen were shying away from taking on that responsibility. Time and again their half-forwards got inside their men and created space but they didn’t take advantage when in the danger zone.

And Crusheen need to rise a green flag or two. The man most capable of doing it for them, however, David Forde, is in the wrong place. While he’s effective at wing-forward I think he’d be even more dangerous in the full-forward line, and his history with Clare proves that. He can score goals. I think he should be put in there, alongside another veteran, Gerry O’Grady, and they’re well capable of building an understanding.

Of course the problem is that you can’t have him everywhere, and he is a good ball-winner, the most experienced forward Crusheen have. But I just think that if they need a goal then he is the man to bring forward.

Another problem for Crusheen is who to put in midfield along with Pat Vaughan. They brought Fergus Kennedy out the last day and maybe they should start him there this week. Their defence coped well with the dangerous Na Piarsaigh attack, limiting even the mighty Shane Dowling in open play, but they conceded 1-6 from placed balls. A repeat performance tomorrow could prove their undoing.

Limerick champions Na Piarsaigh will probably look back on last week as a game they should have won. Dowling was very impressive for them but that’s a problem in itself — have they become too reliant on him? He managed only one point from play but he was their most effective forward and needs greater support from the men around him.

Defensively Na Piarsaigh looked strong, down the middle especially, with Kieran Breen and James O’Brien impressive. And yet — as I said above — Crusheen did create opportunities to create goals, but failed to capitalise.

A midfield partner for Kieran Kennedy is also a concern. They brought Cathal King out there last weekend and he may again be handed the role. I wouldn’t be surprised if Na Piarsaigh start John Madden this week after an impressive late cameo last weekend.

A couple of factors that might make the difference this week. First, how did the teams come out of last week’s game? It was a gruelling test, and if there are bruises and knocks, then you’d think Na Piarsaigh’s stronger bench could be a massive benefit.

Referee? Johnny Ryan applied a lot of common sense last week, hopefully Cathal McAllister will do the same now. There’s a lot riding on this, we don’t want to see a game ruined by a referee who’s over-fussy, or worse, the game decided because of a poor decision.

Both teams can play better than we saw last week. I’ve seen Crusheen a few times and I know there’s more in them, I know also from talking to people in Limerick that Na Piarsaigh weren’t at their best. If Crusheen can get a goal or two, I’d fancy them to do it this time; if not, they’ll be under pressure. One way or the other it’s going to be close again, and during this campaign I’ve seen Crusheen win games like that time after time. Getting the nod then, on that.

I wonder though, is there a case to be made for all games at this time of the year to be played to a conclusion with extra time mandatory on the first day?