By Shaun Casey

WHEN Kerry and Down last locked horns just four weeks ago, there were only two points between the teams by the time the full-time whistle sounded and as tight of a contest can be expected this week.

Only this time around, the prize is a much greater one as a spot in the All-Ireland Intermediate final is up for grabs. Kerry’s 0-13 to 0-11 win in round two helped them top the group with three wins from three.

Down would still have been happy enough with their campaign and Domhnall Nugent’s side finished up in second place after securing comfortably victories in their other two fixtures against both Carlow and Kildare.

That sent them through to the last eight where they defeated Meath last weekend on home soil at Clonduff, earning them another crack at the Kingdom. This time, they head to St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge as they chase revenge.

Goals have been key to Down’s success so far this season and they grabbed a brace of three-pointers last Saturday. Sara Louise Gaffin and Saoirse Sands found the target and the pair top scored for the Mourne side.

The experienced Graffin finished the game with 1-8, including 1-5 from play, while Sands was responsible for 1-1 of their 2-13 tally. Dearbhla Magee also chipped in with 0-3 while Grace Cunningham got her name on the scoresheet after entering the fray from the bench.

It’s also the third clean sheet in a row that Down have kept, and they haven’t conceded a goal since the opening round of the championship, when they overpowered Carlow by nine points 1-14 to 1-5.

Kerry’s gift for topping the group was a slingshot straight through to the semi-finals so they’ll be well rested ahead of Saturday’s showdown. Down will have revenge on their minds and they’ll be hungry to get a place in the decider.