By Shaun Casey

A win over Devenish in the Club Players League final would see Teemore Shamrocks get their Division One campaign off to the best possible start and that’s what Tony Collins and his side are hoping to do.

They topped their five-team group in the Club Players League with four wins on the bounce over Enniskillen Gaels, Belcoo, Kinawley and Belnaleck to qualify for the final against Devenish, who topped Group B.

The winner of the game will earn three-points that will carry over to the league while the loser will pick up two-points heading into the league. There’s certainly an incentive there to go and win the game on Thursday evening.

“It’s key to have the boys in good shape going into the first round of the league because Teemore haven’t been there in five years so we’re really looking to have them in good shape for the first couple of games and hopefully pick up points,” said Collins.

“The league was due to start next weekend but because of the Tailteann Cup, it may be off for two or three weeks depending on how Fermanagh do.”

On the Devenish clash, Collins added, “Top place takes three-points into the league so it’s ultimately a win and a draw for the winner before you start. It’s early days and we’re still gauging what we have at our disposal but that one point could make all the difference.”

Teemore have been playing without their county trio so far, namely Ronan McCaffrey, goalkeeper Sean McNally and Oisin Murphy, but will welcome them back with open arms once Fermanagh’s run in the Tailteann Cup comes to an end.

“We’ve had a few wee niggles here and there and I suppose we’re putting a bit of a panel together,” Collins continued. “We’re eagerly waiting on our county lads to come back, and we have a couple of u20 lads back in too.

“It’s all about that competition for places and the reality is that if a man’s out, we’re happy enough that we can replace him, it’s maybe not like for like but close to it.”

On the new playing rules that have been introduced this year, Collins is a fan and has enjoyed coaching them. “I feel sorry for the referees having to deal with so much but I’m enjoying it, and it has definitely upped the scoring rate and the games are more exciting.”