THERE is a full round of intermediate and junior championship games on in Tyrone this weekend.
TYRONE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST-ROUND
Eglish v Coalisland
Thursday, Dungannon, 7.15pm
The most eagerly anticipated tie of the round as two teams that plyed their trade in Division One last year go head-to-head. Michael McKernan is unavailable for Coalislan. Maybe that’ll swing it Eglish’s way.
Verdict: Eglish
Aghaloo v Fintona
Friday, Omagh, 6.45pm
IN contrast to the previous pairing, both of these teams came up from Junior last year. Aghaloo fared slightly better during the league but you can’t discount Fintona completely.
Verdict: Aghaloo
Stewartstown v Owen Roes
Friday, Omagh, 8.15pm
OWEN Roes have gone about their business to good effect this year and it would be a considerable enough surprise if they don’t reach the last eight.
Verdict: Owen Roes
Killeeshil v Rock
Saturday, Stewartstown, 6.16
Killeeshil have won only a single game all season so it would be a huge upset if they spring an upset against the Rock. Stranger things have happened but the Rock should win.
Verdict: Rock
Beragh v Drumquin
Sunday, Killyclogher, 1pm
BERAGH have had a rather inconsistent season and have a few injury doubts heading into their championship opener against Drumquin. We’ll give the Red Knights a rather hesitant nod.
Verdict: Beragh
Greencastle v Clonoe
Sunday, Killyclogher, 2.45pm
CLONOE have won every single match this season and are big favourites to account for Greencastle. Still, Greencastle reached last year’s semis and have the potential to make it a tricky day out. Clonoe’s firepower should make the difference.
Verdict: Clonoe
Moy v Aghyaran
Sunday, Loughmacrory, 6pm
AGHYARAN have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks but it’s still a big ask to get the better of a Moy side hoping to make amends for Intermediate final defeats in 2023 and 2024.
Verdict: Moy
TYRONE JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND
Clann na nGael v Urney
Saturday, Greencastle, 1pm
URNEY are favourites going into this one on the back of a decent Division 3B campaign, but going by their two league meetings, a shock isn’t beyond the realms of possibIlity.
Verdict: Urney
Brackaville v Brocagh
Saturday, Derrylaughan, 1pm
BRACKAVILLE have been buoyed by their comeback victory over Tattyreagh in the preliminary round. This is an extremely difficult one to call and Brocagh have had some good results this season.
Verdict: Brackaville
Castlederg v Strabane
Saturday, Greencastle, 3pm
STRABANE are big favourites against a Castlederg team that finished bottom of Division 3A.
Verdict: Strabane
Errigal Ciaran Thirdsv Derrytresk
Saturday, Stewartstown, 4.30pm
DERRYTRESK are riding the crest of a wave and if they maintain their good form they should have too much for Errigal.
Verdict: Derrytresk
Drumragh v Glenelly
Sunday, Loughmacrory, 4.15pm
DRUMRAGH are dark horses for the championship while Glenelly can draw upon last year’s experience of reaching the semis. We’ll give Drumragh the nod.
Verdict: Drumragh
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