Rhode on high alert for big SFC test with Ferbane

RHODE will be trying to rally the forces when they meet Ferbane in the second round of the Senior Football Championship on Friday next while Durrow meet Edenderry in the other group 1 clash.

Ballycommon have a bye while the four team group 2, consisting of Tullamore, Shamrocks, Bracknagh and Clonbullogue, is not getting underway until two weeks later.

Rhode v Ferbane: Friday, August 1 in Rhode at 7.30pm

The clash of Rhode and Ferbane is the most attractive fixture this week by a long shot. After losing heavily to Edenderry in the first round, Rhode will be aiming for a big response, especially as it is on home turf.

The dominant force in Offaly for most of the last two decades, Rhode were badly stung by that nine point loss. They were sixteen points behind at one stage and that is a situation none of their current team had found themselves in at senior football level.

With of a handful of their team in their “advanced” footballing years, Rhode could not live with the pace of Edenderry once they opened up full steam and the new rules are clearly asking new questions of them.

Ferbane started well with a convincing win over Ballycommon. There was an obvious difference in the standard of opposition that both Ferbane and Rhode faced but there was enough in the first round to earn Ferbane the favourites mantle for this game.

Rhode are a very proud club and their pride has been hurt. There could be a powerful kick in them and they will hit Ferbane with everything they have. They will also have the change things as Ferbane are also a young side with pace to burn and it will be very interesting to see Rhode's tactical approach to this one.

The home side will relish the challenge and it will also be a huge examination of Ferbane's credentials. They looked good against Ballycommon and are definite title contenders but will come up against a team of seasoned, powerful competitors with hurt pride and a point to prove. The first round along with our knowledge of both teams suggests that Ferbane will edge it but you just can't rule Rhode out.

Verdict – Ferbane.

Durrow v Edenderry: Saturday, August 2 in Durrow 7.30pm

Apart from their very impressive win over Rhode, Edenderry look to be turning a major corner. They have flattered to deceive in recent years but have won the Division 1 Football League already and look to be going very well.

Knockout football will dictate their year and they will take a giant step towards that if they beat Durrow on Saturday.

It is a potential banana skin for them and Durrow are well capable of providing shocks but all the evidence points towards an Edenderry win.

Durrow have a lot of dual players and hurling with Ballinamere is the priority for many of them. Some of them are excellent footballers and Durrow would have potential if everything fell in place for them. That is unlikely to happen at the moment.

Verdict – Edenderry.