Clara and Cappincur in pole position for semi-finals as Offaly SFC “B” takes shape

CLARA and Cappincur are firmly on course for the semi-finals of the Tuillamore Court Hotel Senior “B” Football Championship.

Both have six points, though Cappincur have a game more played with four of their six group games completed.

Six appears to be the magical figure for claiming one of the four semi-final spots on offer, though there is a lot of football to be played and some teams have three games remaining with another six points available to them and nothing is guaranteed yet.

Championship favourites Clara continued their excellent form with a very impressive 2-16 to 1-6 win over Gracefield to complete round 4 on Friday evening. They have a 100% record from their three games while Cappincur are followed by Ballinagar who have four from three, Tubber and Daingean who have three points from three games, Gracefield who have two from four and Ballycumber are the only side definitely gone with no points from four games.

Gracefield are on life support and with games to come against a very steady, consistent Cappincur, and an improving Ballinagar, they are under severe pressure.

It looks like the other two spots are between Ballinagar, Tubber and Daingean. Ballinagar travel to Daingean for their next game and the winner of this will be in a very good position. That is near enough a 50-50 game while Ballinagar also have Gracefield at home and their fate is very much in their own hands. They face Clara last and won't want to be facing into that needing a result to qualify.

Cappincur and Tubber also have Clara to come and the winner of Clara and Cappincur will be out through the gap in round 5. There may be twists and turns in some games and it is possible that some team will beat Clara, especially when they are through. Daingean and Tubber meet in the last round and it is very possible that this will be a four pointer with the loser going out – Daingean and Tubber both have to face Ballycumber and it will be disastrous for either if they lose to a team who just haven't got going yet.

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Round 5 fixtures are:

Clara v Cappincur;

Ballycumber v Tubber;

Daingean v Ballinagar.

Round 6

Gracefield v Ballinagar;

Clara v Tubber;

Daingean v Ballycumber.

Round 7

Cappincur v Gracefield;

Ballinagar v Clara;

Tubber v Daingean.