Chronicle Crystal Ball

Rathkenny v Walterstown: But for the controversy that surrounded the SFC relegation issue last year then this fixture would possibly be regarded as the least attractive down this weekend, but instead the tie is one of the most eagerly anticipated of the championship. Rathkenny beat Walterstown after extra-time in last year's SFC relegation play-off, but the Blacks objected on the grounds they hadn't agreed to extra-time. Sunday's re-match will probably go in the opposite direction to last October's result. On their first round showings Walterstown will be clear favourites having shocked Dunshaughlin with a late victory. Rathkenny managed a draw with Blackhall in a dire contest. Verdict - Walterstown. Blackhall Gaels v St Ultan's: Had this been a first round fixture, then Blackhall Gaels would have been clear favourites for victory, but such was the form displayed by both sides in their opening games that St Ultan's can have reasonable expectations. Against defending champions Seneschalstown, St Ultan's more than held their own. They produced an excellent performance that managed just two scores less than the champions, unfortunately it was the concession of three goals that proved costly. Even without several regulars, St Ultan's still look too strong for a Blackhall Gaels side that were described as dire in their draw with Rathkenny. Verdict - St Ultan's. Seneschalstown v Dunshaughlin: With games against St Ultan's, Rathkenny and Blackhall Gaels still to come this isn't quite a do or die clash for Dunshaughlin, but another defeat will leave them with a mountain to climb. Seneschalstown showed, in fits and starts, against St Ultan's that they will once again be major contenders for honours. There is still a huge reliance on Joe Sheridan and if he is on form again then it is hard to see anything other than an expected win. Verdict - Seneschalstown. Skryne v St Patrick's: Draws from their respective opening games will leave both sides with realistic ambitions of advancing to the knock-out stages, but a win for either in this tie will go a long way towards securing that target. St Patrick's were less than impressive when securing a draw with Trim. They needed four goals to stay level and their return of six points was paltry. Skryne can point to a decent display against a rejuvenated Simonstown and that will give them confidence. Verdict - Skryne. Simonstown Gaels v Dunboyne: The performance of Shane O'Rourke in Simonstown's SFC draw with Skryne was what impressed most and the north Navan side will be hoping the ever-improving county player continues his rich vein of form if they are to have a chance here. Dunboyne's victory over Wolfe Tones was a mild surprise, but considering Wolfe Tones form, the win was not so much of a shock. Dunboyne have plenty of big guns to bring to a battle, but Simonstown might have too much savvy and should win the war. Verdict - Simonstown Gaels. Wolfe Tones v Trim: Six A FL Div 1 games between these two sides have yet to yield a single point and next Sunday's SFC encounter promises to be a crunch game for both. Another defeat for Wolfe Tones will leave them in big trouble, while victory for Trim could ignite their season. Wolfe Tones have been without several key players all year and that is likely to continue. Darren Fay got more out of Trim against St Patrick's than he might have expected and after last year's close contest he will be hopeful his side are capable of causing what would be a shock result. Verdict - Trim. Duleek/Bellewstown v Donaghmore/Ashbourne: Having the first week of the SFC off was a good opportunity for Duleek/Bellewstown to sit back and scope out the opposition, but they will not have enjoyed the experience as next Sunday's opposition Donaghmore/Ashbourne will provide a stiff test. Avoiding possible relegation by boardroom intervention ensured Duleek/Bellewstown's participation in the senior championship, but they will have their work cut out to avoid a similar scenario this year. Donaghmore/Ashbourne were very impressive during their best spell against Summerhill and a repeat of that type of performance will give them the win. Verdict - Donaghmore/Ashbourne. Summerhill v Navan O'Mahonys: This could be a dress rehearsal for a possible SFC final. There are very few who will argue that on individual talent both these sides are superior to most other clubs, but it is who gels best as a team that will prevail. Summerhill gave the best performance of the opening round, but they showed for 20 minutes against Donaghmore/Ashbourne that they are very beatable. O'Mahonys were poor in the opening half of their win over Oldcastle, but produced the goods after the break. Its a tough one to call, so the fence looks like the best option. Verdict - draw.