Final spots on the line

The semi-finals of the JHC and the Junior B HC will take place this weekend withGroup B winners Kiltale taking on Killyon while in the other semi-final, Ratoath will face St Peter’s in a local derby. Last year’s finalists Kilmessan will clash with Dunderry in the first Junior B HC semi-final while the very impressive Group A winners Rathmolyon will contest the second semi-final against Na Fianna, writes Tom Gannon.

JHC

Kiltale v Killyon: Kiltale have been the standout side in the JHC this year and they scored a massive 10-32 on the way to topping group B. In their final game they were runaway victors over second placed St Peter’s by of 4-14 to 0-12. In the first JHC semi-final on Saturday, they will meet Killyon, who have been consistent. They are side that have gotten better throughout the group stage but Kiltale are fancied to continue their good run all the way to the final. Prediction - Kiltale.

Ratoath v St Peter’s: Group A toppers Ratoath will face off against their neighbours St Peter’s. A thumping from Kiltale is not the ideal prep for St Peter’s heading into this semi-final clash and Ratoath will be full of confidence after they got the better of Killyon to ensure that they finished top of their group. Roger Casey’s charges are expected to come out on top in this local derby and progress to the final. Prediction - Ratoath.

JUNIOR B HC

Kilmessan v Dunderry: Kilmessan will look to take one step closer to making amends for last year's Junior B HC final defeat to Navan O’Mahonys when they take on Dunderry. The men in blue and white may have played one less game so far but they are certainly sharp and Scott Bagnell is in flying form so they are fancied to progress. Prediction - Kilmessan.

Rathmolyon v Na Fianna: Rathmolyon have been motoring very well. They scored a massive tally of 14-56 in their three contests. They will likely be too strong for Na Fianna who are the only side in the semi-final pairings that didn’t top their group. Prediction - Rathmolyon.