Plenty at stake in race for the Mick Leonard Cup

Plenty of teams have a fair idea of where they stand heading into the final round of group games in the IHC. Still though there are a couple of games of intrigue to look forward to, writes Tom Gannon.

Gaeil Colmcille will be underdogs in their clash with current group A leaders Rathmolyon. Meanwhile there are two quarter final spots up for grabs in Group B which Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Boardsmill and Drumree are all vying for.

GROUP A

St Peter’s v Kilmessan: St Peter’s are still fancied by many to make a swift return back to the senior ranks but that line of thinking hit a bump in the road in round four when fellow IHC contenders Rathmolyon defeated the Dunboyne side by a point. Despite the loss, St Peter’s are still a very talented outfit and their Waterford import, Jason Gleeson has had a huge impact. Kilmessan need a victory and a big one at that if they are to avoid the IHC B, but it's rather unlikely and St Peter’s are expected to finish with a flourish. Prediction - St Peter’s.

Rathmolyon v Gaeil Colmcille: Rathmolyon had that crucial victory over St Peter’s in round four which put them in pole position to earn an automatic semi-final spot. Gaeil Colmcille are a solid side but they already have third place secured and Rathmolyon won’t want to leave anything to chance. Prediction - Rathmolyon.

Trim v Wolfe Tones: The bottom two in group A also clash and a perceived more favourable draw in the IHC B is up for grabs. Trim suffered very heavy defeats to Rathmolyon and St Peter’s which has impacted their score difference in a massive way. There is probably not a whole lot between these two sides but Wolfe Tones might just have a slight edge on the Reds’ second string. Prediction - Wolfe Tones.

GROUP B

Kilskyre /Moylagh v Boardsmill: The top two in Group B go head to head but the consequences of the game are of little importance depending on how Kilskyre/Moylagh decide to approach it. Kilskyre/Moylagh have already secured top spot. At full strength, they look the stronger of the two sides, but Boardsmill have a lot more to play for and a victory would seal them a favourable quarter-final draw. While a loss might see them lose their quarter-final spot altogether. Prediction - Boardsmill.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne v St Patrick’s: Last years semi-finalists Donaghmore/Ashbourne can seal their spot in the IHC quarter-final with a win over St Patrick’s on Saturday. They’ll hoping Kilskyre/Moylagh can get a win over Boardsmill to put them in with a chance of earning second place. They also have to keep an eye over their shoulders as Drumree will be hoping they can take advantage of any slip up. Regardless you’d expect Donaghmore/Ashbourne to do their part and get the victory. Prediction - Donaghmore/Ashbourne.

Drumree v Kildalkey: Drumree are still in the hunt for a quarter-final place, however, Donaghmore/Ashbourne do have the head-to-head advantage over them so they are looking for a favour from either St Patrick’s or Kilskyre/Moylagh.

Similar to the side that they beat in last years semi-final, they are expected to get the victory themselves over Kildalkey and then hope for other results to go their way. Prediction - Drumree.