Final matches in the Group stages of the Gordon West Cup take place this weekend. In Group A It is between PSNI, Ophir and BHSFP for the two places. Group B Larne and Holywood have secured the top two places. Group C Donegal and Letterkenny would be favourites. Group D It is between Monaghan, Newry and Virginia. The eight sides from the four groups will progress to the Quarter Finals to be played on Saturday the 26th February 2014. With the semi finals listed for the 2nd April and the final down for the 19th April.
Group A
Ophir v Armoy.
Ophir remain undefeated this season and would be favourites to win this game.
PSNI V BHSFP
The Newforge side have struggled this season and were humilated last Saturday when they were beaten 77 – 0 by Larne in a league game. The High School had their earlier Group game at home to Ophir postponed. This fixture has yet to be played. High School would be expected to win this game and progress to the knock out stages.
Group B
Larne v Holywood
With both teams having progressed to the knock out stages the bragging rights will be very much at stake when the Antrim side welcome their Counterparts from County Down to the wind swept East Antrim Coast at Glynn. Larne are still hurting from their 46 – 22 defeat to the Down side at Kerr Park in the league earlier this season. Holywood remain undefeated and will be tested by Laurence Kelly’s team who have run up large scores in the last two months. They have also demonstrated their ability to grind out results against Newry and Donegal. Both teams are well organised and fit. Expect a high scoring game on Saturday.
Larne to win
Lurgan v Civil Service
Neither side can make the knock out stages with both coaches looking a win to build confidence for their remaining league programme.
Civil Service to win
Group C
With only three sides in this Group Donegal and Letterkenny would have to be the favourites to progress to the knock out stages.
Donegal Town v Londonderry YMCA
The South Donegal side will have been disppointed by their performance at Holywood last Sat when they lost 39 – 24. Coach Gary Prenderville will want a resonse from his players. Willy Lamrock’s side have yet to record their first win of the season.
Donegal to win.
Group D
This is probably the tightest group with three teams Monaghan, Newry and Virginia fighting it out for the top two places.
Newry v Monaghan
Newry won 24 – 12 at Monaghan in the league in October and recorded an excellent league win at Letterkenny last Saturday 11 – 9. In their last league outing Monaghan won 28 – 24 at Lurgan. Newry would have to be clear favourites. Expect a large crowd at Telford Park for this game.
Virginia v Cavan
The Cavan side have already recorded a 32 – 21 league win at Deerpark against their County rivals. A win for Virginia would allow them to progress into the knock out stages. A County derby with alot at stake. Should attract a sizeable crowd. Cavan did lose at home to Ophir 16 – 6 in the league and secured an impressive 20 -13 win at BHSFP in the league last weekend. Cavan have improved their playing form in recent weeks. Difficult game to call. Virginia need to win.
