Now reached the Knock out stages of the Gordon West Cup. Four interesting ties down for decision this weekend. The stand out game has to be the meeting of current Qualifying Three league leaders Holywood and the undefeated and runaway league leaders in Qualifying Four -Ophir at Magowan Park, Mallusk. There is another meeting of Donegal and Newry at The Holmes. In their last meeting on the 18th January Donegal lost an enthralling league match 30 -22. Larne would be favourites to defeat the PSNI and the meeting of Monaghan and Letterkenny in the Cup will help both sides to make up for their disappointing league performances this season.
Donegal v Newry
Two clubs who have impressed this season and will fancy their chances of making the Ravenhill final on Sat 19th April. Their last league meeting in January provided a pulsating game that has reflected the progress both these clubs have made. When the two sides met in October at Telford Park, Donegal ran out 22-13 winners. In the return game on the 18th Jan Newry won 30-22. Newry in their last league outing at Larne on the 1st Feb, were leading Larne 10-7 at HT before losing 18-10. Water logged pitches have resulted in the postponement of Donegal’s last two home fixtures plus an away game at Letterkenny. Donegal have not played a match since the 18th January. Hopefully this inclement weather will abate this weekend to allow this match to take place. Newry to win
Larne v PSNI
There has to be only one winner in this game with second place Larne playing bottom side PSNI at the Glynn. The East Antrim sides number one goal is to secure promotion this season to Qualifying Two. Coach Laurence Kelly knows his side are only two matches away from playing at the refurbished Ravenhill in a Cup Final. PSNI have failed to perform this season and are staring relegation to Qualifying Four. Larne to win
Monaghan v Letterkenny
Interesting tie at Rafeenan. Both sides have under performed in the league this season and sit in the bottom four of Qualifying Three where five points separate these teams. The opportunity to contest a Ravenhill Cup Final will make this match difficult to call. Letterkenny defeated Monaghan at home in September 28 -5. In the return game in December Monaghan recorded a narrow 12-5 home win. In their last league game at home on the 1st Feb, Monaghan lost 10-7 to Lurgan. Letterkenny have not played since the 11th Jan when they lost 38 -12 to league leaders Holywood. Their last two games have been postponed due to waterlogged pitches. Monaghan to win
Ophir v Holywood
The undoubted tie of the Quarter Finals. The meeting of the top two sides from Qualifying Three and Four. Ophir have cruised through Qual Four this season with no team capable of challenging them. They remain undefeated in all competitions this season scoring 455 pts and conceding 47pts in eleven league games. Holywood are the reigning Gordon West Cup holders and have scored 395pts and conceded 107 pts in nine league games. The only team to have beaten Holywood this season are Larne who defeated Holywood in a Gordon West Cup Group match back in Nov 13-0. Can Kenny Morton inspire Ophir to a cup win. This game is sure to attract a large crowd to Magowan Park on Saturday. Holywood to win ?
