Caulry's David Brookes tries to outrun Ballynacargy's Gary Fagan during the drawn Westmeath IFC semi-final. Photo: Michelle Ghee.

Can Caulry book county final place at the second attempt?

Published: Sat 28 Sep 2013, 11:20 AM

Last updated: Sat 28 Sep 2013, 12:29 PM

By Kieran Galvin

Caulry and Ballynacargy will renew hostilities in Tang later today (Saturday) when they meet in the Westmeath IFC semi-final replay which will now throw-in at 3pm.

The men from Mount Temple had to stage a spirited fightback to earn a draw last weekend. A goal from Robbie Hickey sparked the revival with David Brookes kicking the equaliser late on.

Ballynacargy were left to rue their failure to press home their advantage, and Caulry will be hoping to exploit their reprieve by booking their place in the intermediate county final for the second year in succession.

In order to do so, Francie Grehan’s charges will need to produce a better display over the 60-odd minutes.

Caulry came agonisingly close to winning the intermediate crown last year, losing by a single point to Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall in the final.

Now they have sights set on setting up a county final clash with St Malachy’s, who defeated Milltownpass in the other semi-final, 0-11 to 0-7.

The Caulry v Ballynacargy rematch was originally listed for a 2pm start but it has been pushed back to 3pm.The change in time means many supporters will probably be making a quick dash afterwards to catch TV coverage of the All-Ireland senior hurling final replay between Cork and Clare at 5pm.

The manner of Caulry’s escape last weekend might give credence to the notion that their name is on the Peter Geraghty Cup this year. But they surely cannot afford to allow Bal’ to build up a big lead again. And they will hope to keen Bal' attacker Declan McGuinness on a tighter leash this time.

Damien Dolan, a member of the Westmeath panel this year, is set to miss the game through injury - a major loss for Caulry. However, the recent return of Ben Moran from abroad is a boost and Caulry might just do enough to prevail.

With players like Peter Smyth, Johnny Dolan, David Brookes, Andy O’Sullivan, Eoghan Grennan and Robbie Hickey (a substitute the last day) in the forward line, Caulry have the scoring power to emerge victorious – provided they can win enough possession around midfield.

Verdict: Caulry.