Took in both games tonight, and whilst not of the highest standard, I thought they were entertaining enough.
I was in late to the Sarsfields and Silverbridge game - abut fifteen minutes gone - and Sarsfields were 0-5 to 0-2 up. For the last three quarters of the game, they managed a further three points. They did also manage a goal which came before half time, and from memory opened up a five point lead for them. That was cut to two or three by half time. The second half was totally one way traffic, with the Bridge somehow managing to keep the opposition in it, thanks to some terrible shooting. The key score was their goal, and it came from a penalty, which from my vantage point looked as if it was expertly won, and was definitely outside the area, despite the subsequent fall into the box. Solely on the basis of what I saw tonight, I'd have to express amazement that the Bridge beat Clann Eireann in Lurgan. Maybe they had their shooting boots on that day?
The second game was strange. Killeavey got off to a great start, notching up 1-1 before the Ogs responded with a period of dominace to score 1-3 and take a two point lead. From there, Killeavey dominated the rest of the half and well into the second half. I reckon they notched something like the next 1-7 before the Ogs got back-to-back points, but entering the final quarter it was simply a matter of how much Killeavey would win by. It ended up eleven, on ascoreline of something like 3-11 to 1-6.
Killeavey ran out very comfortable winners and I thought their running game was quite impressive at times. They were too good for the Ogs, who I feel still rely too much on the veterans of the team. Killeavey are a difficult side though to fathom. They were hammered at home to Maghery, but could have taken something from their visit to ourselves. They then appeared to struggle to beat Annaghmore to confirm progress.
Again, on the basis of what I watched tonight, I can't see the Bridge or Killeavey making a semi-final, but then maybe they are capable of another huge performance.
One last thing - and this is an observation, rather than a criticism - it was really interesting to see the contrast in approaches from both referees. The first ref let an awful lot go, and thus many players were caught in possession and the ball was frequently overturned. In the second match the referee officiated much more to the letter of the law and therefore there were more frees given against the man making the tackle.
