It has been a long time coming for Rheban as they finally cracked the knack of making it past the semi-final in the Junior Championship after years of coming so close. They have had good teams over the last few years that have competed consistently well, but climbing that final step of the ladder has proven a step too far in the last couple of years.
They were perhaps outsiders when they faced into the semi-final against a much fancied Robertstown side, but there was no stage in that game where they looked in any trouble as they eased to a 2-17 to 1-8 victory. Key to that victory was the strong personnel they have running through the spine of their team, and they will be the main protagonists once again on Sunday.
Darren Lawlor is one of the standout players in the junior grade, and his energetic running from centre-back is a major part of Rheban’s gameplan. Barry Foy and Chris Casey are a formidable pairing in midfield, while there are scoring options littered throughout their forward line in the likes of Pa Byrne, Nathan Robinson and Stephen Lawlor. Whether or not they are afforded as much opportunity on front of goal against Milltown this weekend seems unlikely, but there is potential there to rack up a good score if their attacking options click.
Milltown will rightly go into this game as favourites after sauntering through the group stages, with the only team restricting them to a single digit winning margin being Sunday’s opponents who lost to them in the third group game on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-4. They have consistently racked up big scores while only allowing four goals to be scored against them in their five games so far. They were given somewhat of an examination by Ballykelly in the semi-final, but even on that occasion the winning margin was still eight points.
The main threats for Milltown will once again be Ian Fitzgerald and Ronan O’Shea, who are unquestionably the most lethal duo operating at this level. Fitzgerald is ultra consistent from frees, while O’Shea offers a serious goal threat.
At the back they have Kevin Byrne and Colin O’Shea providing a strong spine, while Omar Dunne in midfield has all the athleticism to play in the senior ranks.
Milltown will be missing Alan Dignam through suspension after his dismissal on a straight red card in the semi-final win over Ballykelly, but there is good enough depth in their team to cope with the absence of the experienced forward.
Having lost the final after a replay against Kilcullen two years ago, Milltown will be looking to make amends this time round. Conversely, Rheban are appearing in a final for the first time in 22 years and will be looking to make their mark on a rare big day out.
Nerves could certainly play a part, but this will undoubtedly be a closer game than last year’s final. If Milltown can provide enough supply to their potent forward line they should have too much for their opponents on Sunday.
Verdict: Milltown
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