Camogs put Ulster title on the line

The champions reached the final with a comfortable 3-12 to 2-5 win over Armagh champions Ballymacnab a couple of weeks ago.

In that semi-final they struggled in the first half against a slick moving Armagh outfit but with the aid of the stiff wind in the second period a series of Grainne McGoldrick points paved the way for their victory and a final berth.

Meanwhile Ballycran earned their shot at an Ulster Senior ‘B’ title the hard way. They needed a replay in the Down championship final before overcoming Clonduff 0-13 to 0-12

Eoghan Rua will have to keep a tight watch on Down county star, Catherine McGourty, who was instrumental in their final victory over Clonduff.

Indeed it was Clonduff that Eoghan Rua beat in last year’s Ulster final, so Ballycran will be a serious test for the holders. Other players that the champions will be need to be wary of include Nicola Braniff, Amy McCarthy and Laura Hughes, all have a keen eye for a score.

Ballycran reached the final when they seen off a strong challenge from Tyrone champions Eglish.

Difficult to call this one as the sides have never met before so there is no form guide to go on, however it is likely to be close.

Once again the champions will be looking for big performances from their county stars and key to that will be their top striker Grainne McGoldrick, in whom Eoghan Rua heavily rely for the bulk of their scores.

No doubt Ballycran will be aware of the threat and if they can nullify the scoring power from that source they will put the Coleraine side under serious pressure to retain their title.

However knowing the threat and effectively dealing with it are totally different things, so far few teams have mastered that against Eoghan Rua and if Ballycran fail in that regard the cup will be back at Pairc Eoghain Rua on Saturday evening.