Scoring power may decide it

It’s not the final pairing widely predicted but, as the campaign progressed, both Cratloe and Crusheen put down a marker as to why they would contest this year’s Clare senior hurling final.
They have travelled somewhat similar routes to the final stage in that they both lost a group stage game and finished as runners-up in their respective groups.
A draw with neighbours Sixmilebridge meant Cratloe dropped three points in the group stage. This left them depending on their neighbours to win their final game to ensure the champions’ passage to the play-off stages.
Ironically, the winners of the two groups were the beaten semi-finalists with Cratloe requiring a second chance to repeat last year’s final win over neighbours Clonlara.
Crusheen have a very strong defence but their attack is not to the same level. That said, it’s worth noting that they scored 8-79 in their six games to date, just 11 points less than the holders, who have played an extra game.
There were times in this campaign, particularly in the first quarter of last week’s semi-final replay, when Cratloe looked a little tired. After all, they have been on the go for almost three years when one considers their hurling and football campaigns, from minor to senior. In addition, a lot of players have played at various levels for the county and also with a number of college sides.
Unlike last year, they have had to contend with a couple of injury problems this season and are likely to again be without Martin ‘Ogie’ Murphy, Gearóid Ryan and James Enright, although all three are holding out hopes of playing some part in the final.
Cathal McInerney missed a few weeks due to a hand injury but since his return, he has scored vital goals and is sure to pose a huge threat to Crusheen on Sunday.
Crusheen were devastated when they lost the 2007 final by the minimum margin to Tulla, then coached by Michael Browne who is now in charge of his native parish. He will be hoping to lead his charges to their first senior crown on Sunday.
Browne is a highly respected coach and his ability to instil confidence in players has been reflected in both Tulla’s performances in 2007 and Crusheen’s play this season. This was certainly evident in their semi-final win over Sixmilebridge when they simply refused to accept anything less than a win. Despite missing some great opportunities to go ahead and finding themselves a point behind with two minutes to go, they dug out a one-point win.
In Cratloe’s case, what has been noticeable this year is how the experience gained in 2009 is reflected in their play. In last week’s replay against Clonlara, they found themselves six points in arrears after the first quarter but showed no signs of panic. When the half time whistle sounded, they had the margin down to two with wind advantage to come.
Both sides go into Sunday’s final with settled and strong defences. Crusheen will welcome Cathal Dillon back from suspension and he is expected to slot in at wing-back. His return will mean that someone will lose out in the starting line-up from their semi-final win over Sixmilebridge.
With Dillon’s return, they may opt to move Ciarán O’Doherty to corner back to keep tabs on Cathal McInerney. The result of Sunday’s final may well hinge on how the Crusheen full-backs cope with the threat of McInerney, Conor McGrath and Paudge Collins, who is again likely to be given a roving role.
One of the main contributory factors in Crusheen’s semi-final win was the final quarter displays from Ciarán O’Doherty and Cian Dillon.
At the other end of the field, the experienced David Forde together with Conor O’Donnell and Fergus Kennedy were impressive last time out for the challengers. They will need to repeat that form if Crusheen are to have a chance of bringing home the Canon Hamilton Trophy for the first time.
There doesn’t seem to be much between the teams but on the evidence of form in the campaign to date, Cratloe will carry the favourites’ tag into Sunday’s final. They are a well-balanced side, playing with a lot of confidence and they are clearly determined to hold on to the crown.
If Crusheen are to make history and win their first crown, they will have to curb the skillful Conor McGrath and make sure that scoring chances for McGrath and Cathal McInerney are few and far between. While they have a tight defence, they may struggle to close down the Cratloe attack sufficiently. At the end of a close affair, the odds suggest that Cratloe will be a point or two ahead.