Clubs looking for form in round two of Offaly Senior Football Championship this week

WHILE the stakes are minimal, clubs will still be looking for performances when the second round of the Tullamore Court Hotel Senior Football Championship takes place this week.

With all eight teams qualifying for the quarter-finals, there is no real penalty for a defeat but there should still be some decent games.

The first round was better than we expected, considering the format, and the intensity levels should rise further with the quarter-finals on the horizon in a few weeks.

Group 1

Rhode v Ballycommon in Rhode: Thursday, August 8 at 7.30pm

Ballycommon competed very well against Tullamore in the first round, losing out by just a point. You can expect another ferocious effort from them here, even if a visit to Rhode is a daunting task. Rhode blew hot and cold in their first round against Bracknagh, doing just enough to win. They will be aiming to raise their performance level another notch here, especially on home turf and with emotions raw in the area following the death of one of their favourite sons, Martin Heavey.

Ballycommon will rattle them but Rhode have a lot of quality.

Verdict – Rhode.

Tullamore v Bracknagh: Saturday, August 10 in O'Connor Park at 7.15pm

Tullamore certainly did not fire on all cylinders in their first round win over Ballycommon and manager Niall Stack will be looking for improvement here. They still looked reasonably good and they are well capable of igniting. Bracknagh showed great heart against Rhode and the return of Ciaran Donnelly from abroad is a big help. They should compete well here.

Verdict – Tullamore.

Group 2

Edenderry v Shamrocks: Friday, August 9 in Edenderry at 7.30pm

Of the four main contenders, Edenderry had the best and most convincing performance in the first round, clicking into top gear in the second half and pulling away for a comprehensive win over Durrow. Their home game against Shamrocks could be the game of the round. The Rahan-Mucklagh outfit had a great first round win over Ferbane, one that really sets them up. They were missing veteran forward Nigel Dunne that day as well and he will be a big help when he returns.

Edenderry, however, looked good against Durrow and they need a second similar performance to really build their confidence. This should be a lot tighter but Edenderry are favourites.

Verdict – Edenderry.

Ferbane v Durrow: Saturday, August 10 in Ferbane at 5pm

While both sides lost their first round, this is a far bigger game for Ferbane than Durrow. It has been a traumatic championship season for Ferbane and Belmont to date as Ferbane have lost to Shamrocks in senior football while Belmont have suffered two senior hurling defeats. A number of players have played in both and they desperately need a win to get going.

That will ensure that Ferbane will be very motivated for this one and eager to perform. Durrow were surprisingly poor in the second half against Edenderry and we will have to see what their response is. With Ballinamere recording an important win over Belmont in senior hurling last week, their dual players may find it difficult to get their intensity levels up as high this weekend. With qualification assured, they don't have to and we will have to wait and see what way Durrow are. Ferbane are in a different place and another defeat would be damaging to both them and Belmont hurlers.

Verdict – Ferbane.