Knockout drama as survival and semi-final places go on the line
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THE race for the Bob O’Keeffe Cup intensifies today, but before the championship picture becomes clearer, one club's senior status will come to an end in a high-stakes relegation showdown.
Three huge games are down for decision, with Ballinakill and Ballyfin battling for survival before Rosenallis, Abbeyleix, The Harps and Borris/Kilcotton compete for the final two places in the Laois SHC semi-finals.
There is no second chance for Ballinakill or Ballyfin as they face into a winner-takes-all encounter with senior hurling status at stake.
The sides have already met in this year's championship, with Ballinakill emerging victorious by five points. That result will offer encouragement to Ballinakill, but previous meetings count for little when survival is on the line.
Ballyfin endured a difficult group campaign, losing all five of their matches, while Ballinakill's solitary win was not enough to lift them above Portlaoise and Abbeyleix in the standings.
Recent form also favours Ballinakill slightly. They finished with a respectable showing against The Harps despite losing 3-18 to 0-19, while Ballyfin suffered a heavy defeat against Camross in their final outing.
Yet all of that is merely background heading into what is effectively a championship final for both clubs. The reward for victory is another season among the county's elite. Defeat brings relegation and the task of rebuilding in the intermediate ranks.
The championship action begins in earnest when Rosenallis and Abbeyleix renew acquaintances in what could be the tightest of the double-header.
The teams were inseparable in many respects throughout the group phase, both finishing with four points from five games after recording two wins and three defeats. Only scoring difference separated them, with Rosenallis edging that particular statistic.
Rosenallis have remained competitive throughout the campaign and were only narrowly beaten by Borris/Kilcotton in their final group match.
Abbeyleix, however, arrive with momentum following an impressive 2-22 to 3-16 victory over Rathdowney/Errill. That result secured their quarter-final berth and reinforced their belief that they can continue their championship journey.
With Camross waiting in the semi-final, neither side will need any additional motivation. Given how little has separated them so far, another closely fought contest looks likely.
The final game of the day promises to be a fascinating clash between two of the championship's most consistent performers.
The Harps have quietly assembled an excellent campaign, winning four of their five group matches to finish second only to the unbeaten Clough/Ballacolla.
Borris/Kilcotton have been almost as impressive. Three wins, a draw and a lone defeat yielded seven points and secured their place in the knockout stages. They also arrive after a confidence-boosting win over Rosenallis.
Although reports suggest PJ Scully may miss out, Borris/Kilcotton still possess significant attacking threats.
Clough/Ballacolla lie in wait for the winners, ensuring there is a major prize on offer beyond Sunday's quarter-final. With both teams carrying strong championship credentials, this could well produce the game of the day.
By Sunday evening, the senior championship semi-final line-up will be complete, the relegation issue settled and the battle for Laois hurling's greatest prize narrowed to four contenders.
