Last Man Standing Update
The opening round of National Football League results proved a bit costly to some of the runners in our Last Man Standing Competition. The Westmeath-Carlow and Sligo-Armagh drawn games produced a nice collection of early fallers. Organiser in chief, Robbie Boyle, has a word of advice for those who fell at the first fence: ‘For those who went out of our Last Man Standing at the first Hurdle, I think posting the pin you used to pick your team to Lourdes for next year would be a good idea’.
The four major games next weekend, for the apprentice pundits are Dublin v Tyrone, Offlay v Antrim Tipperary v Sligo and Limerick v Westmeath. None of those still standing expect Tyrone, Antrim or Sligo to win next weekend; two people have chosen Limerick to beat Westmeath, six entrants have opted for Westmeath.
The number one choice for a victory next weekend is Offaly; 19 entrants believe this will happen but after a poor Offaly showing against Longford last Sunday this prediction might be one with heavy casualties. Antrim will travel with confidence after a good display against Tipperary in their opening game. Sligo will also travel to Thurles with expectations after coming from 0-6 down to rescue a valuable point against Armagh. Tipperary mean business in this division and conceded two black cards in the final minutes v Antrim last Sunday to secure the points (Westmeath players please note!). The five people depending on a Dublin win will look with confidence to the weekend and if the Tyrone defence is as generous as it was in presenting goal chances to Roscommon then Dublin will take full advantage but then it is Dublin v Tyrone and one can never be sure of the result in this modern day intense rivalry (what are the odds on a draw?).
Finally Limerick v Westmeath is a real must-not-lose game for both teams … the loser in this match will more than likely spend another year in Division 4 and certainly the Lake County men are no bankers in this one … Limerick have a decent performance against Wexford to comfort them while Westmeath have … (complete as appropriate!)
