Senior All-Ireland Championship Round Five

Down v Offaly

Saturday, venue, 4pm

By Shaun Casey

IT’S been a tough campaign for the Down Camogie team as they’ve suffered some heavy defeats over the last number of weeks and have failed to pick up a victory in four games.

They only point the Mourne ladies earned came in a round two draw against Ulster rivals Antrim back at the end of May.

They’ve came out second best against Kilkenny, Galway and Limerick to sit second from bottom of the group two table. Only Offaly, their opponents this weekend, have picked up fewer points as they sit at the foot of the table on zero.

The aid of a stiff second half breeze for Limerick the last day out turned the game, as Down ended into the break with a 0-10 to 0-1 advantage.

Victory last weekend could have pushed Down into a quarter final position, but instead they’ll battle it out with Offaly to avoid relegation.

Saturday’s encounter is quite simple for both teams. The winner will maintain their status while the loser faces a final day salvation battle in the relegation playoff.

The most recent meeting between the sides was a five-goal cracker in the league, which Down shaded 2-11 to 3-6. Another tight game is expected and Down will hope they can edge through once again.

ALL TO PLAY FOR… Down must win this weekend to avoid the relegation play offs