By Alan Rodgers

A CRUNCH clash against their keenest rivals offers the Tyrone hurlers a golden opportunity to take a massive step forwards in their bid to win promotion from Division 3A when they take on Armagh this Sunday.

Tyrone will be hoping that their 2021 momentum and two reasonable results so far in 2022 will stand to them.

A draw away against Roscommon, followed by the win over Warwickshire a fortnight ago, means that Michael McShane and his players are well in the hunt at the top of the table.

But ace scorer, Damien Casey, is also under no illusions as they prepare to meet Armagh.

Nothing less than a top class performance will suffice if they are to make full use of home advantage and boost their chances of gaining that much sought-after promotion.

“The conditions were very tough in the last game against Warwickshire, but it was a good win and the margin of victory will do us no harm in terms of scoring difference,” said the Dungannon, Eoghan Ruadh player.

“If we are sitting our sights on a league final, then we need to be winning potentially all our matches. That last game was a useful victory, and there are plenty of tough encounters still ahead.

“We were nine points down against Roscommon in the first game, and then the way the second half unfolded we were probably looking at being disappointed not to have got the win. At the same time, two games undefeated is good even though the Armagh one this weekend is a step up again.”

Armagh have traditionally been strong opponents for Tyrone, and have spent more seasons in the higher grades.

Nevertheless, the Red Hands certainly won’t be overawed as they seek to record a second victory.

Alongside Casey, many of them have been displaying excellent form. Chris Kearns, Dean Rafferty, Conor McNally, Aidan Kelly and Conor Grogan will all be hoping to once again produce the goods as the
task of maintaining the promotion challenge reaches a critical
stage.

“We have three tough games ahead and will keep our heads down and working during the next few weeks,” added Casey.

“Getting our of Division Three has been tough on a number of occasions. We’ve got to league finals and just missed out. For a lot of teams this time of year the focus is on the championship, but for us it’s about trying to get out of Division Three.

“It’s about trying to achieve that and then build the momentum going into the Nickey Rackard.

“Armagh is a local derby and both of us know each other fairly well over the past few years. It’s going to be no easy task because they’re always formidable.

“Past games do and don’t matter. We did well against them in the Nickey Rackard and then used that game as a platform to push on even though the final result was disappointing.

“But this is a new year, the two teams are similar, it’s going to be a tough game and one to be looking forward to.

“That’s where our focus is on now and then we’ll move on. On our day, if we perform, then I’d like to think we’re a match for anyone.”

The game is at Healy Park on Sunday at 2pm.