There seems to a good atmosphere building in Clara for this one. Hopefully Clara didn't use up all their gunpowder in the first half against Pullagh?
Rhode certainly can't claim they haven't had ample warning.
The Magpies have been going well up front especially with Tommo Deehan on a great run of form. The support cast isn't half bad too with John O'Hara and John Reynolds capable of getting the scores and a decent work rate around the rest of the forward line.
The backs have held out well this year, which would have been a worry with absentees. A settled defensive unit is something Clara have rarely had. They'll expect to be really tested by Rhode's talented forward line.
Joe Quinn made a decent fist of marking Niall McNamee in the 2006 final and Clara really need someone to put the shackles on him on Sunday. Its a high risk stuff because you need someone able to win the high deliveries in front of Niall, without ever getting lobbed.
Pat Flanagan has never been afraid to re-jig things, but given the quality Rhode have, they can smash and grab in a matter of moments.
The Magpie would be better qualified to give an assessment on the runners and riders here.
In the 2003 and 2006 county finals, the winners essentially won the game in the first half, but I'd expect this one to pan out differently.
I'll sit on the fence here, hedge my bets and be cagey with my prediction...A 12 point win for Clara and Rhode finishing with 13 men!
.clara had a good win in the semi final but rovers were very poor that day so its hard to know what to take from that game .they will not get the same freedom against rhode and will be interesting to see if they have a plan b if the full forward line isnt getting much joy .all in all rhode have the better balance all over the pitch and will win by 5 or 6 points .
