Ballina put the pressure on champions Knockmore in Mayo senior championship

MORE drama, and more to come. The second round of the Mayo senior football championship produced some intriguing results and some quality football as teams push for place in the quarterfinals of the competitions.

A few teams have one leg in the knockouts stages but going into the third and final round, which will be played the weekend after next at neutral venues, only three teams – Breaffy, Castlebar Mitchels and Westport – have qualified for the last eight.

There were a few big results at the weekend, Ballina’s win over county champions Knockmore topping the list.

The Stephenites bounced back from that first round draw with Ballaghaderreen in style, firing three goals past Ray Dempsey’s men and leaving the champions under pressure going into the final round against Ballaghaderreen, while Ballina’s fate is also still hanging in the balance. They are on three pints, Knockmore and Aghamore have two apiece, with Ballaghaderreen on one point.

The other big result came from St. Patrick’s Park in Westport, where they home side lowered the colours of Ballintubber to secure their place in the quarterfinals. Ballintubber are likely to be joining them as runners-up, however.

Castlebar Mitchels are also through to the quarterfinals following a hard fought win over Davitts in Ballindine, while Garrymore’s draw with Charlestown leaves them needing to get something from their final game which against Castlebar Mitchels who will be going for a win to secure their place as group winners.

Breaffy have also secured their quarterfinal place following their win over neighbours Balla, who find themselves at the bottom the group table without a win, with Claremorris and Belmullet still in with a chance of taking that second spot.

Ahead of the third and final round of the group stages, which will be played the weekend after next, the group standings are as follows.

Group 1: Westport top the group and have booked their place in the quarterfinals. Even were they to lose to Mayo Gaels, their huge score difference would see them through but I expect them to win and top their group. A win or even a draw with The Neale will secure Ballintubber second place in the group. Points table: Westport 4, Ballintubber 2, Mayo Gaels 2, The Neale 0. Final round: Ballintubber v The Neale, Westport v Mayo Gaels.

Group 2: This groups remains wide open following Ballina’s win over Knockmore at the weekend. The Stephenites are on three points and look in a very strong position to qualify with a win or even a draw with Aghamore. A win for Aghamore would secure their place in the quarterfinals. County champions Knockmore face Ballaghaderreen where a win would also put them into the last eight. A win for Ballaghadereen would also put them back in the picture to qualify depending on the outcome of the Ballina v Aghamore game. Points table: Ballina 3, Knockmore 2, Aghamore 2, Ballaghaderreen 1. Final round: Ballina v Aghamore, Knockmore v Ballaghaderreen.

Group 3: Breaffy are in control of this group and their place in the quarterfinals already guaranteed as they have two wins from two games. The second spot remains up for grabs and can be filled by either Claremorris or Belmullet. Claremorris could find a winless Balla a tough nut to crack but Balla would need to win by a wide margin to avoid a relegation battle. Were Belmullet to beat Breaffy or even get a draw from that clash, it could seal their place as runners-up in the group depending on the outcome of the other game. Points table: Breaffy 4, Claremorris 2, Belmullet 2, Balla 0. Third round: Claremorris v Balla, Breaffy v Belmullet.

Group 4: Castlebar Mitchels are safely through to the quarterfinals ahead of their final game against Garrymore, who need to get at least a draw from this tie to qualify, while a win would see them go through as group winners. A win for Charlestown over Davitts would bring them into the picture with three points, which would put them on level terms with Garrymore if they lose to Castlebar Mitchels. Davitts, of course, could do both Castlebar and Garrymore a favour by beating Charlestown to avoid being involved in a relegation battle, but you’d have to fancy a win for Charlestown which will bring them right back into the picture – but score difference is very much in favour of Garrymore. Points table: Castlebar 4, Garrymore 3, Charlestown 1, Davitts 0. Third round: Castlebar Mitchels v Garrymore, Davitts v Charlestown.