U20 skipper Rafferty expects stiffer test in Ulster semi

TYRONE Under-20 captain Michael Rafferty appreciates that the Ulster Championship will really kick into gear from here on in with all matches straight knockout.

The Red Hands will be afforded home advantage in this Wednesday’s semi-final at Healy Park against Monaghan, their reward for topping Section A, winning three and drawing one of their four pool fixtures.

They rounded off their group fixtures with a resounding 5-20 to 0-8 stoll past an admittedly weakened Monaghan side at rainswept Coalisland last midweek, Michael Rafferty putting the seal on a fine individual display with the fifth goal for the home county in the closing stages.

The talented Killyclogher player believes that things are ticking along nicely in Paul Devlin’s camp right now, albeit the assignments are set to get much sterner.

“ It is a knockout competition from here on. This is where you want to be. Don’t get me wrong we learned a lot in the group stages and hopefully took something from all four games.

“But all along this was the target to top our section and make the semi-finals. We’ll look forward to that now.”

Tyrone have enjoyed two facile victories in the Championship thus far- steamrollering both Antrim and Monaghan- but Rafferty insists the competitive nature of the other outings should stand to them heading into the semi-final.

“ 5-20 is good scoring and should give our forwards plenty of confidence looking ahead. You can only play what is in front of you and that’s what we did.

“ There has been a few tougher ones too. The Derry game definitely stood to us as did the game with Down.

“They were tough and competitive which is what you expect in the Ulster Championship.

“They also helped to bring the team close together as we had to battle our way out of some tight corners in both of them.

“ Things are coming along with each game we play. We are leaning new things- all of us- players and coaches. We give them feedback and they try and get it across to us at training. That’s all we can do is practice and to try and improve.”

Michael is one of a number of campaigners in the Under-20 panel who have captained their respective schools to Ulster or indeed All-Ireland glory in the recent past. That highlights the fact that the Red Hands have a squad littered with real leaders who know what it takes to get over the hump.

And the fact that the subs who entered the fray against Monaghan chipped in with a healthy scoring contribution of a goal and seven points also indicates that there is huge competition for a starting berth. Rafferty believes this can only be a good thing but cautions that they still must put in the effort if they are to seal further silverware with their county team.

“ It is a good thing but it counts for nothing if you don’t put in the hard work. If there is men in the other team hungrier to win then it’s up to you to match that. That’s half the battle if you are going to be successful and win things.

“ We do have fierce competition. The subs who came you seen they push the whole thing along. That’s what Paul (Devlin) expects from the lads- even those who don’t get on make a real contribution.

“ There is thirty odd lads in the squad and each and every one of them is raring to get a spot. So there can be no messing around when you do nail down your spot.”