PREVIEWS: Round 2 of club hurling championship sets up some exciting ties

FBD Insurance County Intermediate Hurling Championship

Friday August 19:

Drom & Inch V Shannon Rovers in Dolla 6.45

This is turning into a competitive group and this game will be a tough one to call. Shannon Rovers bounced back brilliantly from the north final loss to Lorrha against Kilsheelan a few weekends ago, and they will be buoyed going into this game.

Drom are strong at this grade and despite losing the likes of David Collins to the first team, they look a good team at this level, and might just squeeze past the north men in this one.

Verdict: Drom & Inch

Saturday August 20:

Golden Kilfeacle V Lorrha in Templetuohy 2.30

This looks like a top of the table clash on paper. Lorrha are the clear favourites for the county title and they didn’t need to get out of second gear against Davins, and with Paddy Reddin and Ciaran Hough to come back into the fold, they are in a good place.

Golden are without Jack Leamy but they still played very well in their defeat of Boherlahan, but this could be a bridge too far for them.

Verdict: Lorrha

Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams V Skeheenarinky in Cahir 7.00

One of the surprise packages of the opening weekend was Skeheenarinky, who ambushed Borrisokane. A lot was made of their postponement in the south championship, but they are clearly a team ready to make an impact.

Kickhams had an easy day out against Ballinahinch and are a team well used to the tribulations of this level, and that experience might see them over the line here.

Verdict: Kickhams

Boherlahan Dualla V Carrick Davins in Clonmel Sportsfield 7.00

Two sides licking their wounds after opening weekend defeats, this game could be crucial for both sides. Davins were down to their bare bones against Lorrha and a nervous start ended their chances.

Boherlahan were brought back down to earth after their mid final success last day out against Golden, but should they get themselves in order, they should have enough against Davins.

Verdict: Boherlahan Dualla

Ballingarry V Ballybacon Grange in Fethard 7.00

A south derby with a lot at stake in this second round clash. Ballingarry were dismayed at the manner of their defeat to Moneygall, having played much of the game with a numerical disadvantage they looked to have it won only for a late and controversial penalty.

Ballybacon Grange would have been targeting the Cappawhite game as their salvation, and with defeat coming in that game, it’s hard to see where they can get the win they need, despite a few Ballingarry suspensions.

Verdict: Ballingarry

Sunday August 21:

Ballinahinch V Borrisokane in Toomevara 1.30

These north sides are at a very low ebb after dismal results in their first round games. Borrisokane were massive favourites to beat Skeheenarinky but were almost punch drunk during the game, and a lot more is expected of them.

Ballinahinch are a team really struggling and with the old guard being replaced it will take time for them to be competitive in this grade again.

Verdict: Borrisokane

Arravale Rovers V Kilsheelan Kilcash in Cahir 2.30

Two team who were in action last weekend will continue their hectic schedule in Cahir this time around.
Kilsheelan Kilcash were almost caught against Shannon Rovers a few weeks ago, after the north side were coming into the game out of form.

It may have been a case of taking their opponents for granted, but Kilsheelan will be forewarned from here to take it game by game as they look to go deep into the knockout stages once again.

Arravale were decent against Drom but they were always playing catch up during the game. This could be a tight game but Kilsheelan might have more in the locker on the day if the Kehoe’s make their mark.

Verdict: Kilsheelan Kilcash

Cappawhite V Moneygall in Holycross 3.00

Two sides with confidence come face to face here.

Cappa were made to fight very hard for their win over Ballybacon, but with the likes of Tom Treacy, Ryan Renehan, and Gearoid Ryan close to a return, they will be in a good place.

Moneygall will have ammunition of their own with Joe Fogarty returning from the US a few weeks ago and will have had ample time to get up to speed, so this one is set up to be a good contest.

Verdict: Moneygall