Club hurling previews and predictions: Groups stages to conclude this weekend

FBD Insurance Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship

Saturday September 3:

Burgess V St Marys in Boherlahan @ 2.00

Burgess had victory in the palm of their hands going into the final quarter against Newport, but they faded badly and now find themselves in a fight to avoid relegation matches for the second year running.

Perhaps what may be a saving grace is the fact that St Marys are safely through as group winners with four points and may opt to rest players here.

Burgess are tied with Sean Treacys on one point, while Newport are just ahead on two points, so this group really looks like it could go any way for the second spot.

Burgess’ need is great, and there may just be a big performance in them.

Verdict: Burgess

Newport V Sean Treacys in FBD Semple Stadium @ 2.00

Not only are Treacys and Burgess level on points, but their score difference is almost identical with Treacys in -3 while Burgess have -4, so these games will be fought until the bitter end.

These teams will be somewhat familiar with each other off the pitch due to their proximity, but they haven’t played each other too often in recent years, and with the game in FBD Semple Stadium, it promises to be a cracker.

The return of Conor O’Mahony from the bench the last day changed the game for Newport, and his influence should see the job done here for his side.

Verdict: Newport

Kiladangan V Silvermines in Nenagh @ 2.00

Silvermines require a win to ensure themselves of a place in knockout hurling, as they take on Kiladangan who are confirmed for relegation play-offs.

The sides met in the North championship a few months back, but the ‘Dangan men’s fortunes have changed through injuries and form from that game which resulted in a penalty shootout.

Jason Forde was quiet the last day by his standards, and he usually doesn’t stay that way for two games running.

Verdict: Silvermines

Moyne/Templetuohy V Roscrea in Borris-Ileigh @ 2.00

Moyne Templetuohy assured their safety with the win over Kiladangan in Roscrea three weeks ago, and now have a free shot at qualification.

The mid side have been bedevilled with injuries, so they will be relieved to be in this grade for 2023, and as they are tied with Silvermines on two points, they will be hoping Kiladangan can do  a favour.

Table toppers Roscrea for their part look to be improving with every game, and with the welcomed sight of Alan Tynan appearing off the bench in the last round, they will feel that they are on their way to peaking at the right time.

Verdict: Roscrea

Killenaule V Thurles Sarsfields in Golden @ 3.45

With Gortnahoe safely through as group winners with a game to spare, all eyes in Group 3 are on who clinches the second qualifying spot.

Killenaule produced a very assured performance against Ballina with the O’Dwyer's in top form, but they will face a very stern test indeed from Thurles Sarsfields.

The Sars always produce a competitive second team, and they will be disappointed that two good performances have only yielded a point, and they may have seen their chance pass them by if Killenaule hit form again.

Verdict: Killenaule

Ballina V Gortnahoe/Glengoole in Borris-Ileigh @ 3.45

Ballina and Thurles Sarsfields find themselves tied on a point apiece in this group, with Killenaule just above them on two points, so the race for second is reaching an exciting finish here.

The Lakesiders’ hopes rest on thems doing the business against group winners Gortnahoe, along with Thurles Sarsfields beating Killenaule in the other game.

Score difference also has to be factored in, as Ballina sit on -8 with Sars on -6, so both teams will be conscious of their totals come the final whistle. 

Ballina haven’t reached the pitch of this standard so far, but there might be a kick in them to win this game, although it may not ultimately be enough to qualify. 

Verdict: Ballina

Carrick Swans V Cashel King Cormacs in Fethard @ 3.45

One of the only dead rubbers across the grades as both teams sit on different outcomes ahead of their round three clash.

Carrick Swans are guaranteed to be in relegation by virtue of their head to head record, but could be in the unusual position of progressing in the knockout stages with relegation in the background.

Cashel were much better from round one after beating Portroe in FBD Semple Stadium, and they finally seem to be settling on the right line up with the Browne’s and Ryan’s hurling well.

Verdict: Cashel King Cormacs

Clonakenny V Portroe in Nenagh @ 3.45

With Cashel and Carrick partaking in a glorified challenge match, all the focus in Group 4 will be fixed firmly on Nenagh come Saturday afternoon.

Clonakenny surprised a lot of punters with their impressive dismantling of Carrick Swans in round two, with Nicky Ryan and Cian O’Dwyer in particular doing real damage.

They will face a Portroe team that are in good form, despite the loss to Cashel the last day, and with plenty of scoring threats themselves in AJ Willis and co, this could be real shootout.

Verdict: Portroe

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