Waterford SHC Round 3 Previews

25 May

Ballygunner v Ballyduff Upper (8.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1      
Two teams who could do with the boost of a win but for different reasons. Ballyduff can sense a relegation battle while Ballygunner would like to reaffirm their status as champions after a lacklustre second half against Dungarvan. Both sides depend largely on their free takers for scores but who can improve on their return from play?
Odds: Ballygunner 4/9 Draw 10/1 Ballyduff Upper 15/8
Prediction: Ballygunner

26 May
Dunhill v Roanmore (7.30 at Walsh Park) Group 2
A keenly fought encounter will be expected here from two teams that are determined to stay afloat in the senior ranks. The result could be determined by the battle between Eamonn Murphy and Gavin O’Brien but in an overall sense Dunhill come into this one with the steadier form line.
Odds: Dunhill 8/11 Draw 9/1 Roanmore 6/5
Prediction: Dunhill

Abbeyside v Dungarvan (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1
The most eagerly anticipated clash of the championship so far and one which should attract a bumper crowd. Both sides recorded their first wins of the campaign last time out which also sets it up nicely. Abbeyside continue without the services of Gary Hurney in attack but can still count on an experienced core throughout the field. The youthful Blues stick to a short game plan and given the performances they have put in against high calibre opposition to date, they get the nod to record a famous win.
Odds: Abbeyside 8/11 Draw 9/1 Dungarvan 6/5
Prediction: Dungarvan

27 May
Fourmilewater v Mount Sion (2.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
The mantle of favouritism rests with Fourmilewater this time around and it will be interesting to see how they cope with it. Two defeats in a row is unfamiliar territory for Mount Sion and players like Ken McGrath, Tony Browne and Martin O’Neill will desperately try to stop the rot. If Fourmile’ replicate the application and accuracy that they displayed against De La Salle however they will remain unbeaten.
Odds: Fourmilewater 8/15 Draw 9/1 Mount Sion 13/8
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Lismore v Passage (3.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1

Noel Connors could make an appearance here for Passage but doubts linger over Eoin Kelly which would seriously blunt their attacking edge. Lismore are looking confident early doors and using possession intelligently under Paul Prendergast. With the emergence of John Prendergast at midfield and the persistent threat of the Shanahans, they can make it three wins from three.
Odds: Lismore 1/4 Draw 11/1 Passage 3/1
Prediction: Lismore

De La Salle v Tallow (7.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2

Were it not for some extraordinary shooting from Thomas Ryan and the efforts of William Henley and Kieran Geary, Tallow could have suffered a shock defeat to Roanmore. They are still unbeaten but not for long. After hitting a brick wall in the form of Fourmilewater in round two, John Mullane and company will look to improve their shot selection and raise their intensity levels here and should win with something to spare.
Odds: De La Salle 1/7 Draw 14/1 Tallow 4/1
Prediction: De La Salle