Get out the calculators - Waterford SHC Round 5 Previews

 

The permutations for the final round of fixtures are numerous. Every team goes into this weekend with a mathematical chance of progress to the quarter finals. Let’s deal with the certainties first. Fourmilewater and De La Salle are through from Group 1 with Lismore the only team assured of a last eight berth in Group 2. Scoring difference and head to head records all come into the equation. Each goal and point counts on a weekend like this. Who knew the group stages could be this exciting?

If the predictions below translate into results, Dungarvan, Ballygunner, Ballyduff, Mount Sion and Tallow will all progress. This would leave Dunhill and Passage in the relegation play-off. There is also the possibility of De La Salle and Ballygunner squaring off in the quarters if results pan out in a certain way. By Sunday evening, this forecast could all turn to the dust however!

1 September

Ballygunner v Lismore (6.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1
Can Lismore finally banish their bogey team on Saturday night? After picking up two early wins, they settled for draws against Passage and Abbeyside. The Shanahans and the Prendergast are in top form but the serious questions centre on the spine of their defence and whether it can hold up to rigorous examination. A win for the Gunners guarantees their passage and if the big names return they can continue to leave Lismore in their slipstream.
Odds: Ballygunner 8/13 Draw 9/1 Lismore 11/8
Prediction: Ballygunner

Dungarvan v Passage (6.30 at Leamybrien) Group 1
If the Blues possessed a predator in their inside line, they would be safely in the knock out stages at this point. As things stand, they need another result to make sure of their progress. If they can stifle the goal threat that Passage present, they should put the issue to bed and reverse last year’s result in this fixture.
Odds: Dungarvan Evens Draw 8/1 Passage 10/11
Prediction: Dungarvan

Ballyduff Upper v Abbeyside (6.30 at Cappoquin) Group 1
A few short years ago, these two were contesting county semi finals but both have regressed in recent seasons. It’s difficult to gauge where they stand in this year’s race. If Ballyduff can replicate the fire shown in the Ballygunner game, they can sneak a win at a venue where they hold a good record. The Reds will also be looking for a couple of favours in other games around the county.
Odds: Ballyduff 13/8 Draw 9/1 Abbeyside 8/15
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

2 September

Fourmilewater v Tallow (3.30 at Fraher Field) Group 2

Table toppers Fourmilewater cannot be knocked off that perch at this stage but, as evidenced from the football championship a fortnight ago, that doesn’t mean they will ease up. Last year’s runners-up blow hot and cold from week to week and need Thomas Ryan and Paul O’Brien to stand up and help the likes of William Henley and Kieran Geary who have been their stand out performers so far. On three points at present, Tallow may face an anxious wait at full time to learn their fate but their scoring difference should stand to them.
Odds: Fourmilewater 1/5 Draw 12/1 Tallow 7/2
Prediction: Fourmilewater

De La Salle v Dunhill (3.30 at Carraiganore) Group 2
Since losing to Fourmile, the two time champions dismantled Tallow by 23 points before dishing out a 26 point hammering to Roanmore. Dunhill have put up stern resistance in all their games to date but defeat here would probably mean a relegation scrap is on the cards.
Odds: De La Salle 1/25 Draw 28/1 Dunhill 8/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Mount Sion v Roanmore (3.30 at Walsh Park) Group 2
The pick of the bunch in terms of the Sunday fixtures and expect a fiery tussle between these local rivals. The equation is simple for Sion – win and they will qualify for the last eight. Owen Whelan and Martin O’Neill showed the required mettle to get past Tallow in round 4 and they should have enough quality around the field to complete the recovery mission here. The Sky Blues can also advance but may need to rely on other results.
Odds: Mount Sion 2/9 Draw 12/1 Roanmore 10/3
Prediction: Mount Sion