Hurling championship round 5 previews

2 September
Passage v Dungarvan (6.30 at Leamybrien)
A high stakes clash here with the winners advancing to the quarter finals and the losers facing the possibility of a relegation play off. Passage suffered their second one point defeat last weekend, greatly hindered by the absence of Owen Connors and Killian Fitzgerald. Since Jimmy Healy’s return to Dungarvan they have claimed three points from a possible four and coughed up the opportunity of defeating Mount Sion last time out. Both teams can blow hot and cold but Dungarvan’s graph is on the upward curve.
Odds: Passage 8/11 Draw 9/1 Dungarvan 6/5
Prediction: Dungarvan

Tallow v Roanmore (6.30 at Fraher Field)
As stated in the game above, this tie also takes a season defining edge to it. Roanmore reignited their challenge by toppling Passage last weekend while Tallow collapsed to the Gunners. The Dungarvan venue may suit Tallow better but the city outfit seem to be hitting form at the right time. If Gavin O’Brien continues to inspire his colleagues a quarter final spot that seemed unlikely a fortnight ago may become a reality.
Odds: Tallow 2/5 Draw 10/1 Roanmore 2/1
Prediction: Roanmore

3 September
Lismore v Stradbally (4.30 at Fraher Field)
Both of these sides know their fate before this one throws in with Lismore safely in the quarter finals and Stradbally doomed for a relegation play off. The Reds remained competitive for large parts of last weekend’s game with Ballyduff but still succumbed to their fourth double digit defeat. Unfortunately Maurice Shanahan and company are unlikely to offer any consolation on Saturday afternoon.
Prediction: Lismore

De La Salle v Ballyduff Upper (6.00 at Fraher Field)
Ballyduff need to take full points against the county champions or else they will be relying on a favour from Fourmilewater in Cappoquin. They face an uphill task with the absence of Ger Feeney and Kevin Casey stretching their resources. De La Salle looked unconvincing against Fourmilewater but still snatched a draw and will seek an improvement here to prepare for the knock out stages.
Odds: De La Salle 4/11 Draw 10/1 Ballyduff Upper 9/4
Prediction: De La Salle

Ballygunner v Mount Sion (6.00 at Walsh Park)
With both teams already qualified for the last eight the only issue up for decision here is which of these two will finish top of Group 2. Ballygunner have held the upper hand in recent clashes and come into the game on the back four comfortable victories. Mount Sion can also claim an unbeaten run so far with two wins and two draws. Even without the spice of knock out this one should still be hotly contested with the Gunners fancied to shade it.
Prediction: Ballygunner

Fourmilewater v Abbeyside (6.00 at Cappoquin)
The Villagers require a win here to stay in contention for the News and Star cup. Fourmile’ could lose and still qualify but if Ballyduff Upper over come De La Salle they would need to win. Abbeyside started like an express train against Lismore last Sunday but spluttered in the second half to go down by ten points. Fourmile’ boosted by an absorbing duel with De La Salle look the more reliable bet to outgun their opponents with Shane Walsh and Jamie Barron in a rich vein of form up front.
Odds: Fourmile 4/6 Draw 10/1 Abbeyside 5/4
Prediction: Fourmilewater