Top two continue to set the benchmark – Waterford SHC Preview

The News and Star trophy has exchanged hands between De La Salle and Ballygunner over the last four years and it comes as no surprise that they head the betting for the 2012 edition.

The fascinating duels between these two in recent seasons have determined the eventual outcome of the championship. In 2009 the Gunners needed an Andy Moloney goal to pull through in a quarter final replay at Fraher Field. The following year De La Salle recorded a comprehensive win on county final day, reversing the outcome of an earlier group game. Last year’s semi final was marred by an ugly brawl in the opening minutes before Ballygunner eventually came out on top.

If any team can break up the duopoly and also count on the experience of winning titles Mount Sion would be top of the list. Six years is the longest gap between county titles for Sion so they will be determined not to extend that wait. Their form in the league to date looks promising as Roanmore and Lismore found out. The talent exists to mount a strong challenge but most of all they need to eradicate the inconsistency which saw them fall to Ballyduff Upper in last year’s quarter final after going through the group stages unbeaten.

Fourmilewater and Lismore can also make justifiable claims that they can upset any of the top teams in the county. Lismore can beat the big guns on their day but can also lose to any opponent on an off day. A county title is long overdue but they will need to offer more support to Maurice Shanahan and hope that their talented young crop can move up another level. Under Fintan O’Connor, Fourmilewater have picked up in all aspects of their play and can target a place in last four. To take that next step however they must claim a notable scalp in the group stages to gain the belief that they belong in the top bracket.

In a competitive Group One Ballyduff Upper, Abbeyside, Passage and Dungarvan look set to battle it out for two places in the quarter finals. Ballyduff still rely on a tight group of players to produce the goods but have a knack of reaching the latter stages in much the same way as Passage do. The clash of Abbeyside and Dungarvan will be eagerly anticipated and it appears that the gap has narrowed between the two since Abbeyside lost the 2008 county final by a point. Tallow showed plenty of mettle to dismiss Lismore and Ballyduff in 2011 and while they should advance to the last eight this time around, it’s hard to see them progress beyond that point. Roanmore and Dunhill will both aim to maintain their senior status but one of them look likely to enter the relegation play off.

So which of the top two will take ultimate honours on this occasion? Both clubs will need to deal with key issues over the campaign. Ballygunner may be without Brian O’Sullivan for the knock out stages and, despite the rich pool of underage talent at their disposal, his loss would be significant. Meanwhile, De La Salle need to find a consistent a free taker that can deliver under pressure. The acquisition of Jack Kennedy and the hunger to avenge last year’s controversial exit should give De La Salle the impetus to regain their crown.

First round previews

4 May
De La Salle v Mount Sion (7.15 at Walsh Park) Group 2
High expectations of a cracker here to get the championship underway. Sion appear to be motoring well in league fare but still depend largely on Tony Browne, Ken McGrath and Eoin McGrath on days like this. De La Salle have built up a wealth of experience over the last couple of years especially in tight contests and that should stand to them.
Odds: De La Salle 1/2 Draw 9/1 Mount Sion 7/4
Prediction: De La Salle

Ballyduff Upper v Passage (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1

The performance of Eoin Kelly will be worth noting as Passage can fluctuate from game to game. Ballyduff prefer Fraher Field as a venue and can rely on an established core of players to get off the mark.
Odds: Ballyduff Upper 4/9 Draw 10/1 Passage 7/4
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

5 May

Fourmilewater v Roanmore (6.00 at Fraher Field) Group 2
As always Roanmore’s fortunes rest on the shoulders on Gavin O’Brien and his ability to rack up big totals. They will struggle however to keep Shane Walsh and Jamie Barron under wraps as Fourmilewater aim to signal their intentions early.
Odds: Fourmilewater 1/8 Draw 14/1 Roanmore 9/2
Prediction: Fourmilewater

Abbeyside v Ballygunner (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1
Even before the injury to Gary Hurney, this was going to be an uphill task for Abbeyside. After missing out on the quarter finals for two years running they will seek to make amends this time around but need their full compliment. Ballygunner may also line out with a few notable absentees but possess greater strength in depth.
Odds: Abbeyside 7/2 Draw 11/1 Ballygunner 1/5
Prediction: Ballygunner

6 May
Lismore v Dungarvan (6.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1
There’s potential for an upset here if Lismore take their eye off the ball. Dungarvan tend to play the short game and in the Currans, Shane Kearney, Gavin Crotty and Jamie Nagle they possess the talent to threaten. Maurice Shanahan usually runs riot at his favourite ground however and this should keep the favourites out of trouble.
Odds: Lismore 1/5 Draw 11/1 Dungarvan 7/2
Prediction: Lismore

Dunhill v Tallow (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 2
First day back in the senior ranks for the intermediate champions as they face up to a battle hardened side that reached the decider in 2011. The scoring duel between Thomas Ryan and Shane Casey should determine the victors here.
Odds: Dunhill 5/2 Draw 11/1 Tallow 3/10
Prediction: Tallow