Three clear favourites – Waterford SHC Quarter finals preview

After a rather dull and goalless opening quarter final last weekend, can these three pairings bring some sparkle? Fourmilewater struggled with the mantle of favouritism for large stretches before pulling clear and this weekend sees Dungarvan, De La Salle and Ballygunner all carrying the same tag into their games.

15 September
Dungarvan v Tallow (4.00 at Fraher Field)
Tallow arrive at this stage after suffering three consecutive defeats but they don’t usually stick to the form book. They make a habit of reversing their fortunes without warning. At this juncture last year they eliminated Lismore and another shock seems just as improbable this time around. Paul O’Brien inflicted serious damage in the first half against Fourmilewater in round 5 but the tide turned completely after the break and Tallow didn’t even register a point from play in the second half. This erratic nature leaves the ball in Dungarvan’s court. If they can stick to their possession game that has served them so well and use the pace dotted throughout the side, they should make the giant leap into the semis.
Odds: Dungarvan 4/7 Draw 9/1 Tallow 13/8
Last meeting: 2011 – Tallow 2-12 Dungarvan 0-11
Form guide: Dungarvan: LWDWW Tallow: WDLLL
Prediction: Dungarvan

De La Salle v Lismore (5.30 at Fraher Field)
No preview for this game would be complete without highlighting the loss of Maurice Shanahan to Lismore. He has averaged nine points a game in championship 2012 but one moment of madness cost him dearly. De La Salle won’t shy away from punishing Lismore if they start feeling sorry for themselves. In the group phase, they registered 17 goals and after slipping up to Fourmilewater, they unleashed their anger on Tallow, Roanmore and Dunhill with a series of landslide wins. This is with John Mullane acting in the role of playmaker; they no longer depend totally on his scoring input. One concession at the other end also displays the strength of their defence.
Odds: De La Salle 1/7 Draw 14/1 Lismore 9/2
Last meeting: 2011 – De La Salle 1-21 Lismore 3-9
Form guide: De La Salle: WLWWW Lismore: WWDDL
Prediction: De La Salle

16 September
Ballygunner v Mount Sion (3.00 at Walsh Park)
Not that long ago clashes between these two ruled the Waterford hurling landscape. Between 1988 and 2006, they met in nine finals which routinely packed out Walsh Park and Fraher Field. Eventually the music died and both sides needed to rebuild. That process has happened a bit quicker in Ballygunner but brings no guarantees coming into this latest clash. Both teams come into it after picking up back to back victories. Mount Sion got their house in order just in time to stumble into the quarters after a hat trick of dispiriting defeats at the start. They shouldn’t be underestimated however as the starting fifteen that lined out against Roanmore consisted of fourteen players who had inter county experience at some level or another. The Gunners meanwhile welcomed back Pauric Mahony and the O’Sullivans as they got back to basics against Lismore. These clashes take on a life of their own and Sion got one over on the Gunners in the last round of the group stages last year. The champions should have the forward power hold out by a score on this occasion.
Odds: Ballygunner 1/3 Draw 10/1 Mount Sion 5/2
Last meeting: 2011 – Mount Sion 2-15 Ballygunner 2-12
Form guide: Ballygunner: WLLWW Mount Sion: LLLWW
Prediction: Ballygunner

Relegation play-off

15 September
Ballyduff Upper v Dunhill (2.30 at Leamybrien)
A potential banana skin here for Ballyduff, if they take their eye off the ball in a play off they didn’t expect to contest at the start of the year. They should have enough in the tank experience wise to shake off Eamonn Murphy and company. Despite putting up a brave fight, Dunhill’s time in the top flight may be short lived.
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper