All about momentum - Waterford SHC Round 2 Previews

The tie of round 1 was unquestionably the battle between De La Salle and Ballyduff Upper which went right to the wire before the champions stretched clear at the finish. Overall the fare was of decent standard. A couple of clubs are moving nicely, a few with a bit of work to do and one or two already looking nervously at the trap door. The nature of the group stages means that some of the edge is taken from the games. It is after all a marathon rather than a sprint and the top teams may be conserving their energies for the knock out stages. The timing of the fixtures also affected the attendances. Looking ahead to the second round, there is plenty to play for with each club seeking to gain ground before the break.

11 May

De La Salle v An Rinn (6.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1

De La Salle rolled up their sleeves to get the job done in a tricky opener. Kevin Moran rose to the challenge once more from centre back to make some key plays and Jake Dillon posed a constant danger. They may still need to find another scoring forward to retain their title but that can wait as they should have plenty to spare over last year’s intermediate champions. An Rinn never got up to speed against Tallow and sorely missed the ball winning capabilities of Liam O’Lonain.
Odds: De La Salle 1/12 Draw 16/1 An Rinn 6/1
Prediction: De La Salle

Mount Sion v Abbeyside (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 2
Mount Sion came through with something to spare over Ballygunner and a three point winning margin didn’t reflect their superiority. They got the match-ups spot on as their speedy forward line was a rich source of scores. With Chris Ryan commanding at full back, they smothered the forwards and if they keep their feet on the ground, they can complete an impressive opening championship chapter. Abbeyside will need to tighten up in the full back line for this one as Passage exploited some alarming gaps to plunder four goals. Michael O’Halloran caught the eye up front but they are understrength in key areas to stop Sion in their tracks.
Odds: Mount Sion 2/5 Draw 10/1 Abbeyside 2/1
Prediction: Mount Sion

12 May

Ballygunner v Roanmore (2.00 at Walsh Park) Group 2
Ballygunner will be keen to make up for a rusty display in round one. Philip Mahony was influential at number six but further up the field they failed to ignite. With Roanmore reeling from an eighteen point defeat, they should get back on track. Daniel Murphy and Laurence O’Neill were the only two players to emerge with credit from that drubbing as Gavin O’Brien also limped off with an injury before the end. Another tough afternoon lies in wait for the Sky Blues.
Odds: Ballygunner 1/10 Draw 16/1 Roanmore 11/2
Prediction: Ballygunner

Passage v Dungarvan (3.30 at Walsh Park) Group 2
On last week’s evidence, this could turn into a scoring feast. Dungarvan issued an early statement that they aren’t going away while Passage showed an appetite for goals led by the magnificent Eoin Kelly. Patrick Curran could start here after effortlessly making the step up to senior in the second half of last Sunday’s game. Cormac, Colm and Cathal also contributed handsomely but this is a different challenge. Passage can put together intricate patterns and with Kelly putting in a hard shift along with a big score, they may scrape through here.
Odds: Passage 11/10 Draw 8/1 Dungarvan 4/5
Prediction: Passage

Tallow v Fourmilewater (3.00 at Cappoquin) Group 1
Fourmilewater have only lost one of their last nine championship outings which generates momentum. Although below their best against Lismore, they got there by a nose. Tallow will put up stubborn resistance after receiving a confidence boosting win over An Rinn. Thomas Ryan hasn’t lost his eye for goal and his scoring duel with Jamie Barron will make for fascinating viewing.
Odds: Tallow 11/4 Draw 10/1 Fourmilewater 2/7
Prediction: Fourmilewater