Waterford SHC Round 3 Previews

 

8 June

Ballygunner v Abbeyside (7.30 at Walsh Park)

After two straight defeats, Abbeyside could do with the points but Ballygunner will also be seeking an improvement in performance. They relied largely on Pauric Mahony’s free taking to get over Roanmore so a more cohesive attacking showing is a must. Patrick Hurney may be deployed at full forward after making a major impact last time out against Mount Sion. Richie Foley’s fitness is also crucial for the Villagers.
Betting: Ballygunner 1/4 Draw 10/1 Abbeyside 3/1
Prediction: Ballygunner

9 June
Passage v Roanmore (2.00 at Walsh Park)
Passage won with a bit in hand in the opening round as Eoin Kelly hit 2-5 in an awesome display. The forwards connected seamlessly and they appear to be moving freely under Peter Queally. The goals tend to flow freely for them with Killian Fitzgerald, Owen Connors and Conor Carey providing Kelly with support. Roanmore should hang in there with Gavin O’Brien back on free taking duties but a third defeat is on the cards for the Sky Blues.
Betting: Passage 1/6 Draw 14/1 Roanmore 4/1
Prediction: Passage

Mount Sion v Dungarvan (3.30 at Walsh Park)
A lively game in prospect here between two teams with outside chances of outright championship glory. Stephen Roche, Ian Galgey and Austin Gleeson have starred for Sion so far but Galgey sustained a serious knee injury against Abbeyside. The first half of that game was played at breathneck speed and it may be the same on Sunday. Dungarvan will look to stretch Sion and feed their pacy inside men. The midfield battle will be worth a look also as Jamie Nagle’s influence is pivotal for the Blues. Eoin McGrath and Michael Gaffney need to be on their toes and if they can restrain Nagle, Sion can make it three wins out of three.
Betting: Mount Sion 4/6 Draw 8/1 Dungarvan 11/8
Prediction: Mount Sion

Ballyduff Upper v An Rinn (2.00 at Fraher Field)
An Rinn will look to produce a full sixty minute display after two deflating defeats. They will target this game and Liam Lonain’s return will bolster their attacking options. On the minus side, they are coming down off two high tempo games in the Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta which leaves them with little preparation time. Their opponents brought De La Salle down the stretch before Jake Dillon’s goal killed off their challenge. Despite Stephen Molumphy’s absence, Ballyduff’s sharper focus and experience at this level should tip the balance.
Betting: Ballyduff Upper 1/6 Draw 12/1 An Rinn 4/1
Prediction: Ballyduff Upper

Lismore v Tallow (7.00 at Ballyduff Upper)
It’s difficult to gauge this local derby. Lismore missed out by the minimum against Fourmilewater and could consider themselves unfortunate. They are building around young stars like the Barrys and the Prendergasts and also unearthed Jordan Shanahan. If Tallow can get Thomas Ryan into this one early, they will be right in the hunt. With the O’Briens and James Murray offering defensive fortitude, they won’t give the Shanahans (Dan, Maurice and Jordan) anything easy. Both of these sides struggle for consistency so a positive opening is of upmost importance. Lismore’s need is greater and that should them through this tricky assignment.
Betting: Lismore 1/4 Draw 11/1 Tallow 3/1
Prediction: Lismore

 

11 June

De La Salle v Fourmilewater (7.45 at Fraher Field)
This rearranged tie could be spicy as two of the championship challengers face off. Fourmile’ are steadily building up a head of steam and can match the champions in the physical stakes. As always, numbers five to nine will be integral to De La Salle’s success and Jake Dillon now carries their biggest threat up front. The Ballymacarbry side won their last group meeting and that may offer sufficient motivation for Derek McGrath’s men to stamp their authority.
Prediction: De La Salle