18 April
Ballinacourty v De La Salle (7.00 at Walsh Park) Group 1
De La Salle's one point defeat to Ardmore puts them under immediate pressure to avoid a relegation play-off. They couldn't capitalise on a six point lead and failed to score for 26 second half minutes. They faded out of the game at midfield as David Gartland and Seamus Keating took over. Ballinacourty rammed 4-10 from play past Rathgormack last Sunday as their attack gave an early glimpse of their scoring potential. They have made useful additions elsewhere in Conor Prunty at midfield and Eoin Bergin in the full back division. Courty won by three points when these sides met in the Phelan Cup last month but one of the leading title contenders could cut loose here with a forward line hungry for goals.
Odds: Ballinacourty 1/16 Draw 16/1 De La Salle 13/2
Prediction: Ballinacourty
St Saviours v Gaultier (8.00 at Carriganore) Group 2
It is only April yet this fixture could determine where these two finish up in the autumn. Both sides will take encouragement from their second half displays last weekend. Gaultier pinned back Stradbally down the stretch before John Coffey's goal cemented a win for the favourites. JJ Hutchinson returned 2-4 but young forwards Caomhan Maguire and Sean White also contributed. Saviours fell ten points down to An Rinn yet rallied towards the finish and threatened a couple of green flags. Gareth Duffy has joined from Moorefield in Kildare this season and ended as top scorer in his first outing with six points. He previously represented his county at junior level. Dean Crowley has emerged as a sticky marker with the Waterford seniors over the last two seasons and may be suited to shadow Hutchinson for the evening. If he can interfere with Gaultier's main scoring supply, Saviours can pip their Eastern rivals for a second year running.
Odds: Gaultier 5/6 Draw 13/2 St Saviours 6/5
Prediction: St Saviours
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