After waiting patiently all summer long, the green light flashes for senior clubs across Waterford to start up their engines once again. For the eight teams that tog out this weekend, it has been three and a half months since their last championship game. May, June and July lay idle but there will be no rest period for the remainder of the season. Four back games in the football championship will be followed by round four next weekend. Round five will be played in mid September following the completion of the group stages in the hurling championship. Kilrossanty are already through to the last eight and Ballinacourty, Stradbally and Clashmore can join them if they collect two more points.
14 August
Stradbally v An Rinn (7.30 at Fraher Field) Group 2
An Rinn won't need any reminding about their last championship encounter with the Reds, a 3-18 to 1-3 hiding in the 2013 semi final. Shorn of several key figures for this third round tie, they may struggle once more. Stradbally laboured to wins against Gaultier and Brickey Rangers but they tend to reserve their energy for this stage of the season. They also hold all the aces around the middle where An Rinn find it difficult to gain primary possession.
Odds: Stradbally 3/10 Draw 15/2 An Rinn 3/1
Prediction: Stradbally
15 August
Clashmore v Ardmore (4.00 at Fraher Field) Group 1
Clashmore are one win away from the quarters but can they recreate a magical April that featured a shock win over reigning champions The Nire? They seem well balanced and are not reliant on one particular individual for scores. Ardmore's midfield pairing of Seamus Keating and David Gartland will put it up to them. After escaping the drop via the relegation play-off in 2014, Ardmore appeared re-energised in their comeback win against De La Salle and the narrow four point loss to The Nire.
Odds: Clashmore 4/11 Draw 15/2 Ardmore 5/2
Prediction: Clashmore
Ballinacourty v The Nire (5.30 at Fraher Field) Group 1
The current holders against the favourites to take their crown. This could be tasty. The Nire need the points more following their first round slip-up yet this is an ideal opportunity for Ballinacourty to set out their stall. They pumped in 8-24 over the opening two rounds with Shane O'Donovan contributing 4-3 from play. Courty possess the strongest squad on paper of all the Conway Cup candidates with a minor Division 1 already secured along with an appearance in the under 21 final. The champions should look sharper than they did during the spring. They relied heavily on the point taking of Conor Gleeson to dispatch Ardmore in round two. This game also doubles up as the Phelan Cup final.
Odds: Ballinacourty 4/5 Draw 13/2 The Nire 5/4
Prediction: Ballinacourty
Rathgormack v De La Salle (7.30 at St Mollerans) Group 1
Two teams with no points on the board and plenty to work on over the lengthy break. Rathgormack submitted tamely to Ballinacourty and Clashmore and will expect more from their under 21 stars for the rest of the championship. De La Salle lost their way in the second half against Ardmore and folded completely a week later to Ballinacourty. With Gavin Nugent, Conor Murray, Jason Gleeson and the Currys on board, Rathgormack's superior firepower gets the vote.
Odds: Rathgormack 2/5 Draw 15/2 De La Salle 9/4
Prediction: Rathgormack
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