Minor hurling preview: Sarsfields and Douglas must win to get back on track

Defending champions Glen Rovers go into tonight’s game against Douglas knowing a win will see them through to the knockout stages of the Premier 1 Minor Hurling Championship.

Ironically these two met in a must-win group game for the Glen last year but this time the shoe is on the other foot. If Douglas lose, which they did in both the group and final later in year, to the Glen tonight their interest in the hurling championship will be.

They would still be in with an outside chance but that would depend on a series of results going their way and it would be outside of their control. So it should provide for a highly entertaining game and one the home side simply have to win.

The Glen were outstanding as they got the better of Aghads in round one, while Douglas we well beaten by Ballincollig but were short top forwards Ronan Dooley, Mark O'Brien and Jack O'Brien.

That trio of Cork underage hurlers are back and while it’s going to be a tough ask for the home side, they could click and stay in contention. 

Last night Ballincollig were in action against Aghada their big win means Douglas’ chance of making the knockout stages diminished further. They must beat the Glen now.

In the other group the winners of the Midleton and Killeagh game tonight should advance, with the losers still in with a chance as well.

Killeagh, who do have two Cork U20s in Barry and Ben Walsh, had what many would consider a surprise win over Sarsfields in the opening round, while Midleton were far too strong for Inniscarra.

Sars would have been one of the fancied sides in this championship but will need to defeat Inniscarra to get back in contention. Midleton were disappointed with their showing in this championship last season and laid down a marker in round one to make others take notice.

After tonight’s round it will be a little clearer who will go through, but like last season, don’t be surprised if playoffs are needed to decide the semi-finalists.

FIXTURES

TONIGHT

Premier 1 MHC: Douglas v Glen Rovers, Midleton v Killeagh, Sarsfields v Inniscarra, all 7pm.

Premier 2 MHC: Bishopstown v St Finbarr’s, Mallow v Shandrum, Bandon v Valley Rovers, Carrigtwohill v Youghal, all 7pm.

East Region Division 1 MHC: St Catherines v Kiltha Óg, Bride Rovers v St Colmcilles, both 7pm.

East Region Division 2 MHC: Watergrasshill v Cobh; Erin’s Own v Ballygiblin; Fr O’Neill’s v Whitechurch, all 7pm.

East Region Division 3 MHC: Lee Gaels v Brian Dillson, 7pm.

Mid Region Division 1 MHC: Blarney v Ballinhassig, 7pm; Na Piarsaigh v Sliabh Rua, 7.30pm.

Mid Region Division 2 MHC: Grenagh v Aghabullogue; Tracton v Nemo Rangers, both 7pm.

North Region Division 1 MHC: Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels v Fermoy, 7pm; Donoughmore v Charleville, 7.30pm; Clyda Rovers v Ballyhea, 7pm; Kilworth Araglen Óg v Kanturk/Dromtarriffe.

North Region Division 2 MHC: Buttevant v Killavullen, Newmarket v Kilshannig; Ballycastle Gaels v Croke Rovers; St Dominics v Millstreet, all 7pm.

North Region Division 3 MHC: Banteer/Lyre v St Marks; St Kevins v Kildorrery, both 7pm.

West Region Division 1 MHC: Cloughduv v Courcey Rovers; Éire Óg v Ballinora; Kinsale v Ibane Gaels, all 7pm.

West Region Division 2 MHC: Newcestown v Kilbrittain; Western Gaels v Sam Maguires, both 7pm.

West Region Division 3 MHC: Kilmeen/Kilbree v Laochra Óg; O‘Donovan Rossa v St James, both 7pm.

FRIDAY

East Region Division 1 MHC: St Colmans v Sarsfields 2, 7pm.