Minor hurling preview: Midleton, Killeagh and Sarsfield battle for semi-final places
Peter Barrett, Midleton, looking to tackle Ben Walsh, Killeagh, during their P1MHC clash. Picture: Dan Linehan
The Premier MHC continues tonight, following on from last night’s games where wins for Douglas over Aghada and the Glen against Ballincollig left three teams tied, which means one club will be drawn out of the hat as semi-finalists and the other two will meet in a de-facto quarter-final.
Killeagh host Inniscarra and Sarsfields are at home to Midleton. This is the final round of group games and Midleton have already secured at least a spot in the quarter-finals.
They are the only side in this group who are undefeated as they started by getting the better of Inniscarra and then followed it up with an impressive win over a quality Killeagh side. So victory for Midleton over Sarsfields will see them go through as table toppers and straight to the semi-final.
They will be joined in the knock-out stages by Killeagh if they get the better of Inniscarra, which they will be expected to do with home advantage.
However, the derby element makes the Sarsfields v Magpies game a tough one to call. Sarsfields will be hoping that home advantage will count against the Magpies, as they fight for their championship survival.
Midleton looked very impressive in their opening round 4-16 to 0-10 win over Inniscarra. The Magpies were led by Conor Morley, who scored 2-3 on the night, with Cian Stack and Daniel Garde also raising green flags.
It was the perfect start to championship for Midleton, a club looking to go one better than their defeat to the Glen Rovers in last year’s semi-finals. But they knew it would count for nothing if they didn’t get the better of Killeagh, which was a closer affair.
After a ferocious tussle, they won by 0-25 to 2-13, with that win spearheaded by their Cork minor player, Peter Barrett, who scored 0-12. They face another tough task tonight as Sars know that anything other than a win will see their championship season over.
They lost out by a single point to Killeagh in the first round of group games but bounced back with a good win over Inniscarra. So, like the other group last night there is still a lot to play for.
Wins for Midleton and Killeagh and they go through, with the former topping the table. However, if Sars win and Killeagh also win then it will see both sides, along with Midleton on four points. That would then lead to a playoff involving a draw, in a similar situation to last year.
If Inniscarra beat Killeagh and Sars win it would see the latter and Midleton advance. And the final combination of Inniscarra and Midleton winning would see the latter advance, with the others then involved in a playoff as they would all be on two points. So lots to play for in what should be another night of entertainment and drama in the minor hurling championship.
Killeagh v Inniscarra, Sarsfields v Midleton, both 7pm.
Mallow v Bishopstown, Bandon v Carrigtwohill, Youghal v Valley Rovers, all 7pm; St Finbarr’s v Shandrum, 7.30pm.
Ballinhassig v Carrigaline, Sliabh Rua v Blarney, both 7pm.
Diarmuid Ó Murchú v Ballygarvan, Passage v Ballincollig 2, Nemo Rangers v Aghabullogue, all 7pm; Grenagh v Tracton, 7.30pm.
Donoughmore v Licarroll/Churchtown Gaels, Fermoy v Charleville, Kanturk/Dromtarriffe v Ballhea, all 7pm.
Buttevant v Newmarket, Kilshannig v Killavullen, Ballycastle Gaels v St Dominics, Millstreet v Croke Rovers, all 7pm.
St Kevins v Banteer/Lyre, St Marks v Kildorrery, both 7pm.
Lisgoold v Kiltha Óg, St Catherines v Blackrock, St Colmans v Bride Rovers, all 7pm.
Castlelyons v Watergrasshill, Cobh v Mayfield, Ballygiblin v Whitechurch, Fr O’Neill’s v Erin’s Own, all 7pm.
St Vincent’s v Brian Dillons, 7pm.
Ballinora v Kinsale, Courcey Rovers v Éire Óg, Ibane Gaels v Cloughduv, all 7pm.
Kilbrittain v Sam Maguires, Western Gaels v Newcestown, Cill Mochomog v Clonakilty, all 7pm.
Laochra Óg v St James, O’Donovan Rossa v Kilmeen/Kilbree, both 7pm.
Clyda Rovers v Kilworth Araglen Óg, 7.30pm.
Sarsfields 2 v Midleton 2, 7pm.
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