Cork minor hurling preview: Inniscarra, St Colman's and Midleton battle for semi-final spots
Jack Shine, Inniscarra, challenges for possession with Liam Fitzgerald, St Colman's, during their Rebel Óg Premier 1 MHC match at Cloyne. If both sides win their respective games tonight it would force a three-way playoff in the championship. Picture Dan Linehan
The final round of the Premier 1 minor hurling championship takes place tonight, with one group sorted and the other still in the balance.
In the group with Sarsfields, Douglas, Glen Rovers, and Ballincollig, the semi-finalists are already clear.
Douglas are at home to Sarsfields this evening and both are through already, so it’s only bragging rights at stake. Glen Rovers, champions for the last two seasons, and Ballincollig have been knocked out already.
However, in the other group, it is far from decided who will go through. Inniscarra are at home to Midleton and Youghal have home advantage against St Colman's.
Even though Youghal have no points going into the final games, they are still in with a chance of progressing, depending on results. If they beat St Colmans, they will go level with them on two points, and it just may be enough for both to make the playoffs.
That would depend on the result of the other game as well.
Midleton are on four points, but if Inniscarra win, they will join them on the same points.
Should Inniscarra win and Youghal win, then the former would go through with Midleton, as both would be on four points, with Youghal and St Colmans on two.
But the possibilities don’t end there in this complicated group. If Midleton win they top the group on six points to make the semi-final.
Should that happen Inniscarra will be closely watching the other game to hope Youghal win and then force a three-way play-off between the other sides in the group, Midleton being the exception.
The final scenario would be wins for Midleton and St Colman's and if that happens, then they both progress.
So until the final whistle blows in both games, it won’t be known what will happen in this group, but all four sides have lots to play for tonight.
In the Premier 2 championship, Shandrum and Carrigtwohill are into the knockout stages already.
Blackrock, Bishopstown, and Bandon are involved in a three-way playoff in their group.
The third group will see two from Éire Óg, Ibane Gaels, St Finbarr’s and Valley Rovers through.
So lots to play for here as well as the round robin stages start coming to an end.
Douglas v Sarsfields; Inniscarra v Midleton; Youghal v St Colmans; Glen Rovers v Ballincollig, 8.15pm.
Bishopstown v Blackrock, 8pm; Valley Rovers v St Finbarr’s; Donoughmore v Ibane Gaels.
Erin’s Own v Aghabullogue; Blarney v Ballinora, 7.30pm.
Passage v Ballygarvan; Diarmuid O Murchu v Tracton, 7.30pm; Laochra Og v Grenagh, 7.30pm.
Kilshannig v St Kevins; Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels v Ballyhea.
Clyda Rovers v Kanturk/Dromtarriffe; Kilworth Araglen Óg v Millstreet.
St Colmcilles v Whitechurch; Banteer/Lyre v Buttevant.
Kildorrery v St Dominics; Newmarket v Owen Gaels.
Aghada v Killeagh, 7.30pm; Bride Rovers v Lisgoold; 7.30pm.
St Catherine’s v Castlelyons; 7.30pm.
Cloughduv v Clonakilty; Kinsale v Newcestown; Sliabh Rua v Courcey Rovers; 7.15pm.
Cill Mochomog v Kilbrittain; Sam Maguires v Kilmeen/Kilbree; Western Gaels v Ahan Gaels.
Kiltha Óg v Watergrasshill, 7.30pm.
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