RedFM Hurling League preview: Midleton have a chance to forge ahead

For the second round in a row, Midleton will have the chance to post a score for the rest to chase in the RedFM Hurling League.

A fortnight ago, the Magpies got Easter weekend off to a nice start with a Holy Thursday win away to Killeagh, moving them to six points after three games; this time, they have a Tuesday task against Glen Rovers.

Pádraig O’Shea’s side are the only team with a perfect three from three, with Pa White netting a hat-trick in the 5-19 to 1-10 local derby triumph. Their hosts tonight have won one and lost two, their most recent outing a defeat against Blackrock.

With Sunday almost entirely free of games to avoid clashing with the Tipperary-Cork Munster SHC fixture – the only tie down for decision is the Division 5 meeting of Kilbrittain and Milford – there are three Division 1 games set for Thursday.

Carrigtwohill are coming off their first of the campaign – victory over Fr O’Neills in which Seán Walsh scored 1-9 – and they will look to carry that momentum into their home tie with Blackrock.

O’Neill’s and Killeagh have both lost all three outings so far but that will change for at least one of the Imokilly sides as they go head to head to in Aghavine while there is a repeat of last year’s final as Sarsfields entertain St Finbarr’s, both with two wins each so far.

The one remaining top-flight encounter is on Friday night: along with Sars, the Barrs and Blackrock, tied for second place are Douglas and Charleville and they will face other in the city.

Having beaten Newtownshandrum in their re-arranged game last Wednesday, Erin’s Own have a perfect record after three Division 2 matches. They will look to make it four from four when they travel to face Ballincollig on Friday night while the side with whom they share the lead, Bride Rovers, are away to Carrigaline on Saturday night.

REDFM HURLING LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday, April 14

Division 1: Glen Rovers v Midleton (7.30pm)..

Wednesday, April 15

Division 2: Na Piarsaigh v Newtownshandrum (8pm).

Division 5: Glen Rovers v Kilbrittain (7.45pm).

Thursday, April 16

Division 1: Carrigtwohill v Blackrock, Fr O’Neill’s v Killeagh, Sarsfields v St Finbarr’s (all 7.30pm).

Division 4: Kilworth v Ballyhea (7.15pm).

Division 5: Cloyne v Ballygarvan (7pm).

Friday, April 17

Division 1: Douglas v Charleville (8pm).

Division 2: Ballincollig v Erin’s Own (7pm).

Division 3: Blarney v Courcey Rovers (7pm), Russell Rovers v Éire Óg (7.30pm).

Division 4: Aghabullogue v Bishopstown (7.15pm), Kildorrery v St Catherine’s (8pm).

Division 5: Midleton v Youghal (7.15pm).

Division 6: Killavullen v Ballygiblin (6.30pm).

Saturday, April 18 (3pm unless stated)

Division 2: Carrigaline v Bride Rovers (7pm), Newcestown v Kanturk (7pm), Valley Rovers v Ballymartle (4.30pm).

Division 3: Ballinhassig v Bandon (6.15pm), Castlelyons v Fermoy (5.45pm), Inniscarra v Lisgoold (2pm).

Division 4: Blackrock v Mallow, Watergrasshill v Cloughduv (7pm).

Division 5: Castlemartyr v Glen Rovers, Dungourney v Tracton (7.30pm).

Division 6: Diarmuid Ó Mathúna’s v Argideen Rangers (2pm), Erin’s Own v Aghada (1pm), Kinsale v Ballinascarthy, Mayfield v Sarsfields.

Division 7: Ballinora v Barryroe, Carraig na bhFear (5pm), Meelin v Douglas, Na Piarsaigh v St Finbarr’s, Passage v Killeagh.

Sunday, April 19

Division 5: Kilbrittain v Milford (11am).