Five teams unbeaten in ‘Champion Cup

HEADING into Round 5 of the domestic hurling leagues this bank holiday weekend, there are five unbeaten teams in the Clare Champion Cup (Divisions 1A and 1B).
Crusheen, Sixmilebridge, Kilmaley, Whitegate and Wolfe Tones have won all their matches to date, with the Shannon club having a game in hand as they and St Joseph’s did not play last week, having agreed to double up with their championship first round at the end of the month.
Kilmaley and Whitegate have made a similar arrangement with regard to their league tie, which was scheduled for this weekend.
When they meet in the championship first round in a few weeks time, the league points will also be up for grabs.
In Division 2, there are three unbeaten teams. Ruan and Parteen have full points from their four outings, while Smith O’Brien’s are just one point behind with three wins and a draw to their credit.
Killanena top Division 3 with three wins from three games.
South-East Clare neighbours, Cratloe and Clonlara, meet at the champions’ grounds on Saturday, while Sixmilebridge, Newmarket, O’Callaghan’s Mills and Clooney-Quin will all have home advantage for their clashes with Clarecastle, Crusheen, Feakle and Inagh-Kilnamona respectively.
In Division 1B, Éire Óg have Scariff as visitors to the Clonroadmore venue, Broadford host Tulla and Tubber will have home advantage against Wolfe Tones, all on Saturday.
On Sunday, Sixmilebridge make the journey to Gurteen to face St Joseph’s.

By Seamus Hayes, sports editor