Make or break for some in intermediate hurling championship

Eoin Brennan runs the rule over this weekend’s intermediate hurling championship ties

Intermediate Championship Round 2
Group 3
Inagh-Kilnamona v Tulla at Gurteen,
Sunday 12pm
With the group blown wide open following some dramatic opening round twists, it’s now make-or-break territory for Tulla.

Following a frustrating hour against Ogonnelloe, they simply cannot afford any further slip-ups if they are to return to a third consecutive quarter-final since falling from senior.

Inagh-Kilnamona, having already matched other flagship side Bodyke, will be licking their lips at the prospect of knocking out Tulla but the East Clare side’s experience simply has to surface.
Verdict: Tulla

Ogonnelloe v Bodyke at Whitegate, Sunday 6.30pm
A little more freedom here as whoever loses will still be in contention for the business end.

They last met in the Junior A Championship but both will have set their sights on higher plains and therefore neither will want to end their unbeaten run.

Victory is much more important for Bodyke though as with Tulla to come in the final round, picking up at least two more points is a prerequisite.
Verdict: Bodyke

Intermediate Championship Round 3
Group 1
St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield v Tubber at Fr. Murphy Memorial Park Newmarket-on-Fergus, Saturday 1pm
A possible early preview to the final if both can fulfil their promise and avoid each other in the knock-out stages.

That’s not being presumptuous either as between them, they’ve contested the last five intermediate deciders while so far, they both hold perfect starts after two matches.

If shadow-boxing comes into play, it could go either way but Tubber have been the team of the championship so far with a devastating attacking prowess.
Verdict: Tubber

Newmarket-on-Fergus v Killanena at Dr Daly Park Tulla, Saturday 4.30pm
With St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield and Tubber set to clinch the first two automatic quarter-final berths, the race for the third spot commences here as a sticky Newmarket second string face a Killanena side that underwhelmed in their first outing against Doora/Barefield two weeks ago.

The Blues are unlikely to lose any more to their first team while a lot will depend on Killanena’s available personnel as already without Mark Flaherty, they can ill afford any more casualties.

Verdict: Killanena

Group 2
Parteen v Clonlara at Glenomra Park Broadford, Saturday 1.30pm
A South-East derby that on paper seems a mismatch but in reality could be tight once more in Broadford on Saturday afternoon.

Only three points separated the sides in last year’s group stages at 1-13 to 1-10 in Parteen’s favour.

So while Clonlara crave a victory to ease the threat of relegation, the same result will be expected again, especially as Parteen are off the back of a memorable start against Ruan last time out.
Verdict: Parteen

Ruan v Sixmilebridge at Clarecastle, Sunday 12pm
Surprisingly contrasting starts have altered priorities for this high noon showdown in Clarecastle on Sunday.

Having soared to the heights of a first semi-final appearance since 2012 last summer, Ruan, dogged by injuries to spinal defenders Conall Ó hAiniféin and Killian Ryan, have seen their stock plummet following back-to-back defeats.

With their championship lives on the line, that necessity simply has to be made to count on Sunday even up against a high-flying Sixmilebridge with a perfect start under their belts.
Verdict: Ruan