Searching test for champions Newtown

CORK, Munster and All-Ireland Club hurling champions Newtownshandrum are in real danger of being stripped of their titles tonight as the face Erin’s Own in round three of the Permanent tsb county championship at Pairc Uí Chaoimh (7.30pm).

While Pat Mulcahy returns for his first championship outing following his recent car accident, the champions have lost Dermot Gleeson (US), last year’s captain John McCarthy (leg injury) and Jerry O’Mahony (broken collar bone).

Team coach Ger Cunningham concedes his side are up against it.