Flannan’s all out to bounce back after Colman’s upset

THE Credit Union Dr Harty Cup is hotting up and, depending on results this afternoon, the season could be over for many of the 19 schools taking part.

Today's programme has been curtailed, however. The incessant rain over the last few weeks has already forced the postponement of two clashes, so it's fingers crossed the rest of the games can proceed.

The St. Colman's v North Monastery game fixed for Watergrasshill today was called off last night.

Former champions St. Colman’s threw Section A wide open last time out by beating holders St. Flannan’s.

The Cork derby game between Colaiste An Spioraid Naoimh and Colaiste Chriost Ri - both looking for their first brace of points - was also called off.

So far the other six games go ahead depending on conditions today.

St. Flannan’s v Glanmire CS: Dromcollogher, 2 p.m.

SHOCKED by St Colman’s, St. Flannan’s cannot afford another slip-up when they play Glanmire Community School.

The Ennis college carry a lot of fire power and are unlikely to lose. But you can’t write Glanmire off, particularly as they draw players from a host of very strong hurling clubs.

Verdict: A St. Flannan’s win.

DLS Waterford v Rathluirc CBS: Fermoy, 2 p.m.

THIS is a crunch game with both schools on the same points after two games.

Waterford Colleges are likely to top the group and the second spot is likely to rest between these two schools. A defeat today would be a huge setback for either side, but with the North Cork school backboned by a number of Newtownshandrum’s all conquering minor team, they are likely to shade the issue.

Verdict: A Rathluirc CBS win.

St. Caimins v Our Lady’s: Dolla, 2 p.m.

BOTH schools are only playing for pride, having lost their opening round. The Clare college are likely to pick up the points, but the Templemore school have a lot of Harty tradition and won’t be easily beaten.

Verdict: A St. Caimins win.

Thurles CBS v Ballingarry: New Inn, 2.30 p.m.

A WIN for Thurles would guarantee them a place in the knock out stages after Christmas even though they still would have a game to play. Last year’s defeat by Flannan’s in the final still hurts and Thurles have set their sights firmly on making amends.

The fact that it’s a local derby adds an extra bit of spice, but there is a great buzz in Thurles town following the county victory by Sarsfields and the CBS side are unlikely to slip up.

Verdict: A Thurles CBS win.

Midleton CBS v Col. an Risigh: Feenagh, 2 p.m.

THE East Cork school are another side likely to have a big say in the destination of the title. Unbeaten in their two previous rounds, victory would put them into the last eight. The Clare college are unlikely to pose too many problems, but Midleton will have to guard against any complacency.

Verdict: A Midleton win.

Nenagh CBS v Kilmallock: Claughaun, 2 p.m.

WITH both schools on two points from two games, it’s winner takes all. The fact that Nenagh won their previous outing and the Limerick side lost theirs suggests that the North Tipp school are likely to win, but the difficult ground conditions will suit the heavier Kilmallock team.

Verdict: A Kilmallock win.