Newtown look to get title defence off in style

WITH their Munster SHC semi-final game with Clare just three weeks away (May 28), team coach John Allen will be keeping his fingers crossed that none of his players pick up an injury this weekend as the county championships kick-off in earnest.

TONIGHT

Newtownshandrum v Bride Rovers, Castletownroche, 7.30 p.m.

DEFENDING champions Newtown are vulnerable in this game as Ben O’Connor is not expected to play due to a groin injury. Also on the injured list is his twin brother Gerry, but he is expected to be passed fit.

Simon Morrissey has taken over from Bernie O’Connor, and he’ll have his own ideas as to how Newtown should play, but there is unlikely to be any dramatic change in style.

To add a bit of spice to the game — not that it needs it — the Rovers are coached by Jack Russell who is a former Ballyhea player and he certainly wouldn’t want to see his charges bow the knee to what were his arch rivals during his playing days with the North Cork club.

This is a repeat of last year when the Rathcormac club took their more illustrious opponents all the way to the wire before going under and will view this game as an opportunity to make amends.

They have settled well into the senior ranks since their promotion a few years ago, and in county corner back Brian Murphy and Terry Broderick, have players who could have a big say in the outcome.

However, you have to plum for Newtown’s experience, particularly with Paul Morrissey, the Mulcahy brothers Pat, Brendan and Donal, and Michael Naughton in their side, but it won’t be any surprise if the result goes against them.

Verdict: A Newtownshandrum win.

Premier IHC

Tracton v Carrigtwohill, Pairc Uí Rinn, 7.30pm

This is a match between two clubs steeped in the game of hurling. Since winning a county minor title a couple of years ago, Carrig have had the potential to step up to senior ranks, but have failed to do so.

The Minane Bridge side will provide them with as good a test as they are likely to get all season. County senior Niall McCarthy will have to deliver for Carrig if they are to have any chance.

Mickey Fitzgerald, Noel Furlong and Tom Barry are others the East Cork club will look to. Tracton are a great championship side and having defeated Carrig on the two previous occasions they’ve met, will have no fear of them.

Long serving Martin Quinn will be in goal with Dan Kelleher, Sean O’Sullivan and Joe Kingston also in their line-up, and with maximum league points from three games played, could maintain their winning run.

Verdict: A Carrigtwohill win.

* The Cork IHC tie between St Vincent’s and Milford, is fixed for Killavullen tomorrow (7.30pm).

On Sunday, the Premier IHC game between Aghada and Bishopstown is fixed for Midleton, 6.15pm.