Midfield pairings were a study in contrasts

CORK and Tipperary’s midfield partnerships were a study in contrasts yesterday at Páirc Ui Chaoimh.

Cork’s runners, Tom Kenny and Jerry O’Connor, were opposed by two equally athletic hurlers, Shane McGrath and James Woodlock, but the Tipp players were more direct in their approach and it proved fruitful.

Tipperary’s McGrath was the outstanding midfielder of the National Hurling League, and he brought his A-game to Cork yesterday. He was the quickest of the quartet out of the traps, with four possessions by the sixth minute, including a good ball to Lar Corbett for a point.