Rockies edge closer to the abyss

CLOYNE are guaranteed senior hurling next season, while Blackrock are only 60 minutes away from the ghastly vista of dropping to the intermediate ranks.

That’s the upshot of Saturday’s Evening Echo Cork SHC third round clash in Páirc Uí Chaoimh which had major repercussions for both clubs. Cloyne availed of the clause that sees them navigate a route back into the championship with a fourth round tie against Newtownshandrum looming in Fermoy next Saturday.

Colm O’Sullivan was their match-winning hero with a 60th minute point and while he could well have grabbed a goal from that clear opening, the score was still critical as Cloyne sustained a late barrage of Blackrock pressure. The city side were a devastated bunch at the final whistle. They face the considerable task now of picking themselves up for a relegation decider which will determine their fate.