Cork Hurling previews: Sars looking too strong as Douglas aim to topple Kanturk

John Coleman runs the rule over Saturday and Sunday's fare across the county

GLEN RISING: Diarmuid Wall, Glen Rovers vies with Riain O'Regan of Erins Own at Pairc Ui Rinn in their championship opener. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Saturday 

PSHC Group 1 – Sarsfields v Erin’s Own, Páirc Uí Rinn, 19:00 

Sarsfields flexed their muscles in beating Fr O’Neill’s in Round 1 with Colm McCarthy, Cian Darcy and Killian Murphy all outstanding. Erin’s Own will look to Finn O’Brien and Mossy O’Carroll to carry the fight, and while they won’t fear their neighbours, Sars are at a different level to everyone at the moment.

Verdict: Sarsfields 

PSHC Group 2 – Midleton v Newcestown, Páirc Uí Rinn, 17:15 

The Magpies were professional in seeing off Newtownshandrum in Round 1 and their midfield pairing of Mikey Finn and Alex Quirke is as good as what’s around. Newcestown will look to position Luke Meade in a place where he can influence the game the most, but Midleton have more scores in them.

Verdict: Midleton 

PSHC Group 3 – Kanturk v Douglas, Castletownroche, 18:30 

Kanturk’s thin squad may scupper their chances here. Tommy Walsh is suspended while Colin and Ryan Walsh are injury doubts, however, in Brian O’Sullivan they have a player capable of controlling a game. Douglas is re-building, but the likes of Shane Kingston, Alan Cadogan and Cillian O’Donovan may just give them the edge.

Verdict: Douglas 

SAHC Group 2 – Ballyhea v Castlelyons, Kildorrery, 18:30 

Castlelyons eased away from Bishopstown in the second half in Round 1, with Anthony Spillanento the fore. Ballyhea came up short against Inniscarra and they’ll need John Morrissey on form if they’re to get off the mark.

Verdict: Castlelyons 

SAHC Group 2 – Inniscarra v Bishopstown, Ballymah, 18:30 

The wind came out of Bishopstown’s sails in the second half of their loss to Castlelyons though Conor Hegarty’s form is a cause for optimism. Inniscarra will take momentum form their opening round win, with Sean O’Donoghue continuing to lead from the back.

Verdict: Inniscarra 

SAHC Group 3 – Watergrasshill v Blarney, Grenagh, 18:30 

Seán Desmond was electric in the Hill’s win over Courcey Rovers. He’ll need more support from Adam Murphy if their fairy tale is to continue. Mark Coleman was brilliant for Blarney in Round 1; Shane Barrett won’t be as quiet again.

Verdict: Blarney 

PIHC Group 1 – Cloyne v Ballymartle, Cobh, 16:30

Cloyne, with Paudie O’Sullivan back in the ranks, are on an upward curve after the Round 1 win over Carrigaline. Ballymartle will look to Ryan Deasy to take another step towards qualification.

Verdict: Cloyne 

PIHC Group 2 – Ballincollig v Kilworth, Rathcormac, 18:30 

Eoin Carey’s return to full fitness is of huge benefit to Kilworth, Ballincollig will hope to have more options available to them after their opening round loss.

Verdict: Draw 

IAHC Group 2 – Youghal v Aghabullogue, Lisgoold, 16:30 

Verdict: Aghabullogue 

PJHC Group 1 – St Catherine’s v Meelin, Buttevant, 16:30 

Verdict: St Catherine’s 

PJHC Group 1 – St Finbarr’s v Glen Rovers, Na Piarsaigh, 17:30 

Verdict: Glen Rovers 

PJHC Group 2 – Nemo Rangers v Barryroe, Ballygarvan, 16:30 

Verdict: Barryroe 

PJHC Group 3 – Argideen Rangers v Milford, Ovens, 17:30 

Verdict: Argideen Rangers 

Sunday 

PSHC Group 1 – Glen Rovers v Fr O’Neill’s, Midleton, 19:00 

The Glen looked like they had never been away in dismissing Erin’s Own in Round 1. Micheál Mullins look at home at midfield, while Diarmuid Wall and Conor McCarthy stepped up to the senior ranks with ease. The availability of Declan Dalton will be key to O’Neill’s ambitions.

Verdict: Glen Rovers 

PSHC Group 2 – Newtownshandrum v Charleville, Milford, 16:00 

The game of the weekend. Newtown has been the standard-bearers of hurling in North Cork for over twenty years. They would like to have Jamie Coughlan available here, because Charleville looked impressive during the league and in beating Newcestown in Round 1. Flip a coin.

Verdict: Charleville 

SAHC Group 1 – Na Piarsaigh v Carrigtwohill, Páirc Uí Rinn, 16:00 

Na Piarsaigh got so much right in their loss to Killeagh in Round 1. If Daire Connery and Ross O’Sullivan can hold that form, they will be dangerous opponents to a Carrig side who looked impressive in beating Fermoy with James Mulcahy’s goal-den touch 

Verdict: Na Piarsaigh 

PIHC Group 2 – Ballinhassig v Castlemartyr, Páirc Uí Rinn, 14:15 

Little has separated these sides in their last meetings. Ballinhassig will take plenty from beating Ballincollig, while Castlemartyr will look to learn from their loss to Kilworth.

Verdict: Ballinhassig 

PIHC Group 3 – Mallow v Lisgoold, Castlelyons, 13:30 

Both sides need a win here after opening round losses. Lisgoold, with Diarmuid Healy and John Cronin in their ranks, look the more likely.

Verdict: Lisgoold 

PIHC Group 3 – Valley Rovers v Dungourney, Blarney, 16:00 

The return from Dublin of Chris O’Leary has given real impetus to the Rovers while Dungourney will fancy themselves against anybody with Shane Hegarty and Jack Leahy in their ranks.

Verdict: Valley Rovers 

IAHC Group 1 – Midleton v Bandon, Church Road, 14:00 

Verdict: Midleton 

IAHC Group 1 – Mayfield v Russell Rovers, Caherlag, 16:00 

Verdict: Russell Rovers 

IAHC Group 2 – Sarsfields v Blackrock, Whitechurch, 18:30 

Verdict: Sarsfields 

IAHC Group 3 – Ballygiblin v Kildorrey, Glanworth, 14:00 

Verdict: Ballygiblin 

PJHC Group 2 – Cloughduv v Kilbrittain, Newcestown, 16:00 

Verdict: Cloughduv 

PJHC Group 3 – Tracton v Ballygarvan, Riverstick, 14:00 

Verdict: Tracton