Mallow might sneak replay with quality Watergrasshill side

Mallow v Watergrasshill

AT the first time of asking Mallow and Watergrasshill played out a thrilling draw in the Junior B inter-divisional hurling championship decider, which sends hurling fans from both clubs back to Páirc Uí Rinn this Friday night – where a winner of this highly competitive competition will be crowned.

The first staging of this particular clash was the curtain raiser for Charleville’s historic intermediate county win, but the fare served up on the day was worthy of top billing itself.

Both sides had their periods of dominance and both had their chances to win but on the day a draw was a fair result. This time the sides have no back door so expect all that play to go at it right from the off with no quarter asked or given.

Killian Roche caused no end of problems for Mallow the first day and is likely to be a thorn in the men in red and yellows side again this time round. William Coakley is another that showed his worth for the Hill with Colm Fenton, Kieran O’Keeffe, Willie O’Leary, and Don O’Riordan all likely to have some say this time round.

Watergrasshill’s attacking set are very impressive and won’t be taken lightly by a Mallow rear-guard that have plenty of experience and no shortage of quality themselves.

Mallow’s Brian Murphy, Seamus Buckley, Conor Hannon and Barry-John Ryan played an integral part to Mallow’s challenge at the first time of asking however not for the first time in a hurling career that has gone on well in excess of 20 years Cork legend Fergal McCormack proved to be the Avondhu side’s top player, something that may well be the case again this weekend.

McCormack may not have the pace required to play senior inter-county again however his skill levels remain as good as they ever were which means that the former county captain is still a big draw at this grade.

So where is this one going? The last time it would be fair to say that Watergrasshill looked the better side and they will likely head to Cork’s second venue as favourites this time round but it would be foolish to look past a Mallow side that have plenty to be confident about.

Mallow