Castletown aim to build momentum as Group B takes centre stage
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AFTER an explosive opening round, Group B of the Laois Shopping Centre Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship enters a crucial second weekend with Castletown looking to cement their status as promotion favourites while Rathdowney/Errill and Clough/Ballacolla battle to keep pace Fixtures Friday: Colt-Shanahoe v Castletown Sunday: Rathdowney/Errill v Clough/Ballacolla Colt-Shanahoe v Castletown Castletown could hardly have made a more emphatic start to life back in the Premier Intermediate ranks, hammering Rathdowney/Errill by 7-26 to 2-13 in Round 1. That result laid down a marker to the rest of the championship and highlighted their determination to make an immediate return to senior hurling.
Colt-Shanahoe now face the difficult task of halting that momentum. Traditionally a well-organised and physically tough outfit, they know that a positive result here would significantly boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
The key for Castletown will be maintaining the scoring efficiency they showed in their opener. If their forwards get on top early, they possess the firepower to put daylight between the sides.
Rathdowney/Errill v Clough/Ballacolla This is already shaping up as the defining game of the round.
Rathdowney/Errill were stunned by Castletown in the opening round and will be desperate for a response after conceding seven goals.
Clough/Ballacolla, meanwhile, come into the weekend knowing that victory would put them right back in the hunt for qualification before the final round. The club's tradition and hurling pedigree make them dangerous opponents regardless of previous results.
With both teams potentially fighting to avoid falling two defeats behind, expect an intense and physical contest where experience could prove decisive.
Home advantage may just give Rathdowney/Errill the edge, but there is very little between the teams on paper.
The Big Picture Castletown have the opportunity to seize complete control of Group B if they can back up their opening-round win with another two points. A second victory would leave them on the brink of qualification.
At the same time, Sunday's clash between Rathdowney/Errill and Clough/Ballacolla has all the ingredients of an early knockout match. The loser could find themselves facing a huge uphill battle heading into the final group game.
