Clonad and Camross look to seize control as Group A heats up
.
ROUND 2 of Group A in the Laois Shopping Centre Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship promises to be hugely significant, with all four teams still harbouring ambitions of reaching the knockout stages as they take to the field this weekend. Group A consists of Mountmellick, Camross, Clonad and Clonaslee/St Manman’s.
Friday: Mountmellick v Clonad
Sunday: Clonaslee/St Manman’s v Camross
This looks like the standout game of the group so far. Clonad come into the contest with confidence after edging Clonaslee/St Manman’s by 2-16 to 1-17 in Round 1, a result that immediately put them in a strong position in the table.
Clonad have shown throughout the year that they can be competitive against the stronger sides at this grade and their ability to find goals proved decisive in their opening championship outing. Another victory would all but secure a knockout place.
Mountmellick, meanwhile, have consistently been among the more competitive sides at Premier Intermediate level in recent seasons. They also have experience of defeating Clonad this year, having won an ACHL meeting between the sides by 1-12 to 1-10 in May.
Clonaslee/St Manman’s were desperately unlucky not to get something from their opener against Clonad, eventually losing by just two points. That defeat means this fixture has become almost must-win territory. A second loss would leave them facing a difficult final-round scenario.
Camross are one of the more intriguing teams in the championship. Traditionally one of the county's hurling powerhouses, they are operating at Premier Intermediate level and will expect to be competing for honours. A win here would put them in a commanding position heading into Round 3.
Playing in Clonaslee is never straightforward, however. The hosts will be roared on by a strong local support and know they cannot afford another narrow defeat.
Group outlook If Clonad and Camross both win, they would move into pole position for the knockout stages. If Mountmellick and Clonaslee respond, however, the group could be completely level heading into the final round. With only three group games, every point and every score difference could prove crucial.
