Cork host Clare in Pairc Ui Rinn at 7pm on Saturday night, in Division 1A of the Allianz National Hurling League. The game takes place as part of the double header, which sees the Rebel’s footballers take on Donegal.
The two Munster sides are in transition at present, although judging by recent results, they are already more than capable of mixing it with the best teams in the top flight. The Rebels are unbeaten are two matches and lead the way in the division, while Clare have only tasted defeat by a single point, and shocked Galway last weekend.
Form
Few pundits expected Cork to beat Tipperary in the opening round of this seasons league, but not only did they do so, but they destroyed them 0-26 to 1-11. Conditions were very poor last weekend when Jimmy Barry Murphy’s side were held to a draw against Waterford, but the point they picked up was enough to see them top the table.
Clare went down to a last minute point against Waterford two weeks ago, and then beat a strong Galway outfit last Sunday. Only for the sucker punch against the Deise, the Banner men would be at the head of the table alongside this weekend’s opponents.
Team News
Brian Murphy and William Egan have been included in the Cork team for this important clash, while as ever, Davy Fitzgerald leaves it late to name his starting fifteen.
Players To Watch
Patrick Horgan at corner forward is a classy attacker and will have to be closely guarded by the Clare defence on Saturday night. For the Banner, Colin Ryan, who scored 0-8 against Galway is the main threat.
Betting Advice:
With home advantage and more experience, Cork at 8/13 with Boylesports.com are a reasonable bet to win this tie and keep their unbeaten record intact.
