Cork have chance to bounce back from bad run

WEXFORD v CORK

(Wexford Park, Tonight, 7.0, Live Sky Sports)

IF there's a county in most serious need of a pick-me-up right now, it's Cork.

Two losses to Waterford in a League final and Munster semi preceded another, more comprehensive, loss to the Deise at Under 21 level.

And on Thursday night, their minors took a tumble to Limerick to make it three losses from three provincial matches in the three major grades.

Seamus Harnedy returns and he'll supply an obvious and direct route for attack but it's more than Cork's hurling that's going to be tested in Wexford Park in front of a home support more than a little let down by how their team fared in Nowlan Park.

Wexford's Under 21 win over Offaly should have floated a little hope again in the county and as Conor McDonald aluded to during the week, the season is their oyster again if they turn Cork over.

They're still a little raw though and Cork, too polished and too sore.

ODDS: Wexford 11/4, Draw 10/1, Cork 4/11

VERDICT: Cork

CLARE v OFFALY

(Cusack Park, Tonight, 7.0)

FOR all the gloom of their defeat to Limerick, following - as it did - Clar e's relegation from Division 1A, Davy Fitz's team still hurled well that day and any side that can welcome Brendan Bugler, Conor McGrath, Aaron Cunningham and now Colm Galvin back to their ranks can sleep easy in the prelude to a home qualifier.

Particularly against Offaly.

The Faithful's problems run much, much deeper than this group of players or their management but they'll surely take the brunt of it again when things go askew tonight.

ODDS: Clare 1/33, Draw 25/1, Offaly 12/1

VERDICT: Clare

WESTMEATH v LIMERICK

(Mullingar, Tomorrow, 2.0)

THERE aint too many plum draws at this time of year but Limerick managed to get their hands on one here and should sooth the wounds of the Tipp loss.

ODDS: Westmeath 14/1, Draw 25/1, Limerick 1/50

VERDICT: Limerick

SHC QUALIFIERS