Tipp to pile misery on Faithful County Rebels to raid Déise

Frank Roche

Sat 12 Mar 2011 at 16:00

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE

DIVISION ONE

TIPPERARY v OFFALY (Nenagh, Tom, 2.30)

WHERE to now for the freefalling Faithful? In the wake of their 13-point collapse at home to Dublin, Offaly have fallen behind a similarly pointless Wexford on scoring difference.

You may even surmise that they're favourites for the drop, given their downward form graph (compared to Wexford's) and the latest additions to their already ample casualty ward: Shane Dooley (gashed ear) and the hamstrung Ger Healion have been ruled out of tomorrow's trip.

Tipperary will spy this as an inviting chance to build on their belated first league win under Declan Ryan, against 13-man Waterford last weekend.

The All-Ireland champions have been spluttering this spring but, with skipper Eoin Kelly back from the start, they should win with something to spare.

All of which should mean that Offaly's next outing, at home to Wexford, will serve as a de facto relegation play-off.

ODDS: Tipp 1/12, Draw 14/1, Offaly 7/1

VERDICT: Tipperary

Rebels to raid Déise

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE

DIVISION ONE

WATERFORD v CORK (Dungarvan, Tom, 2.30)

MORE disciplinary strife for that ever-colourful controversialist, Davy Fitzgerald. News that the Waterford manager is facing a proposed 12-week suspension from the CCCC, arising from some alleged verbal sparring with officialdom last weekend, has coloured the build-up to their home clash with Cork.

Needless to say, Davy Fitz is vowing to fight it all the way.

Waterford were already resigned to starting without midfielder Shane O'Sullivan and 'keeper Clinton Hennessy after their red cards against Tipp. Neither player could complain -- especially Hennessy for his dangerous neck-high challenge.

On the plus side, Waterford's doggedness in the face of numerical adversity suggests their team spirit is still high; but Cork may be even more buoyant after their three-point victory over Galway.

This Munster derby is a must-win game for both counties if they want to preserve league final ambitions -- especially the Déise, who have one point less in the bank. The visitors to sneak it.

ODDS: Waterford 6/5, Draw 9/1, Cork 4/5

VERDICT: Cork

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE

DIVISION TWO

KERRY v WESTMEATH

(Tralee, Today 2.30)

ODDS: Kerry 10/11, Draw 9/1, Westmeath evens. VERDICT: Westmeath

ANTRIM v CARLOW

(Casement Park, Tomorrow 2.0)

ODDS: Antrim 4/9, Draw 10/1, Carlow 2/1

VERDICT: Antrim

CLARE v DOWN