Permutations | Four teams could end fifth round top of the table in competitive PIHC

The fifth round of the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship takes place this weekend.

This year’s Premier IHC standings are still wide open as we pass the half-way mark of the group stages, with only three points separating first to fifth.

Newcastle West pushed their way into the top four after their victory over Effin, with Glenroe, Monaleen and Bruff making no mistake to remain in the qualification spots.

At the other end of the table, Cappamore’s first points of the season lifted the side from eighth to sixth, showing the fine margins in the competition.

Glenroe, who sit top of the table, are the only unbeaten side so far this year in the PIHC with three wins and a draw. They’re the only side that could secure mathematical qualification this weekend. A win would take them to the golden nine point mark which has always secured qualification for the semi-finals.

Monaleen, Bruff and Newcastle West could all move to the top of the table this weekend if Glenroe were to slip up. A win for Monaleen coupled with a Glenroe loss would be enough for the City side to take top spot outright. Glenroe hold the head to head on Monaleen after their opening day win. Newcastle West and Bruff are both on five points and they face off this weekend.

Newcastle West drew with Glenroe in round one so will need a huge swing of scores as well as a defeat for the South side to pass them out. Bruff are yet to meet Glenroe but trail them on scoring difference by three.

Effin cannot go top but they are the only side that could potentially move into the top four spots. They face table toppers but would need a slip up elsewhere. They could potentially move into second should they win, Monaleen lose and NCW and Bruff play out a draw.

Meanwhile the bottom three will need to pick up points, with Knockainey rooted to the bottom and the chance of qualification being impossible dependent on results around them. They can only reach seven points with three wins from three, yet that has only been enough for a semi-final spot on one occasion.

Cappamore got off the mark last weekend and the 2021 runners up need to win their remaining games to have any chance. They play Knockainey where a win would go a long way in securing safety. It could also see them move within one point of the top four depending on other results. Dromin Athlacca take on Monaleen knowing anything other than a win would see them eliminated from the reckoning. Like Cappamore they could go within one point of the top four with a win.

Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 5 Fixtures

Bruff v Newcastle West

Dromin-Athlacca v Monaleen

Knockainey v Cappamore

Effin v Glenroe