PIHC Preview | Second round of fixtures to get underway this weekend

All four games played in the PIHC this weekend will throw-in at the same time.

After an entertaining first round of hurling in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, the sides will go at it again this Saturday with all games starting at 7pm.

Last weekend’s results consisted of three relatively close encounters, with the biggest score-line margin coming in Bruff’s eleven-point victory over 2021 Intermediate champions Effin.

The results represent just how tight the Intermediate championship will be this year, with all sides gunning for the top four places and getting into the SHC for next season.

The second round fixtures are as follows:

Dromin-Athlacca v Effin

Saturday 6th August 7pm in Ballagran

Dromin-Athlacca will be going into this game with more confidence than their counterparts after they edged out a one-point victory over Knockainey. The side have already won the same amount of games as they did in their unsuccessful 2021 campaign and will be hopeful to pick up where they left off this Saturday.

Effin on the other hand were left licking their wounds after a 2-17to 0-12 loss at the hands of Bruff. It’s been a roller-coaster few years for the side, who were Intermediate champions last year after fighting relegation from the same competition just twelve months before.

They will need to put last week behind them if they’re to compete against a solid Dromin-Athlacca side.

Cappamore v Newcastle West

Saturday 6th August 7pm in Kilmallock

A two-point deficit between Monaleen and Cappamore last week was the difference between the teams as the East side look to get back to winning ways this weekend. Runners-up in 2021, it could be said that Cappamore have their biggest test out of the way against a Monaleen outfit that are fresh out of the SHC.

Newcastle West have points on the board however, as they drew with Glenroe. The side are currently missing a chunk of their panel, but will be looking to avenge for their 2021 PIHC semi-final defeat at the hands of Saturday’s opponents.

Monaleen v Glenroe

Saturday 6th August 7pm in Hospital

Monaleen are aiming to get straight back into the Senior Hurling Championship and got off to a bright start last weekend with a win over Cappamore. It was their point-scoring that got them over the line last week and they’ll be looking to add a bit more to their game if they’re to progress.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Glenroe as they were held to a draw by Newcastle West in the opening round. They will need to be on top form if they’re to challenge a Monaleen side gunning for that top-spot.

Knockainey v Bruff

Saturday 6th August 7pm in Kilbreedy

Last week’s standout side and highest-scorers Bruff will be looking to add to their tally when they face Knockainey this week. A three-point victory over Murroe-Boher in a relegation playoff kept them afloat for this season but the side are now pushing towards the qualification places.

Knockainey will be a tough side to face however, after they narrowly lost by one point to Dromin-Athlacca last weekend. The side will be looking to put things right as soon as possible if they’re to stand a chance of getting into the top four this season.