Camross v Portlaoise
Laois SHC Group B Round 3 in O’Moore Park at 2pm
There is a double header in O’Moore Park to conclude the group stages of the 2024 SHC and it begins with Camross taking on Portlaoise.
As it stands, Camross are third after losing to Rathdowney-Errill in Round 1 but defeating Castletown in Round 2.
Portlaoise are second on three points following victory over Castletown and then a dramatic draw with Rathdowney-Errill in a game they felt they should have won.
Both sides are guaranteed a quarter final place at least and the winner will top the group until the conclusion of the match between Rathdowney-Errill and Castletown.
A tough one to call but Camross may just prevail.
Rathdowney-Errill v Castletown
Laois SHC Group B Round 3 in O’Moore Park at 3.45pm
This is a dead rubber for Castletown as their championship season is over for this year.
Even if they win, they cannot move ahead of Portlaoise or Camross on the head to head rule.
For Rathdowney-Errill, a win will secure them a place in the semi finals and top spot in the group.
As they are the side with something to play for, it is hard to see how they won’t win.
Ballinakill v Borris-Kilcotton
Laois Premier IHC Group A Round 3 in Ballacolla at 12.30pm
Top spot and a place in the semi final is up for grabs as Ballinakill and Borris-Kilcotton clash in Ballacolla.
Borris-Kilcotton hammered both Clough-Ballacolla and Camross’ second teams so far.
While Ballinakill recorded victories over the same two teams – the margin wasn’t as big.
Borris-Kilcotton are favourites for the semi final place but the loser will be guaranteed a quarter final birth.
Camross v Clough-Ballacolla
Laois Premier IHC Group A Round 3 in Colt at 6pm
It is win or bust for both of these teams in Group A as the loser will be finished in the competition for this year.
Both lost their opening two matches to Borris-Kilcotton and Ballinakill – so whoever comes through this can only finish third at best.
Clough-Ballacolla won the JHC ‘B’ on Friday night and a few of those may now be available here which could make all of the difference.
If the game ends in a draw, Clough-Ballacolla will advance to the quarter finals as they have a better points difference.
Clonaslee-St Manman’s v Colt-Shanahoe
Laois Premier IHC Group B Round 3 in Mountrath at 12.30pm
A spot in the Premier IHC quarter finals is what is up for grabs when Clonaslee-St Manman’s face Colt-Shanahoe.
Clonaslee are currently bottom of the group after loses to Rathdowney-Errill and Ballyfin.
Colt-Shanahoe also lost to Ballyfin but managed a draw with Rathdowney-Errill – a result that would do them just fine here.
That said, Clonaslee-St Manman’s are always most dangerous when their backs are up against the wall.
Trumera v Abbeyleix
Laois IHC Group B Round 3 in Trumera at 12.30pm
The group stage of the IHC concludes today and like with Group A on Friday, all possibilities are open.
Abbeyleix are definitely through after wins over Park-Ratheniska/Timahoe and The Harps.
If they avoid defeat here, that will be good enough for them to claim a semi final place.
Trumera had a great win over The Harps in Round 1 but then lost to Park-Ratheniska/Timahoe in Round 2.
Trumera lost some players to injury in the latter and will need all of these on board to win here.
Park-Ratheniska/Timahoe v The Harps
Laois IHC Group B Round 3 in Timahoe at 12.30pm
There is a lot on the line here too as The Harps still have an outside chance of reaching a quarter final.
They lost narrowly to both Abbeyleix and Trumera in the opening two rounds.
Park-Ratheniska/Timahoe lost to Abbeyleix in Round 1 but stunned Trumera in Round 2 with a dramatic comeback.
Very difficult game to call and one that would be expected to go all the way.
SEE ALSO – Heywood CS student secures seven H1s as school unveils incredible results
