The Allianz National hurling League really ramps up this weekend.
The new format has added a much-needed pinch of spice to the competition.
In 2025, rather than 12, only seven teams will compete at the top level of league hurling and if theywant to be among the seven, then some teams will feel they need to secure victories this weekend.
Wexford and Waterford both fall into that category which means that for their meeting in Walsh Park on Sunday, there will be little held in reserve.
The top three teams in both Division One A and Division One B will preserve their status in the top tier as will the best fourth placed team. With Dublin’s score-difference lagging over in the other group, opportunity beckons for Wexford and Waterford.
Cork aren’t out of the woods either but they would be expected to have too much for Offaly this weekend.
At the minute, Wexford hold a one point advantage over their opponents Waterford having drawn their three games to date but a win would put the Déise right back in the driving seat.
Both sides face tough final fixtures against Kilkenny and Cork respectively so this may be a decider.
Thankfully, it will be live on TG4 on Sunday at 3.30.
Before that, Tipperary and Limerick will meet under the Saturday night lights in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in what is a top-of-the-table clash at the minute. Wexford and Waterford’s super Sunday clash will be preceded by the meeting of Clare and Kilkenny in Cusack Park.
It’s hardly any secret that Clare have struggled against Kilkenny in recent times so, live on TG4 at 1.30, this may be a game where Brian Lohan aims to put those demons to bed. On top of all of the League permutations, championship is only around the corner too which lends another degree of importance to form and team selection.
There is no football this weekend, only hurling. It’s the start of a tense week of National League hurling. We’ve all been longing for that!
Saturday
Allianz NHL Division 1 Group B round 4
Limerick v Tipperary, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7.35 – (Live on RTÉ2)
Westmeath v Antrim, TEG Cusack Park, 3.30pm
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Sunday
Allianz NHL Division 1 Group A round 4
Waterford v Wexford, Walsh Park, 3.30 – TG4
Clare v Kilkenny, Cusack Park, Ennis, 1.30 – TG4
Offaly v Cork, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 1.15 – TG4 player/deferred
Allianz NHL Division 1 Group B round 4
Galway v Dublin, Pearse Stadium, 1.30
