Battle for semi-final spots heats up in Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship:

By Paul Shaughnessy Limerick Leader Sport

CLUBS are battling it out to reach the semi-finals of the Lyons of Limerick Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship.

Round five of the Premier Intermediate Hurling takes place this weekend.

Newcastle West have maintained their 100% record in the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship. The Magpies take on Na Piarsaigh in Adare at 2pm on Sunday. Na Piarsaigh have struggled and remain on zero points.

On Saturday evening at 4.30pm in Ballyagran, second-placed Effin meet Granagh Ballingarry. Effin are two points ahead of their opponents. Fergal O’Connor, Nickie Quaid and Patrick O’Donovan have impressed for Effin. Granagh Ballingarry have showed they can mix it with the best after winning the Intermediate county title last year.

Meanwhile, Glenroe take on Blackrock in a must-win game for both clubs on Saturday, at 3pm, in Knocklong.

It has been a disappointing campaign so far for Blackrock with last year’s county finalists registering one win and suffering three defeats. Glenroe will also be disappointed with their campaign to date. The South Limerick club have failed to win a group game so far.

The tie of the weekend sees Bruff, who are in third place on six points, take on Garryspillane, who are on four points. The winner of this game will put themselves in a great position to reach the semi-finals. Spectators will be interested to see inter-county players Mark Quinlan and Sean Finn come up against each other on Saturday in Kilmallock at 6:15pm.