WITH knock-out hurling on the horizon, three of the four teams who will contest the Morgan Fuels Down SHC semi-finals are known.
Ballygalget, chasing a first title since 2017, guaranteed themselves top spot with their statement win over Portaferry two weeks ago, leaving the holders facing a likely semi-final against Ballycran, assuming the latter account for Liatroim in Carryduff on Saturday.
That semi-final pairing will be a repeat of the last six finals, while Ballygalget will face an easier route to the decider when they take on the team that finishes fourth.
That will only be Ballycran if Liatroim register a seismic shock against the St Joseph’s side, but it is more likely to be the Fontenoys themselves, who currently boast a superior scoring difference to the two Belfast sides alongside whom they sit on two points each.
Bredagh, who face the leaders on Sunday, appear to be out with a -51 difference, while Carryduff will need to either win against Portaferry or manage a 15-point swing over the Fontenoys to keep their chances alive.
Down SHC
Saturday
3pm, Carryduff:
Liatroim v Ballycran
Sunday
1pm, Carryduff:
Ballygalget v Bredagh
5pm, Ballycran:
Carryduff v Portaferry