NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 3A
Tyrone v Louth
Sunday, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 1pm

By Alan Rodgers

VICTORY in the final round of their Division 3A National Hurling League campaign is set to provide Tyrone with the perfect boost as they prepare for the climax of their bid for promotion.

It has been an impressive season so far for the Red Hands, who remain unbeaten in the competition. Wins over Warwickshire, Monaghan and Armagh have maintained the momentum of their opening draw against Roscommon.

Now Louth are the opposition in the final match. Only a complete turnaround will prevent Tyrone from reaching the final, although they will be taking nothing for granted against opponents bidding to avoid relegation.

Defender Anthony Crossan is also well are of the need for them to keep their focus. He was introduced as a sub in the win at Iniskeen and is understandably keenly aware, too, of the competition for places.

“We had a good win against Monaghan and it was good to get the two points,” he said.

“But it wasn’t our best performance and the game was tight all the
way through to the final quarter,” he said.

“Our aim will be get another two points against Louth on Sunday. The main focus is on reaching the final, so if we get that it will be good and we’ll try and do our best against whoever comes through.

“Louth haven’t been going well, but we’ll not be able to take anything for granted against them. To be honest, you can’t take any teams for granted in this league. Every team has the ability to beat each other.

“It was important for us to get the win against Monaghan after beating Armagh. It’s massive to keep the winning streak going. If we can win against Louth it will mean that we’ll be the semi-final or final on a high and undefeated.”

A place in Division 2B has been a big aim of the Tyrone hurlers during the past few seasons. It’s one which has eluded them each time, often courtesy of narrow losses.

Now, though, they appear to be well on track, even though the biggest challenges have still to come.

A look at the table shows that Tyrone are in pole position.

Their superior score difference means that the Red Hands are in perfectly placed, with Armagh and Roscommon leading the chasing pack. A final clash against either of
them is certain to be very keenly contested.

READ MORE – Big weekend for Ulster hurling. Click here…