PREVIEWS: So much intrigue ahead of hurling quarter-final weekend in Tipperary

Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Relegation Semi-Finals

Sean Treacys vs Portroe
These two clubs will be desperate to get a win here as they will feel they have too many good hurlers to be flirting with relegation.

Portroe have been all over the place this year, with absences due to travel along with a never ending injury list, they’re fortunes haven’t helped their case.

They did put in a good performance in the loss to Lorrha in their final game, but the sight of Diarmuid Boyle being pushed outfield from his normal goalkeeping position tells a story about how tight numbers have been this year for the lakesiders.

They are still without Conor O’Brien and have a few players carrying knocks so they will be hoping that what they have will be enough here.

Treacys have not hurled well this year at any stage - apart from the draw against Carrick Swans - and that lack of form is a real worry for them as they are conceding far too much.

Portroe are known for their battling qualities and that might be the difference in this game going down the home straight.

Verdict: Portroe

Moyne Templetuohy vs Newport

It is probably fair to say that these two clubs have been the two worst teams in this year’s championship, not solely based on results but also the porosity of performance.

Moyne were so poor against St Marys in their final game, where they played nearly the full game with an extra player but still lost comprehensively, and look like a team completely devoid of ideas and confidence.

Newport are in a similar boat, churning out some really below par performances, far from what many would have expected, and they will need the likes of Colin Floyd, Pa Ryan, and Cian Flanagan to really step up here.

This will come down to small margins and it might be that Newport’s form is just slightly less abject than their opponents.

Verdict: Newport