Provincial hurling championships: Where things stand

The provincial champions are edging closer to their conclusions but, with two rounds of fixtures to go, and to paraphrase Murray Walker, anything might happen and it usually does.

MUNSTER SHC

19 May
Clare v Waterford
Tipperary v Cork

26 May
Limerick v Waterford
Tipperary v Clare

Limerick's defence of their Munster title suffered a blow last weekend with defeat to Cork in an epic but John Kiely and his charges know that a place in the provincial decider is still in their hands.

While the Treaty are not in action this weekend, one side that is and who must almost certainly win again in order to extend their summer are the Rebels.

They make the trip to take on old foes Tipperary at Thurles on Sunday afternoon, having already lost to both Clare and Waterford, which is critical.

Cork might end up finishing on the same points as either county, but their head to head record works against them in either instance, so they would be hoping for three-way ties and score difference instead.

One positive for Pat Ryan and his players is the fact that they will have an extra week of recovery should they extend their year beyond Sunday afternoon.

If Tipp can win their remaining two games then they're guaranteed a top-three spot, and potentially a Munster final place, depending on results elsewhere.

Place in the decider on the cards for Banner or Déise

The other game down south this weekend sees Clare host Waterford at Ennis.

The Banner snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Limerick on the opening weekend before getting their season back on track against Cork. Two victories in their remaining fixtures would see them into the provincial final, while a defeat in one would keep things open.

The Déise surprised the Rebels on day one before