Erne hurlers hoping to break their duck

By Niall Gartland

THERE’S still time to turn their Division Three campaign around, but Fermanagh could really do with a win in Sunday’s National Hurling League clash against Tyrone at Brewster Park.

The Erne hurlers have lost both league outings to date, albeit in very different circumstances. They were completely outgunned by Donegal in their first outing, but produced a much better performance on their second day out against familiar foes Louth, losing out by 3-20 to 2-19.

Despite fielding without a number of key players for the game with Luca McCusker and Aidan Flanagan sidelined with injury, Fermanagh produced a really valiant effort and led with 10 minutes remaining.

Although they couldn’t seal the deal, it was still a heartening performance and they’ll be quietly confident that they can give Tyrone their fill of it at Brewster Park on Saturday afternoon.

They were due to meet in the pre-season Conor McGurk competition back in January, a game that never ended up going ahead of weather playing havoc with the schedule – Tyrone actually ended up advancing following a coin toss.

These two teams haven’t met much otherwise in recent years with Tyrone generally operating at a higher level.

Stephen McGarry’s side will be favourites, but if Fermanagh can produce a performance of similar quality to their Louth showing, don’t discount the potential of an upset.