For the second week running Cork conceded three or more goals in a game, but whereas luck was on their side in the first round, they fell to a heavy defeat at the hands of Tipperary on this occasion in the Electric Ireland Minor Hurling Championship.
Against Clare they relied on their resilience, as well as a sending off for the Banner County, to get themselves over the line, but a first-half shellacking from Tipperary completely obliterated any hopes the Cork boys had of going two for two.
The result sets up a salivating scenario in the Munster MHC, where four out of the five teams have one win each to their name. The separating of five counties, each of whom would have ambitions of going far in the competition, will be extremely tight.
Only the top two advance to the Munster final, with the winner getting a bye to the semi-finals, while the runners-up goes into a round robin series with Galway and the Leinster runners-up in the quarter-finals.
Voted as the best performer in the last round games, Conor Kelly can consider himself unlucky not to earn himself a third successive nomination after scoring 0-8 in Kilkenny's win over Wexford. Here are your nominees for Hurler of the Week:
Mark Rodgers - Clare
Clare came out the right side of a thriller this past week, recovering from their loss to Cork to beat a strong Waterford side.
The result means Mark Rodgers can actually celebrate a fine performance at the second attempt having scored 2-3 this time round, featuring some sublime finishes.
Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship . Full time score: Clare 3-21(30) Waterford 2-14(20)
— Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) May 27, 2018
Our own editor was present at Ennis Park on Sunday to witness the Scariff player's wicked second-half goal to add to the one he netted in the first period. He also won the penalty that Kealan Guyler dispatched with coolness.
Added to the two he scored against Cork, Rodgers has been involved in five of Clare's six goals in the opening two rounds of the Electric Ireland Minor Hurling Championship, which is an astonishing return.
That level of composure in front of goal is not only rare at this grade, but vital too. Could Rodgers lead the way to a Munster MHC final?
Donal Leavy - Dublin
A pivotal win on a wet day in Parnell Park ensured that Dublin finished second in tier 1 of the Leinster MHC.
Wexford started the better, but it was Donal Leavy who dragged the Boys In Blue back into the game with three exceptional points.
Result:@DubGAAOfficial 0-16@OfficialWexGAA 1-10#LMHC2018 (Rd.3)#Allianz #Gaa RT
— DubMatchTracker (@DubMatchTracker) May 27, 2018
The midfielder had to work extra hard in the second-half, as Dublin finished the game with 13 men, but he was the match that lit the fire.
A late Wexford goal from the excellent AJ Redmond put the hackles on Dublin, but they held on to secure the victory and some much-needed momentum heading into the provincial quarter-finals.
The new format for the U17 grade means that the knockout round is sorted by ranking, meaning the Dubs should in theory receive an easier draw thanks to this win. As tier 2 winners, Offaly are already guaranteed a place in the quarters, while the preliminary round to decide who joins them will see Carlow play Antrim, Down host Kildare, and two rivals facing off in the form of Westmeath vs Meath on June 2.
Seán Hayes - Tipperary
In a huge result for Tipp, Sean Hayes was a star performer from start to finish at Semple Stadium on Sunday.
Munster Senior Hurling Championship Round 2 Tipperary 2-20 Cork 1-23 (FT) Match is a draw
— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) May 27, 2018
The first-half was the winning of the game for the Premier County and Hayes kicked it off with the opening point of the game. He set up James Devaney for a goal soon after, before adding another point to give them a commanding 2-2 to 0-1 after ten minutes.
The highlight of the game had to be Hayes lovely lobbed finish over the head of Cork goalie Cian Long, giving Tipperary a commanding 3-7 to 0-8 lead at the half.
Hayes wouldn't score again, ending the contest with a tally of 1-2, but the damage had been done.
Have your say and cast your vote for the player of the week nominees on Electric Ireland's Facebook page by clicking here. All nominated players will be in with a chance of making overall team/player of the year at the 2018 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Awards.
