The last time these two teams met in the Leinster championship was in 2019 when Meath emerged victorious with a 1-13 to 0-14 win in Pairc Tailteann. Meath has won four of the last five meetings between the two sides, with Offaly’s last victory coming in the Leinster quarter-final in 2000.
Meath’s Form
Meath is yet to play a championship game this season, having finished sixth in Division 2 with two wins, one draw, and four defeats. Colm O’Rourke, the legendary Meath player, and new manager will be looking to start his managerial career on a positive note.
Offaly’s Form
Offaly secured a hard-fought victory over Longford in the Leinster first round last Sunday week, winning 1-12 to 1-11. Peter Cunningham was Offaly’s top scorer with 1-1. Offaly finished fifth in Division 3 this season and will be hoping to cause an upset against their more fancied opponents.
Managerial Debut
Colm O’Rourke is set to make his managerial debut in the championship, 47 years after his senior championship debut as a player. O’Rourke scored three points in Meath’s 2-13 to 1-10 win over Wicklow in the Leinster first round, played in Croke Park in May 1976.
Offaly’s Aspirations
Offaly is bidding to reach the Leinster semi-final for the first time since 2007. A win against Meath will set up a clash with either Louth or Westmeath in the Leinster semi-finals.
Conclusion
This promises to be a closely contested game between two teams with a rich history in the Leinster championship. Meath will be the favorites, but Offaly will be looking to cause an upset and secure a semi-final spot. Bookies expect Meath to win by 3pts
Starting Teams for Meath v Offaly
There are seven survivors on the starting XV that took to the field for last Summer’s Championship game in Cusack Park, Ennis for Meath with Adam O’Neill, Donal Lenihan, Jack Flynn, Jordan Morris, Michael Flood, Ronan Jones, Ronan Ryan and Sean Coffey all coming into the team from that encounter.
Meath team to play Offaly in the 2023 championship
Kildare and Wicklow Set to Renew Rivalry in Leinster Championship
Brief History
Kildare and Wicklow are set to face off in the Leinster championship for the first time since 2019, with Kildare having won their previous encounter by a narrow two-point margin. Looking back at their last five championship meetings, Kildare have been the dominant force, winning four out of five matches.
KILDARE’s 2023 Championship Debut
Kildare will be having their first outing in this year’s championship, having finished fifth in Division 2 with three wins and four defeats. With a long gap since their last competitive match, it remains to be seen how the team will perform in their first championship game.
WICKLOW’s Winning Momentum
Wicklow, on the other hand, will be coming into the match with some winning momentum, having beaten Carlow in the Leinster first round with a comfortable 2-12 to 0-10 scoreline. Eoin Darcy was their standout performer, scoring 1-2 in the match. However, they will need to raise their game if they are to upset the odds and beat Kildare.
WICKLOW’s Long Wait for Victory Over KILDARE
Wicklow’s last victory over Kildare in the Leinster championship dates back to 2008 when they beat Kildare in the first round. Wicklow will be hoping to end their long wait for a win against Kildare and cause an upset in the Leinster championship.
Team News Kildare v Wicklow
We will have team news on Friday afternoon
What’s at Stake?
The winner of the Kildare and Wicklow match will face off against Dublin or Laois in the Leinster semi-final on April 30th. Both Kildare and Wicklow will be looking to book their place in the next round and make a statement of intent for the rest of the championship.
Glasgow Warriors to face Connacht in the final league game of BKT United Rugby Championship. Game kicks off at 7:35pm on Saturday.
Glasgow Warriors are set to host Connacht in the upcoming BKT United Rugby Championship match. The two teams have a long-standing history, having faced each other 37 times in the past. Glasgow has come out on top in 24 matches, while Connacht has won 10 matches, with three ending in a draw.
Glasgow Warriors have an impressive record at home, having not suffered a defeat in the BKT United Rugby Championship since October 2021 when they faced Leinster. The team will be hoping to continue this run and secure another victory at Scotstoun.
Recent Form of Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors have been in good form in recent months, having lost only one match in any competition since the end of November. Their only defeat came at the hands of Emirates Lions in Johannesburg on 25 February. Additionally, the team has won their last two fixtures against Irish provinces, following a loss to Leinster at the RDS Arena in November of last year.
Connacht’s Winning Streak
Connacht are currently on a six-match winning streak in the BKT United Rugby Championship, and they will be hoping to extend this run in their upcoming match against Glasgow. Another victory would see them set a new record for the competition.
Connacht’s Recent Win Over Edinburgh and Cardiff
Connacht’s victory over Edinburgh in Round 16 was an impressive one, with the team scoring 41 points in the process. However, they have not managed to beat both Scottish opponents in the same campaign since 2020/21. The team will be hoping to rectify this and secure a win against Glasgow.
Head-to-Head Record between Glasgow Warriors and Connacht
Connacht has only managed to beat Glasgow once in their last eight encounters, with that win coming in Galway in the opening round of the 2020/21 season. Additionally, the team has not been successful on Glasgow soil since their victory at the Firhill Arena in September 2010.
Team news for Glasgow Warriors v Connacht Rugby
Glasgow Warriors
An all-international front-row sees Argentinian prop Lucio Sordoni start at tight-head, joining Scotland pair Allan Dell and Fraser Brown at the coal face.
Scott Cummings and Richie Gray start in the second-row, the pair having made an impact off the bench in last Friday’s win over the Scarlets.
Sione Vailanu shifts to the openside to accommodate the returning Jack Dempsey at number eight, Rory Darge completing the back-row by slotting in on the blindside flank.
The half-backs are unchanged from last Friday’s win, meaning Ali Price and Tom Jordan once again combine in the nine and 10 jerseys.
Sam Johnson starts alongside skipper McDowall in the midfield, the pair having shut down the Scarlets attack to good effect in the driving rain at Scotstoun.
Jamie Dobie is the only alteration to the backline in the week in which he put pen to paper on a contract extension with the club, replacing club captain Kyle Steyn on the wing in a back-three completed by Cole Forbes and Huw Jones.
After his Player of the Match-winning display last time out, Zander Fagerson rotates to the bench to join Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews as the front-row cover.
JP du Preez and Lewis Bean do likewise after starting against the Scarlets, with Matt Fagerson covering the back-row in a six-two split of forwards and backs on the bench.
George Horne comes into the matchday squad after being rested last time out, whilst Domingo Miotti wears the number 23 jersey to complete the cohort of replacements.
Connacht Rugby
John Porch returns from injury to take his place on the right wing, replacing Diarmuid Kilgallen who has picked up a hamstring strain. The absence of Jarrad Butler from injury means Oisín Dowling starts in the second row, with Josh Murphy moving to blindside flanker and and Cian Prendergast to number 8.
Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki unfortunately miss out due to illness, which means there are starts for Byron Ralston – his first since an ankle injury in January – and Cathal Forde.
Connacht head into the game knowing a win would guarantee at least a 6th place finish regardless of results elsewhere, which effectively ensures Heineken Champions Cup rugby next season.
A win would also be Connacht’s 7th straight in the United Rugby Championship, which would be an all-time record for the club in the 20+ year history of the competition.
Speaking following the team announcement, Director of Rugby Andy Friend said: “Enormous credit must go to the players, coaches and all of the backroom staff that we currently find ourselves in this position. Our backs were against the wall after the start we had, so to produce six straight wins – with each game more important than the last – speaks volumes of the character of the group. We can’t wait for the playoffs but for now it’s all about finishing as high as we can and bringing Champions Cup rugby back to The Sportsground next season.
There’ll be plenty of external noise as the results come in tomorrow, but for us the objective won’t change regardless of what happens elsewhere. We know a win gives us at least 6th which would be enough for qualification, so that’s what we’re aiming for.”
Conclusion and Prediction
The upcoming match between Glasgow Warriors and Connacht promises to be an intriguing encounter. Glasgow will be looking to maintain their impressive home record, but may rest their usual starters.
Connacht will be hoping to continue their winning streak and secure a victory over their Scottish opponents and secure Champions Cup rugby for 2023.
Glasgow still have very little to play for against Connacht. The loss of Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen is big, but Id hope Connacht can still secure a win.
Nathan Aspinall secured his first win of the 2023 Cazoo Premier League campaign, beating Gerwyn Price 6-4 in a thrilling final on Night 12 at Rotterdam Ahoy. Aspinall recovered brilliantly from his quarter-final defeat to Peter Wright in Brighton last week, producing an impressive performance to move up to third in the table. In this article, we break down the key moments of the night and take a closer look at the other matches.
Aspinall Bounces Back
Aspinall’s win was a demonstration of his fighting spirit and resilience, bouncing back after a disappointing performance in Brighton. He started the night by ending Michael van Gerwen’s hopes of a dream homecoming in front of a sell-out 11,000 crowd, converting a 118 checkout to dump out the Dutch superstar in a last-leg decider. Aspinall then moved through to his first final since Night Two in Cardiff, averaging over 99 to overcome Dimitri Van Bergh and set up a showdown against an in-form Price.
In the final, Aspinall took an early lead with a superb 124 combination, but Price responded with a 140 checkout to seize the initiative. Aspinall then produced a brilliant three-leg burst to establish a 4-2 cushion, reeling off consecutive legs in 13, 13, and 12 darts to move two legs away from the £10,000 winner’s bonus. Although Price reduced the arrears with a comfortable hold in leg seven, Aspinall was undeterred, moving to the brink of victory with another 13-dart hold, before sealing the deal with a 71 checkout in leg ten.
“Last week really hurt me, so to bounce back like I have tonight, I’m really proud,” claimed Aspinall, the sixth different nightly winner in this year’s Premier League. “I have worked so hard. I’ve changed something to try and find what I needed to find to keep me calm in situations, and it’s all come together tonight. I’m just really happy to finally get a nightly win and put myself back in the top four.”
Price Claims Three Points to Top Table
Although Price was denied his fifth nightly victory of 2023 in Thursday’s decider, the Welshman claimed a precious three points to move top of the table at Van Gerwen’s expense. Price kicked off his Rotterdam campaign with a comeback win against World Champion Michael Smith, reeling off five consecutive legs from 3-1 down to triumph with a 102 average. He then produced another ton-topping average to dispatch his World Cup partner Jonny Clayton in the semi-finals, firing in six 180s en route to an emphatic 6-1 success.
Van den Bergh and Clayton Secure Two Points Each
Semi-finalists Van den Bergh and Clayton departed Rotterdam with two points apiece, courtesy of quarter-final wins against Peter Wright and Chris Dobey respectively. Van den Bergh ended a run of four consecutive quarter-final defeats with a 6-3 success against Wright, which saw him leapfrog Dobey and move into sixth spot. Masters champion Dobey succumbed 6-4 to a clinical Clayton in the evening’s opener, with the Welshman landing three ton-plus finishes and averaging almost 101 to cap off a quality display.
What’s Next?
The Cazoo Premier League roadshow heads to Leeds’ First Direct Arena next Thursday, as league leader Price takes on Clayton in an all-Welsh affair on Night 13. Van Gerwen will begin his bid for a fourth nightly win of 2023 against Wright, Aspinall takes on Van den Bergh, while Smith and Dobey lock horns in the evening’s opener
Irish sailor Finn Lynch has been given the green light to compete in the French Olympic Week sailing event, taking place from April 24-29 in Hyerés.
Lynch, who is currently ranked world number three in the ILCA 7 category, has been undergoing treatment for a wrist injury sustained during his last event in Palma, Mallorca.
Targeting World Sailing Championships
With just over three months until the World Sailing Championships in The Hague, where the first nation places will be decided for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Lynch will be keen to regain his consistent form. The Carlow native has previously achieved Silver at World Championship level, the highest ever result by an Irish sailor at this level.
Medal ambitions
Lynch has admitted that he has not yet hit his full potential this season, with a 10th place at the European championships not meeting his stated medal ambitions. Nevertheless, he will be looking to build on his strong performances and challenge for a medal at the French Olympic Week.
Other Irish sailors in action
Alongside Lynch, two senior squad 49er skiff teams will also be competing at the French Olympic Week. Robert Dickson, who has been suffering from a viral infection over the past week, will be hoping to make a full recovery and compete alongside his crew-mate Seán Waddilove. Meanwhile, Séafra Guilfoyle and Johnny Durcan will be aiming for consistency and a strong Gold fleet finish.
Clearance to race
Irish Sailing’s Performance Director, James O’Callaghan, said that both Lynch and Dickson’s medical issues had curtailed their preparation period, but the main thing was that they had been cleared to race. Eve McMahon, another Senior Squad sailor, will miss the series in Hyerés due to exam commitments, while her brother Ewan has opted not to compete in this regatta.
It definitely wasn’t the finest ride Pat Cosgrave has given a horse after unnecessarily being beat on 1/6 shot Concorde at Chelmsford on Thursday.
According to the betting the horse who was an absolute certainty and looked it all the way up the straight until Cosgrave missed Ben Robinson coming up his inside on My Roxanne. Who beat the fav at 1/6.
Cosgrave received a 28 day for his mistake.
🗣️"I made a big mistake…I'm very, very sorry for what happened."
Pat Cosgrave says he was "caught unaware" and apologises to connections after his dramatic defeat aboard Concorde at Chelmsford this evening. pic.twitter.com/U2KoBlDF9A
L-R - Coach Andrew Gillespie, David Connell, Lucy Lynch, Laya Sabry, Rebecca Day, Eoin Mullery, Ben Lynch and Jack Clery
The Irish Junior Squash teams have been selected for the 5 Nations Squash tournament in Edinburgh from April 21st to April 23rd.
Among them are a group of talented young players from Galway Lawn Tennis Club (GLTC) who have been making waves in the squash community.
Boys U13 Team Dominated by GLTC Players
The entire boys U13 Irish team is made up of four players from Galway Lawn Tennis Club: Eoin Mullery, Ben Lynch, David Connell and Jack Clery. These players have been working hard all season, and their selection for the Irish Junior Squash team is a testament to their commitment and determination.
Galway Girls Also Representing Ireland
It’s not just the boys who are excelling in squash in Galway. Lucy Lynch, Ben Lynch’s twin sister, is representing Ireland in the girls U13 category, along with Laya Sabry from Sutton LTC and Rebecca Day from Waterford.
Credit to the Players’ Coach
These young players are a credit to their super squash coach Dave Noone in GLTC who has harnessed their ability and competitive spirit. Noone is delighted for this group of talented athletes, who have worked hard over the years. He believes that playing for Ireland is as high an award as you can ask for and hopes that it’s just the start of great things to come.
Excitement Builds Ahead of the 5 Nations Squash Tournament
All eyes will be on these young Galway squash players as they represent Ireland at the 5 Nations Squash tournament in Edinburgh. With their talent, determination and hard work, they are sure to make their mark on the tournament and continue to excel in the sport they love.
Galway and Wexford are set to clash in the Leinster hurling championship in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
The two teams have faced each other 14 times in the championship, with both sides winning six and drawing twice.
In recent years, the teams have met in five of the last six championships, with Galway winning three and drawing two, the most recent of which was last year when they tied on 1-19 each.
The most recent Allianz Hurling League meeting between the two teams saw Galway beat Wexford by eight points in Chadwicks Wexford Park. However, the championship is a different ball game, and both teams will be eager to claim the win.
Wexford is seeking their first championship win over Galway since the 1996 All-Ireland semi-final. Additionally, that year was also the last time they won the All-Ireland title, and they will be hoping to recreate that success.
Galway had a mixed performance in this year’s Allianz hurling League, winning three and losing two of their five games, finishing third in their group. On the other hand, Wexford won and lost four in the same group, finishing fifth (of six).
In recent years, goals have been scarce in championship games between Galway and Wexford, with only five being scored in their last five encounters. However, this doesn’t mean the games were dull, with both teams providing thrilling and high-scoring matches.
Galway’s manager, Henry Shefflin, is a familiar face to Wexford fans, having played eleven times for Kilkenny against Wexford in the championship, winning ten and losing one (2004 Leinster semi-final). Shefflin’s experience against Wexford may give Galway an advantage in this crucial encounter.
Our Senior Hurlers get their @gaaleinster championship underway on Saturday!
Pádraic Mannion shares his thoughts ahead of the championship opener vs Wexford
In summary, both Galway and Wexford will be looking to start their championship campaigns with a win. While Galway has a better recent record against Wexford, the latter will be determined to end their championship drought against their opponents.
With both teams having mixed performances in the Allianz hurling League, it is difficult to predict the winner, but one thing is for sure – the fans can expect an exciting and closely fought match.
Teams News for Galway v Wexford
Galway hurling team to play Wexford 2023 Leinster hurling
The current issues surrounding GAAGO, the online streaming service that allows fans to watch Gaelic Games from anywhere in the world and in Ireland is going to explode this weekend.
One of the most pressing concerns is the high cost of the service. As an example to stream Galway v Wexford this weekend is €12, which nearly as expensive as attending the game in person at €15 and many fans find this totally unreasonable.
While a season pass is available for €79, this option may not appeal to those who only want to watch their county’s games.
Another issue with GAAGO is the accessibility. The service is only available through an app on a smartphone or a laptop, making it difficult for older people or those without smartphones to use.
Additionally, viewers cannot watch the games on a larger screen or TV unless they can figure out how to stream limiting the viewing options.
Due to GAAGO having the rights it’s the only option for fans who want to watch games this Saturday. This will frustrate many fans who will feel that the GAA should work to make their games more accessible to viewers. It’s important to recognize that the GAA is run on a volunteer basis, and players are not paid. Charging high fees for streaming the games may seem to contradict the spirit of the sport.
There were huge complaints about the deal with Sky Sports but GAAGO is far more expensive and harder access.
In conclusion, the GAAGO service offers fans a way to watch Gaelic Games from anywhere in the world, but it’s important to address the concerns surrounding the high cost, accessibility, and limitations on viewing options. Saturday should be interesting on social media.
Sports betting has become increasingly popular among sports enthusiasts, and with the rise of online sportsbooks, more people than ever are getting in on the action. However, not all sports are created equal when it comes to ease of betting. In this article, we will explore the easiest sports to bet on, providing insights into the various factors that make them attractive options for both novice and experienced bettors alike.
Football
Football is one of the most popular sports to bet on due to its widespread popularity and the numerous betting opportunities it provides. Football fans can bet on a variety of outcomes, including the winner of a game, the final score, and individual player performance.
Point spreads and moneyline bets are among the most common types of football bets. A point spread bet involves betting on whether a team will win by a certain margin, while a moneyline bet involves betting on which team will win the game outright. Other common football bets include over/under bets, prop bets, and parlay bets.
When betting on football, it’s important to do your research and consider factors such as team performance, injuries, and weather conditions. It’s also important to manage your bankroll and avoid chasing losses. By following these tips, football betting can be a fun and potentially profitable activity.
Boxing
Boxing is one of the easiest sports to bet on due to its simplicity. Unlike other sports, boxing has fewer variables, making it easier to predict the outcome of a fight. Boxing is a sport that has gained a lot of popularity among bettors due to its simplicity. With only two fighters in the ring, the outcome of a boxing match is much easier to predict without any variables coming into play. This makes boxing an ideal sport for beginners who are just starting with sports betting.
Common boxing bets include money-line bets and over/under bets. Money-line bets involve choosing which fighter will win the fight, while over/under bets involve predicting the total number of rounds the fight will last.
One of the most anticipated upcoming fights in the boxing world is Ryan Garcia vs Tank Davis. Fans are eagerly waiting for the two young boxers to step into the ring and showcase their skills. Both of them are undefeated in their professional careers, adding to the excitement of the upcoming match. The fight is expected to draw a large betting crowd due to the high profile of both boxers.
When it comes to betting on boxing, it’s essential to do your research and understand the fighters’ styles, strengths, and weaknesses. Look at their past fights, their opponents, and their fighting styles to make an informed bet. It’s also important to set a budget and avoid chasing losses to ensure responsible gambling.
Baseball
Baseball is a popular sport for betting due to its long season and numerous games. With 162 games in a regular season, baseball offers plenty of opportunities for betting. Baseball betting is popular not only in the US but also globally, especially in countries like Japan, where baseball is a major sport.
Common baseball bets include run lines, totals bets, and moneyline bets. Run lines are similar to point spreads, with the favorite team required to win by a certain margin to cover the bet. Totals bets, on the other hand, involve betting on the total number of runs scored in a game. Moneyline bets are the simplest form of baseball betting, where you simply bet on the team you think will win the game.
When betting on baseball, it’s important to consider factors such as starting pitchers, weather conditions, and team form. Starting pitchers can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game, and their form and statistics should be taken into account when placing bets. Weather conditions can also affect the outcome of a game, with factors such as wind and humidity impacting how the ball travels. Finally, team form and momentum can be important when making betting decisions, with teams on winning streaks more likely to perform well in their next game.
Tennis
Tennis is another sport that is relatively easy to bet on due to its simplicity. With only two players competing against each other, there are fewer variables to consider when making a bet, which can make it easier to predict the outcome of a match. Additionally, tennis matches can be short, with some lasting only a few hours, which means that bettors can quickly find out if they have won or lost their bet.
Common tennis bets include moneyline bets, where you bet on the player you think will win the match, and over/under bets, where you bet on the number of games or sets that will be played in a match. Tennis also offers more exotic bets, such as prop bets, which allow you to bet on specific outcomes, such as the number of aces a player will hit during a match.
When betting on tennis, it is important to do your research and consider factors such as the players’ recent form, head-to-head records, and the surface they will be playing on. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that upsets can happen in tennis, so it is important to consider the odds and bet responsibly. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making successful bets on tennis matches.
To Sum it Up
Sports betting is a popular activity for many people, but some sports are easier to bet on than others. Football and basketball are among the most popular sports to bet on, while boxing and tennis are also easy to bet on due to their simplicity. Baseball is another sport that is popular among bettors due to its numerous betting options. As with any form of gambling, it is essential to bet responsibly and to set a budget for betting activities. Remember to never bet more than you can afford to lose.
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