The battle for the Hamilton Cup will commence this weekend with first rounds games in the senior and senior 'B' hurling championship down for decision.

Champions Newmarket will open their campaign against Kilmaley at Cusack Park on Sunday, a game which their manager Bob Enright is looking forward to.

"I would rather be carrying the weight of champions than seeking to win the title for the first time in over 30 years," he said in the Clare Champion.

"This is a position we haven't been in. We were very proud to win the title last year and we are anxious to defend the title. We are conscious that only a few teams have managed to retain the title in modern times. Not many teams managed to win back-to-back titles and much of this is due to the commitment required."

The other game in Group 1 sees Tubber and Tulla meet in Shannon. In Group 2, Cratloe and Inagh-Kilnamona meet in a repeat of last year's semi-final, while Crusheen take on St. Joseph's. In Group 3, Clonlara face Clooney-Quin, while Sixmilebrige and Clarecastle go head-to-head.

In the senior 'B' championship, O'Callaghan's Mills face Smith O'Brien's in Sixmilebridge, and Broadford square up to Ballyea. Tweet

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