There were a couple of big shocks in the opening weekend of the Galway SHC which saw two recent All-Ireland club champions, Clarinbridge and Portumna, both losing.

Beagh scored a surprise 0-21 to 1-15 victory over 2011 Tommy Moore Cup winners Clarinbridge on Saturday, while Sarsfields edged out Portumna 1-14 to 1-12 yesterday. Both teams must now try to resurrect their hopes in Round 2, which has been introduced this year to add spice to the championship.

In the tie of the round, county champions Gort held off the challenge of near-neighbours St. Thomas', who finished with 14 men, to prevail on a 1-14 to 0-15 scoreline. Last year's semi-finalists Craughwell pipped Mullagh 1-10 to 0-12, Tommie Larkins beat Carnmore 1-14 to 0-9, Loughrea overcame Atherny 0-16 to 1-11, while Turloughmore were decisive 0-17 to 1-8 winners over Liam Mellows.

In the other first round games, Kinvara defeated Ardrahan 0-16 to 0-13, Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry beat Padraig Pearses 0-16 to 0-11 and Kiltormer and Castlegar drew (1-11 to 0-14).

Through to the group stages of the championship are: Moycullen, Gort, Sarsfields, Craughwell, Tommie Larkins, Loughrea, Turloughmore, Kinvara, Beagh and Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry.

Group 2 will be made up of: Portumna, Mullagh, St. Thomas', Carnmore, Athenry, Liam Mellows, Ardrahan, Clarinbridge, Padraig Pearses and either Kiltormer/Castlegar. Tweet

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