DUHALLOW attempt to settle a score with reigning holders Glen Rovers on their clash in a highly appealing Co. U-21 Hurling Championship semifinal in Mallow on Saturday.

If the pair serve anything near the drama and excitement of two compelling contests between the sides in last season's decider, then patrons are in for a treat.

Recapping on those stirring encounters, Duhallow battled their way back from the brink to rescue a 2-15 to 1-18 draw in a dramatic drawn tussle under the Pairc Uí Rinn lights.

In doing so, Duhallow offered great resolve and character to pull off a great escape from the clutches of defeat. The clock indicated little more than two minutes of regulation time to play, Duhallow trailing by seven points as Shane Hehir drilled home a goal.

What appeared like a consolation strike, Duhallow were far from folding, that score allowed Duhallow continue their challenge with commendable gusto. And when a Denis Roche shot took a deflection to the net, the Glen's advantage was reduced to a single point.

Duhallow's confidence had rocketed as did the decibel levels of their supporters. And the late fireworks ended on Aidan Walsh tagging on an equalising point. A further spell of injury time prevailed as a shellshocked Glen pinned in their own territory survived, Duhallow agonised on forfeiting late opportunities to win.

The replay saw Glen Rovers snatch a 4-15 to 218 win after another riveting hour's hurling.

Just in a similar vein to the marvellous drawn tussle, the game throbbed and rippled through 60 fascinating minutes and the real pity was there had to be a loser. And while Glen Rovers just about deserved their triumph, Duhallow contributed magnificently to a truly memorable encounter.

All told the theory about underdogs having to complete the deal first time out rang true but not before Duhallow served up another surperb display. Much of the credit to the Glen's win was bestowed on Patrick Horgan whose brilliance shone. Eight days previously, the county senior player was inconspicuous yet on moving into the full forward berth for this replay, Horgan produced a virtuoso performance highlighted by a priceless tally of 3-8.

A courageous Duhallow gave as good as they got but lacked the penetration during those closing minutes to make possession count on a hesitant Glen rearguard.

Looking on the fortunes of both sides in the current campaign, the famous Glen began the campaign on retaining their city championship by overcoming St Finbars, Bishopstown and Na Piarsaigh before edging past Sarsfields in the county quarter. Their finishing power is confirmed on clocking up thirteen goals todate against stern opposition.

For their part, Duhallow have mixed the good with the indifferent and only a significant improvement from all departments will suffice if a place in the decider against Ballinhassig is to be granted. That said, two competitive games in the quarter final are sure to boost Duhallow's game no end.

Defensively, Duhallow lived dangerously against Inniscarra in the two games played and the concession of eight goals confirm a requirement that a disciplined order in the rearguard will be required to blunt out the Glen's attacking edge under the leadership of Horgan. Injuries have upset Duhallow's rhythm and a doubt relates to the availability of Lorcán McLoughlin.

There is no doubt that that Glen Rovers as defending champions are fancied to succeed. That said Duhallow are capable of rising to the occasion and they must do if they harbour intentions of halting Glen Rovers in their stride.