All Ireland champions Portumna maintained their efficient recent form when outwitting an improving Beagh on Sunday at Loughrea in the Galway Senior Hurling Championship.
Ollie Canning returned from injury in a forward role, bagging a goal which supplemented majors from Joe Canning and Leo Smith as Portumna dealt comfortably with Beagh's enthusiasm.
In the other Group B clash Athenry finally plundered a win as David Donoghue's seven-point haul ensured they survived against Turloughmore by 1-12 to 0-11.
Aidan Poinard clipped an important opening period goal, and a struggling Turlough never fully recovered from that blow.
In Group A Craughwell, who had suffered in earlier encounters, gave a vastly improved display to defeat Gort.
Inevitably Niall Healy was a key contributor, striking 11 points for Craughwell, who need a string of fortunate results in the coming weeks if they are to avoid a relegation scrap.
Liam Mellows' adequate start to the year continued at Kenny Park on Saturday as the city outfit, prompted by Aonghus Callanan, beat Kiltormer, 2-15 to 1-12.
The other Group C clash was packed with goals as Clarinbridge eventually prevailed with a 3-13 to 3-7 success over Kinvara.
In Group D goals from Eoin Fitzgerald (2 ), Ronan O'Flynn, and Jason O'Gorman assisted Castlegar, who emerged 4-15 to 3-12 victors over Killimordaly, while Loughrea shaded a tight battle with Carnmore by 1-12 to 1-10. Johnny O'Loughlin was in prolific scoring form for Loughrea, hitting 1-7, and though Carnmore rallied late, enough damage had been inflicted.
