Hurlers centre stage after break

PROVIDING another prolonged deluge of rain doesn"t descend from grey skies, the quest for the SHC title will resume next weekend with a series of games down for decision. The last round took place in the dim and distant past of early June and since then, many of the top hurlers in the county have had to sit around somehow keeping themselves fit and motivated for what is effectively the second-half of the championship. Kildalkey were one of the teams who certainly didn"t want the break to arrive as they were in flying form having collected full points from their opening three games. Kilmessan have a similar record and they both top Group A and looking good to secure a place in the knock-out stages. This time around, Kildalkey face a tricky encounter against Killyon who need to win this game if they are to harbour any further ambitions of making it to the next phase. Kilmessan also face formidable foes in Rathmolyon who have won two and lost one of their fixtures to-date. Kiltale looked fully fired up to defend their title this time around and they lead Group B with Dunboyne and O"Mahonys close behind. My predictions for the fourth round are: Na Fianna v Drumree: The winner of this game is almost certain to avoid a relegation scrap so the prize is considerable. Both teams can draw on the confidence derived from having won a game already with Drumree"s 4-9 to 2-4 victory over Boardsmill in the last round lifting some of the gloom surrounding their campaign. Na Fianna"s lone win so far came in the opening round when they shocked Navan O"Mahonys and that victory suggests they have the firepower required to win this encounter, particularly if Barry Slevin is on form. Verdict - Na Fianna. Kiltale v Navan O"Mahonys: After making such a poor start to the SHC with that defeat to Na Fianna, Navan O"Mahonys have moved up to a new level since, notching up victories against Boardsmill and Dunboyne and playing some scintillating hurling along the way. They will have to move up to yet another level if they are to overcome the reigning champions. If Kiltale have their full complement of players available to them, including Peter Durnin, they should manage to get past O"Mahonys but there won"t be much in it and Paddy Kelly"s young guns will need to be at their best. Verdict - Kiltale. Dunboyne v Boardsmill: Boardsmill have for some time looked like they will have to engage in a relegation dogfight if they are to retain their senior status. They certainly don"t look like they will take anything from this game as Dunboyne will surely be too powerful for them. Stung by their defeat to O"Mahonys in the last round, Enda McManus and his troops will want to get back to winning ways ASAP. Verdict -Dunboyne. Rathmolyon v Kilmessan: This is the equivalent of two heavyweight wrestlers taking on each other and the losers in this tie will make a loud thud as they hit the canvas. Kilmessan will be anxious to recapture the form they displayed before the break and it is difficult to see them not ending up with two points at the end of this contest. With Mike Cole in the vanguard, Rathmolyon will, as ever, be doughty opponents. Kilmessan however, will prevail. Verdict - Kilmessan. Kildalkey v Killyon: After rousing wins against Rathmolyon and Clann na nGael, the men from Kildalkey were less spectacular in their win over Trim yet still did enough to prevail by displaying plenty of character and conviction. When they needed to they dug out a victory. The big question now is how much the lengthy break has disrupted their rhythm? Killyon need to win this to stay in the hunt and will provide a stern challenge for their opponents. Games between these sides are always full-on affairs. Kildalkey have a little more steel to their play this year and should shade the issue. Verdict - Kildalkey. Clann na nGael v Trim: Predictably, the move up to the senior grade has proved difficult for Clann na nGael who are still seeking their first win. They did put up a spirited display against Kilmessan in the last round losing by only four points, 1-11 to 0-18. Trim also showed indications in their narrow defeat to Kildalkey that they can make opponents suffer and if their forwards are on form they should win this encounter. Verdict - Trim.