Meath face struggle to survive in the fast lane

Meath selector Anthony Kirby feels that Meath will need "to be at their maxiumum" if they can hope to sneak a win against Kildare in Saturday's Christy Ring Cup encounter at Pairc Tailteann. Time was when Meath could go into a clash with the Lilywhites confident in the knowledge that they would win. Events of the recent past suggests the balance has changed. Reel back to the last time the counties met in February this year at Newbridge when the Lilywhites won a Kehoe Cup tie by 2-20 to 1-17. Last year the Lilywhites defeated Meath in the NHL Div 3A final. Further back there was the Christy Ring Cup semi-final in 2007 at Tullamore when the Lilywhites withstood a late surge from the Royal County to clinch a place in the decider. Kirby points out that while Kildare ended up falling through the NHL Div 2 relegation trapdoor this spring they will still be a very formidable force going into Sunday's game. "Kildare, I know they were relegated, but they are a strong physical team and Meath will have to hurl to their maximum if they are to beat them." he said. Meath go into Saturday's encounter on the back of a topsy-turvy NHL Div 3A campaign that hit a low with a 20-point defeat by Kerry (3-10 to 3-30) in a forgettable encounter in Tralee. Victory was achieved for TJ Reilly's team in the next outing against Mayo (2-18 to 1-12), but even that display contained aspects that concerned the management. "The Kerry game was a low point, the second-half performance against Mayo was a real eye opener, we played well in the opening half and we seemed to take it for granted that the wind was going to do it for us in the second-half and it really didn't happen," added Kirby. Against Armagh, Meath had to relie on a last-gasp point from Stephen Clynch to salvage a draw. Frailities were exposed in the final outing against Derry with two late goals carring the Ulster side to victory (2-16 to 1-17). "Against Derry we put in a very good second half performance against the wind that day, but the damage was done in the first-half, you just have to play for the 70 minutes at this level," he said. As they showed in games against the likes of Derry and Armagh and even Kerry, Meath are capable of building up big scores. They have let themselves down by conceding easy scores at the other end. Ironing out defensive problems will be essential against the Lilywhites. Despite last year's achievement in winning the Nicky Rackard Cup, seldom has a Meath hurling team prepared for a summer campaign with so little expectation of making a significant impact. This could motivate the team to turn the tables on a Kildare side that have improved considerably under the management of former Kilkenny stalwart Martin Comerford. They spent the spring playing against the likes of Clare and Wexford. The Meath players returned to training last week after the opening round of the Meath SHC and a number of players came back carrying knocks. Among those on the injured list include Martin Horan (ankle injury) and Brian Coughlan (groin strain). On the credit side, Nicky Horan should be available for selection after a lengthy spell out with injury while Barry Slevin has returned to the inter-county frame. Kildalkey's Enda Keogh has also rejoined the panel although others such as Mairtin Doran remain out of the frame. Both Keogh and Doran gave impressive displays for Kildalkey in their win over Navan O'Mahonys. Mike Cole is also expected to return from Chad next weekend with the Irish army and could be available later in the summer. The immediate concern is Saturday's game. Once again Meath will look to Stephen Clynch for inspiration. Neil Hackett may also rediscover his best form. Meath will need to be on full alert and on form if they are to overcome a team who have proved superior in recent years, particulary in the bigger games. Despite home advantage, Meath may not be able to halt the slide of recent times, but even if they lose, they will be in action the following weekend also as they will have an opportunity to get back into the competition through a back door. FIXTURES Saturday, 8th May (3.30): Meath v Kildare at Pairc Tailteann; Wicklow v Mayo at Arklow; Down v Kerry at Newry; Westmeath v Derry at Mullingar; extra-time will apply. Saturday, 15th May: four winners will contest two quarter-finals; four losers will contest two play-offs for quarter-final places. Saturday, 22nd May: two losers of the winners group will play two winners of the losers group in two quarter-finals. Saturday, 5th June - semi-finals and relegation play-offs. Saturday, 3rd July - final.