Kildalkey show intent with impressive start

While they were far from perfect Kildalkey still made an impressive start to their SHC Group A campaign with a 2-19 to 0-14 victory over Kilmessan at Pairc Tailteann this evening. 

Rarely did Johnny Greville's side look threatened as they built on a 0-11 to 0-4 lead to wrap up a deserved victory with the help of second-half goals from Derek Doran and Nicky Potterton. 

Six Kildalkey players got on the scoresheet with Paddy Conneely showing the way with eight points, seven frees while Evan Fitzgerald, Potterton, Doran, Martin Healy and David Harmon were others to fire over the bar. 

Conneely's free-taking was excellent with some of his points hit from distance. 

Kilmessan relied heavy on the free-taking ability of Darren Reilly who hit seven points, five frees. Joey Keena were also prominent on the scoring front for them with three second-half scores and when he had to leave the fray with a hamstring problem they lost much of their attacking threat. 

Kilmessan rarely looked liked getting the goal they so badly needed to sustain their challenge with the contest decided long before the final whistle. 

SEE ANALYSIS AND REACTION IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE