As round two of the SHC gets underway tonight FERGAL LYNCH believes Kildalkey face tough test to get defence back on track

This prediction lark is a dangerous game and if our pre-match analysis from round one of the hurling championships is anything to go by then the opposite of what we expect to happen might actually be the reality next weekend.

However, the name of this game is to call it as we see it and it is with trepidation and our reputation on the line that we aim to call the winners from the second round of hurling championship matches due to get underway on Friday evening.

SHC

Trim v Kildalkey: Both these sides are in the need for a win at Pairc Tailteann on Friday and while Kildalkey lost their opening round game to Kiltale it is actually Trim's need that is probably greater after they were held to a draw by Na Fianna. Trim were too strong when the sides met in the A HL Div 1 final a few weeks ago and that might give them the boost to pile more pressure on the champions. Verdict - Trim.

Ratoath v Na Fianna: The early predictions for Group A were that Na Fianna and Dunboyne were likely to be the ones to miss out on qualification for the knockout stages, but such was the quality of Na Fianna's performance against Trim that those thoughts might need to be revised. Na Fianna should have beaten Trim and they will hold no fears against Ratoath in Kiltale on Saturday. Ratoath had it easy against Dunboyne, and they had to settle for a draw when these two sides met last year. So expect another tight one with Na Fianna capable of upsetting the odds again. Verdict - Na Fianna.

Kiltale v St Peter's: Kiltale issued a major statement of their intent in round one with an impressive win over champions Kildalkey and they can expect nothing less than a repeat outcome against Dunboyne at Kilmessan on Friday evening. Dunboyne were well beaten by Ratoath in the opening round and it isn't going to get any easier for them.Verdict - Kiltale.

Boardsmill v Killyon: Killyon were well fancied to top Group B and that remains the case, but Boardsmill's performance when comfortably seeing off Longwood in round one means that the race to finish in the top two might not be as clear-cut as once predicted. While Boardsmill's win over Longwood was impressive, the challenge from the opponents was poor, so Vinny Guy will know his side can expect a much tougher challenge in Longwood on Friday evening. Killyon are sure to be too strong and they look odds-on to claim top spot in the group. Verdict - Killyon.

Clann na nGael v Longwood: Beware the wounded animal is the warning to Clann na nGael ahead of Saturday's clash with Longwood at Kildalkey. Longwood were terrible against Boardsmill, there's no point in sugar-coating it any other way, but the facts remain that they are blessed with many talented players and if they can get their act together they can get their campaign back on track against a Clann na nGael side that edged out Blackhall Gaels the last day. This will be a tight one, but expect a response from Longwood. Verdict - Longwood.

Kilmessan v Blackhall Gaels: Kilmessan's opening round loss to Killyon won't sound the alarm bells just yet, but if they were to slip up again against Blackhall Gaels in Dunshaughlin on Saturday then their bid for a place in the quarter-finals would be in serious jeopardy. On their day Blackhall Gaels can mix it with the best of them, but those days are few and far between recently and Kilmessan should be too strong. Verdict - Kilmessan.

IHC

Wolfe Tones v Dunderry: Contrasting fortunes for both sides in the opening round and expect Dunderry to maintain their winning start with another win in Paddy O'Brien Park on Friday. Verdict - Dunderry.

Kildalkey v Drumree: It might have been considered a shock to some that Kildalkey's second string beat O'Mahonys in round one, but they are a very strong side and Drumree, who edged out Wolfe Tones, could find the going tough in Trim on Saturday. Verdict - Kildalkey.

Rathmolyon v Navan O'Mahonys: There are four spots in the knockout stages up for grabs in Group A, but both these sides lost their opening round game and are in dire need of a win. Both losses were a surprise, but O'Mahonys might have enough to get their bid back on track in Trim on Saturday.

Trim v Ratoath: Ratoath were well beaten by a strong Kilskyre/Moylagh side in round one, whereas Trim were held by Donaghmore/Ashbourne. This will be a tight one to call in Drumree on Thursday, but it depends which club will hold more players in reserve for their seniors. Verdict - Trim.

Kilmessan v Donaghmore/Ashbourne: Another tough one to call. With their seniors in action on Saturday will Kilmessan have everyone available to them? If so then they should edge out Donaghmore/Ashbourne in Batterstown on Friday. Verdict - Kilmessan.

JHC (All on Sunday at 11am)

Kiltale v Drumree: Kiltale to maintain their winning ways against a Drumree side that were heavily beaten in round one. Verdict - Kiltale.

St Peter's v Navan O'Mahonys: St Peter's won easily first time out, while O'Mahonys will finally get their campaign up and running after their first round walkover. The game in the tank could make the difference. Verdict - St Peter's.

Na Fianna v Killyon: Even if Na Fianna manage to field they will be up against it in this one. A confident vote for Killyon. Verdict - Killyon.