Crucial contests in race to stay in contention

HURLING PREVIEWS Teams that lost in round one are under pressure to pick up a win

TOM GANNON

It's not exactly do or die time for sides with championship ambitions, but for those teams who lost in the opening round they know that another defeat in next weekend's second round of games will move them into the last chance saloon in terms of being in contention for outright honours.

SHC

Trim v Dunderry: Both these sides will be full of confidence after their respective opening-round victories. Trim made a real statement in their six-point defeat of the county champions Kildalkey. Inspired by James Murray’s sublime accuracy, Trim put down an early marker in the race for the Jubilee Cup. A crucial Daire O’Driscoll goal saw Dunderry over the line in their opener against St Peter’s. While that victory would have raised the tails of the men in black, they will face much stiffer opposition on Thursday. Verdict – Trim.

Na Fianna v Ratoath: Neither of these sides would have been overly pleased with the result of their clashes in round one. Na Fianna were soundly beaten by Killyon. Ratoath looked like they had Kiltale beaten but two late frees meant that last year's finalists had to settle for a share of the spoils. While Ratoath are renowned for their slow start to championships, they should have too much in reserve for this Na Fianna side. Verdict – Ratoath.

Kilmessan v Kildalkey: It was a tough start to the defence of their crown for Kildalkey as they fell to defeat against Trim. Kildalkey can have no complaints about the result. Regardless though Kildalkey supporters will want a response and will be hoping their side can bounce back against Kilmessan, but it won't be easy. Kilmessan did well to hold off a tough Clann na nGael side in their opening fixture and will be full of confidence. The once powerhouse of Meath hurling have had a tough couple of years but they showed that they have a lot of potential and beat Kildalkey in the Brendan Davis Cup final last month, but expect a much different Kildalkey this time. Verdict – Kildalkey.

Kiltale v Blackhall Gaels: Kiltale managed to scrape a draw from their opening clash against Ratoath. They will improve and gain confidence from that draw and you wouldn’t put it past them to be there or thereabouts at the end of the championship. Blackhall Gaels were very poor when they were soundly beaten by Longwood in round one. This one should be straightforward for John Donoghue’s men. Verdict – Kiltale.

Longwood v Killyon: Longwood very quickly dispatched their opening round opponents Blackhall Gaels in round one. Killyon had a big win themselves as they beat Na Fianna by seven points. Na Fianna were a little bit below par, but it was an impressive showing all the same from Killyon. Verdict – Killyon.

St Peter's v Clann na nGael: Clann na nGael should learn a lot from their opening round defeat to Kilmessan. St Peters were stunned by Dunderry and are one of those sides that cannot afford another slip up. Both sides will be hoping to get off the mark, but the Dunboyne side might just have enough determination to get over the line. Verdict – St Peter’s.

IHC

Drumree v St Peter's: Hard to know what to make of St Peter's as they conceded to Gaeil Colmcille’s in round one. Drumree on the other hand got off to a flying start with a victory over Wolfe Tones. The Billy Byrne Cup winners also had a very solid league campaign in Div 2. They were among some senior companies in that league and didn’t disgrace themselves. They should have enough in hand here. Verdict - Drumree.

Kilskyre/Moylagh v Rathmolyon: Very interesting clash. Only two points separated these two sides in Div 3 this year. Kilskyre/Moylagh managed to get over the line in the end and claim the title. They both performed well in round one but it was Rathmolyon that got points on the board with their comprehensive win over St Patrick’s. Kilskyre/Moylagh will need to bounce back after a narrow defeat at the hands of champions Kildalkey. Verdict – Kilskyre/Moylagh.

St Patrick's v Trim: These two are looking to bounce back after opening-round defeats. Trim looked to be a little bit out of sorts as they were soundly beaten by Boardsmill. St Patrick's were up against a very strong Rathmolyon team. If they put in a strong performance, the newly promoted St Patrick’s might get closer than they did last time out, but expect another tough day at the office. Verdict – Trim.

Boardsmill v Kildalkey: Both sides got their campaign off to a winning start. Kildalkey as the current holders obviously have ambitions to retain the championship this year and they showed their intent with a good win over Kilskyre/Moylagh. Boardsmill made light work of Trim in round one, but this will be a tougher test. Verdict - Kildalkey.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Wolfe Tones: Last year’s semi-finalists Donaghmore Ashbourne fell once again to their 2023 conquerors Navan O’Mahonys in round one. They did put up a good battle though and were still in the contest with a few minutes left on the clock. Wolfe Tones performed well against a strong Drumree side. This could be tight but Donaghmore/Ashbourne have enough talent to get off the mark here. Verdict – Donaghmore/Ashbourne.

Gaeil Colmcille v Navan O'Mahonys: Receiving a walkover in round one would have done Gaeil Colmcille no favours heading into this one. You would expect last year's finalists Navan O’Mahonys to be sharper after their opening-round victory against Donaghmore Ashbourne. Verdict – Navan O’Mahonys.

JHC

Ratoath v Kildalkey: Ratoath get their campaign underway with a clash against champions Kildalkey. Ratoath performed admirably in Div 4 and they might just have enough here to claim an early scalp. Verdict – Ratoath.

Kilskyre/Moylagh v Killyon: Killyon’s second string looked very strong in the league and will have intentions of going far in this championship. They should be able to emulate their senior side come through this opening round clash with Kilskyre/Moylagh. Verdict – Killyon.

Kiltale v Clann na nGael: Clann na nGael had a difficult league campaign finishing bottom with no wins. Kiltale should have enough to come out on top. Verdict – Kiltale.

Kilmessan v Drumree: These two sides are well matched and there won't be much between them at the end. Kilmessan might have enough firepowerto sneak it. Verdict – Kilmessan.

JUNIOR B HC

Navan O'Mahonys v Donaghmore/Ashbourne: Verdict - Navan O’Mahonys.

Rathmolyon v Na Fianna: Verdict – Rathmolyon.

St Patrick's v Drumree: Verdict – St Patrick's.

Kilmessan v Blackhall Gaels: Verdict – Blackhall Gaels.