Keegan Cup Crystal Ball

TRIM v SIMONSTOWN GAELS It is doubtful that either Trim or Simonstown will play a more important game this year as victory for either in this contest will almost certainly ensure they avoid a relegation battle. Both sides were atrocious in the opening round defeats by Blackhall and Summerhill, but both improved significantly to earn draws in the second round. Simonstown's late recovery against Wolfe Tones was probably the more impressive and that will fill them with confidence ahead of this third round tie. However, Trim will be boosted by their draw with Oldcastle and with a championship victory over the Navan men last year they will be eager to repeat the dose. Verdict - Trim. SUMMERHILL v OLDCASTLE It is difficult to see anything other than a comfortable Summerhill victory in this one, but if the south Meath men reproduce the dip in their form that almost saw them falter against Wolfe Tones in round two then they could be in for a shock. Oldcastle were fortunate to scrape a draw against Trim, so the formbook suggests an easy win for Summerhill. If Declan McCabe's men can get off to a good start then they could run riot. Oldcastle rely heavily on Paddy Gilsenan, but if they can get greater contributions from others then they will cause Summerhill problems. However, not enough problems to cause a shock. Verdict - Summerhill. WOLFE TONES v BLACKHALL GAELS Blackhall Gaels have already signalled themselves as the surprise packets and if they continue to produce their recent run of good form then a win over Wolfe Tones is not beyond the realms of possibility. The Batterstown/Kilcloon side were unlucky to lose out to Summerhill after playing well to get themselves into a good position. Their constant movement and incisive play of Alan Nestor will cause Wolfe Tones problems. Wolfe Tones are unbeaten and will be eager to stretch that advantage. However, they failed to hold on against Simonstown and looked lethargic, a similar display against Blackhall will spell certain defeat. Verdict - Blackhall Gaels. DONAGHMORE/ASHBOURNE V DUNSHAUGHLIN Donaghmore/Ashbourne already find themselves in the unenviable position of facing must-win games if they are to realise their ambitions of claiming the Keegan Cup. Prior to the start of the championship Andy McEntee's men were many people's outside tip for glory, but after successive losses to Rathkenny and Navan O'Mahonys they now find themselves in danger of becoming also-rans. A win over Dunshuaghlin would have been targeted before the championship, but Dunshaughlin have started the campaign well and following wins over Seneschalstown and Nobber they will be fancied to make it three-in-a-row. Verdict - Dunshaughlin. RATHKENNY V NAVAN O'MAHONYS This is a massive game for both sides. A win for Navan O'Mahonys will virtually guarantee their place in the knock-out stages, while defeat for Rathkenny will leave them in a difficult position to advance. A victory for Rathkenny will drag them back into the race following their defeat by Seneschalstown in the previous round. However, last year's championship stunners are unlikely to find the going easy against the Keegan Cup favourites. Navan O'Mahonys are motoring well and their progress is ominous. If they can score a win here then it will be difficult to see them being stopped in the race for glory. Verdict - Navan O'Mahonys. NOBBER V SENESCHALSTOWN It has already become a battle for survival for Nobber and if they ship another expected defeat against Seneschalstown then it will be next to impossible for them to avoid being sucked into the relegation play-off with games against Donaghmore/Ashbourne and Rathkenny remaining. Following their opening round loss to Dunshaughlin, Seneschalstown got back on track with the win over Rathkenny, but they cannot afford many more slip ups. A defeat here would spell major trouble, but such a scenario is unlikely given the superb depth of talent available to manager Damien Sheridan. Nobber will put up a brave battle, but Seneschalstown should be too clever. Verdict - Seneschalstown. SKRYNE V DULEEK/BELLEWSTOWN Following their disappointing display against St Patrick's, Skryne find themselves in a must-win situation already. Another defeat will probably end the champions defence of their crown and with that outcome staring them in the face they are sure to find a fresh hunger. The absence of Trevor Giles from the St Patrick's game was a huge blow to the Tara men and if the rumours of his retirement are true then Skryne could be in trouble. Duleek/Bellewstown had a bye in round two and had time to reflect on their loss to Dunboyne. They were unlucky to lose out by a point, but Skryne will be an equally tough test and one the champions will be expected to pass. Verdict - Skryne. DUNBOYNE V ST PATRICK'S St Patrick's have a great opportunity to steal a march on their competitors. A win over Dunboyne will cement their place at the top of the table. After two rounds of action these two sides are the only ones with wins under their belts so somebody's record has to go in this one. St Patrick's were very impressive when disposing of the champions while Dunboyne showed plenty of endeavour when overcoming relegation-threatened Walterstown. Dunboyne will be marginal favourites, but St Patrick's relish the underdog tag and they are more than capable of shocking any side on any given day. Dunboyne will have to be wary. Verdict - St Patrick's. RESULTS FIRST ROUND Summerhill 3-14, Trim 0-6; Wolfe Tones 2-10, Oldcastle 1-11; Blackhall Gaels 3-18, Simonstown Gaels 1-4; Rathkenny 2-9, Donaghmore/Ashbourne 2-8; Navan O'Manonys 2-10, Nobber 1-7; Dunshaughlin 1-10, Seneschalstown 0-9; Dunboyne 1-9, Duleek / Bellewstown 1-8; St Patrick's 1-12, Walterstown 0-11. SECOND ROUND Summerhill 0-13, Blackhall Gaels 0-11; Simonstown Gaels 2-7, Wolfe Tones 1-10; Trim 1-11, Oldcastle 0-14; Navan O Mahonys 2-8, Donaghmore / Ashbourne 0-9; Seneschalstown 0-10, Rathkenny1-5; Dunshaughlin 1-12, Nobber 1-7; Dunboyne 1-10, Walterstown 1-8 ; St Patricks 2-8, Skryne 1-8.