Kildalkey get the nod for replay victory

Second chances are rare experiences, but next Sunday at Pairc Tailteann Kilmessan and Kildalkey will both get another bite at the Jubilee Cup cherry when they face each other once more in the SHC final replay, 2.15. After last Sunday"s draw both managers walked away with a huge sigh of relief as either team could have won or lost it. It was that close throughout and had there been a loser then it would have been cruel, so a draw was the fair result. But now the question remains, who learned more from last week"s experience? Kilmessan will feel that they left their best hurling behind them. Nicky Horan missed a couple of close range frees that he would normally tap over with his eyes closed and several others failed to perform to a reasonable standard. However, Kildalkey are also capable of producing a far better performance than the one they displayed last week. Their attacking threat was minimal with only Noel Kirby asking any serious questions and it was their solid defence that kept them in it. Both sides can look forward to the final with reasonable optimism, but Kildalkey may be the ones who might now have the edge. Any nerves Kildalkey felt before last week"s encounter will be halved ahead of next Sunday"s game. The first day out experience is sure to stand to many of the young Kildalkey players and they shouldn"t be caught in the headlights of a SHC final. Kilmessan will wonder what they have to do to win their 27th SHC crown. They were in an excellent position at half-time in the drawn encounter when leading by a point after playing against the wind, but they struggled to contain Kildalkey after the resumption and failed to press home that advantage. Just a single point from play from their forwards is an indication of where Kilmessan fell down. They will look for a vast improvement from Kevin and Joey Keena, Peter Reynolds and a greater contribution from Horan. If all that falls into place then Kilmessan will be difficult to beat. Kildalkey are getting closer to Kilmessan. When they met in the group stages Kildalkey lost by four points. Last week"s draw shows signs of improvement, but Kildalkey were still not near their best and if they can hit top form they will have a great chance. If manager Pat O"Halloran can get Dan Fagan fit for 20 minutes then he might have a major say in the destination of the Jubilee Cup. However, Kildalkey will need a much better input for Padraig Geoghegan, Tony Fox, Maurice Fox and the injury-plagued Sean Heavey if they are to trouble Kilmessan. Another close contest is on the cards. Mental attitude is crucial and if Kildalkey can appear with fewer nerves than last time out then they have the ammunition to deny Kilmessan in another exciting game.