Aiming high. Kiltale’s Gavin McVann looks to secure possession during the first round of the SHC a few weeks ago while Kildalkey’s Pádraig Geoghegan (9) and Brendan McKeon watch developments. Can Kiltale continue their winning ways? Photo: GERRY SHANAHAN-WWW.QUIRKE.

Teams face up to their fates as season hots up

Now past the mid-point stage in the SHC group games and the pace is starting to really hot up as clubs seek to either copperfasten a place in the knock-out stages - or secure a vital win that would haul them away from the vortex of a relegation play-off.

There have been plenty of talking points from the games so far such as the mixed form of champions Kildalkey who are managing to hold onto their crown - just about- while Kiltale are producing the kind of form in Group A that suggests they already have to be regarded as strong contenders for the big prize.

Group B has, not surprisingly, turned out to be highly competitive environment too with Killyon setting the pace - but they can't afford to ease off as teams such as Clann na nGael and Blackhall Gaels chase them down.

Hurling fans in the county continue to turn out for games in sizeable numbers and there should be a few more spectators added to the gates as the championship hots up and teams step forward to face their fates head on.

PREDICTIONS

Ratoath v Trim: The game of the round and a repeat of the 2020 final, which was played in 2021 because of Covid. That contest was won by Trim, of course, with Alan Douglas popping over a dramatic winner. Trim were ambushed by Na Fianna in round one and were somewhat fortunate to eke out a draw.

They have since pushed on with first-rate victories against Kildalkey (3-23 to 3-14) and St Peter's (1-24 to 0-6). With quality young players such as James Murry and David Murtagh in their ranks and with experience provided by the likes of Douglas, the Reds look good to win this game.

Ratoath have shown mixed form so far defeating St Peter's (1-17 to 0-11) but drawing with Na Fianna (0-17 to 1-14) and losing to Kiltale 0-18 to 1-19). They need to win here but it's a big mountain. Too big. Verdict - Trim.

St Peter's v Kildalkey: Because of earlier defeats to Kiltale and Trim in the opening two rounds Kildalkey simply had to defeat Na Fianna last time out and they did just that, impressively too, 1-18 to 0-10. Nicky Potterton has emerged as the team's chief freetaker and how consistent he has proved to be.

He scored 11 points from frees in the win over Na Fianna but Kildalkey need to garner a higher percentage of scores from play too, something they have struggled to do.

St Peter's find themselves in a slough of despondency, unable to buy a win. Their results so far suggest a vulnerability in defence and an inability at the other end to convert chances. It doesn't look good for them in this contest either. Verdict - Kildalkey.

Kiltale v Na Fianna: If Kildalkey have an emerging freetaker of note, Kiltale have a well-established one in Jack Regan. In every game he racks up a hefty quota of points with scores from all sorts of distances. It's one of Kiltale's foremost strength.

Regan, and colleagues such as the rejuvenated Peter Durnin, have also shown they are capable of scoring points from play from well out given a quarter of a chance. That trait is a major asset too. Na Fianna will be guaranteed to give the proverbial 110 per cent. They have some fine players in their ranks such as Rory Fagan and Barry Slevin. The team, in general, will need to have everything going their way to knock Kiltale off course. Verdict - Kiltale.

Blackhall Gaels v Killyon: Blackhall looked slick, efficient and focused in defeating Boardsmill last time out. They are well-prepared and highly motivated too.

In this contest they face a Killyon side who top the group with two wins and one draw against Longwood last time out. It looked at one or two stages in that contest like they might win in canter but they were caught. Killyon need to close out games once they are in front. Be clinical. With players like Adam Gannon and Mikey Mullen in their ranks Killyon are a real attacking threat.

As a collective they just need to be more ruthless. They should have enough to claim another win here. Verdict - Killyon.

Clann na nGael v Boardsmill: Boardsmill made a rip-roaring start to their campaign with a 4-14 to 0-9 win over Longwood but since then the wheels have loosened. That was clear in the 1-7 to 1-17 defeat to Blackhall Gaels last time out.

They need to get back on track and quickly. They face a Clann na nGael team who are well capable to putting opponents to the sword as shown in their defeat of Blackhall Gaels and Longwood in the opening two rounds. They faltered against Kilmessan (0-14 to 2-15) but they can make amends here. Verdict - Clann na nGael.

Kilmessan v Longwood: That win by Kilmessan over the Gaels suggests a team finally starting to find momentum; they just have to find more consistency.

Longwood have yet to win and they could, should, have put Killyon away. They didn't, wasting good chances.

They did, however play with a spirit, a fire that gives them hope after a terrible start. They could edge this one. Verdict - Longwood.