Kiltale expected to burn Kilmessan's ambitions

SHC SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW

In a two horse race the underdog always has a chance and Kilmessan will certainly be hoping that will be the case when they face Kiltale in next Sunday's SHC semi-final at Pairc Tailteann.

That chance is certainly a slim one and even the most optimistic Kilmessan supporter won't be risking €5 backing their team against a Kiltale side that are getting better and better as the campaign has trundled on.

When Kiltale were beaten by 10 points by Ratoath in round one they looked a pale shadow of the side that once dominated Meath hurling, winning five in a row between 2014 and '18.

It's hard to know just how much importance Kiltale placed on that opening round game. They were always likely to come out of the group and their next 'big' game wasn't until the final group match against Kildalkey which many felt was always going to decide second and third in the group.

When it mattered most Kiltale have been immense. They sealed second place in the group, and the 'easier' of the quarter-finals with a resounding 14-point win over Kildalkey. Their other three group games saw them defeat Longwood by 36 points, Clann na nGael by 18 points and Blackhall Gaels by 12 points.

Those games allowed manager John Donoghue fine tune his almost pitch-perfect band and he was able to get valuable game time into returning players like Ross Ryan, youngsters aiming to make a break through and rest older players at key times to keep them fresh.

In many ways it was the perfect campaign for Kiltale and they are hitting all the right notes at just the right time.

It's hard to know has their defence or their attack been their most impressive unit! They haven't been hit for huge points tallies, which suggests a well disciplined, organised, determined defensive unit.

They might be concerned that they conceded a goal in every game apart from their first one against Ratoath and in their last one in the quarter-final win over Blackhall Gaels - that fact might give Kilmessan hope as they scored eight goals in their first four group games before drawing a black, but hitting 24 points, against Trim.

Despite the concession of goals against Longwood, Clann na nGael and Blackhall Gaels Kiltale can still take plenty of confidence in the defensive solidity of players like Philip Garvey, Iarla Hughes, Padraig Kelly and Conor Ryan.

In James Kelly they have one of the most creative and important players on the team as his vision and leadership helps create so many opportunities for the likes of Ross Ryan, Jack Regan, Mark O'Sullivan and Peter Durnin.

Regan and Durnin have been particularly phenomenal this term. Consistent goal threats, both are the perfect team players and their magnificent individual ability makes them almost impossible to contain.

Kilmessan too have their dangers, particularly when on the front foot.

The Horan cousins Luke, Mark and Darragh are three of the finest young players in the county and if they hit top form it will go a long way towards contributing to a surprise win.

Throw in Seanie Doyle and Kris Gorman into the attacking mix and the threat of Lorcan Byrne from deeper and Kiltale will undoubtedly face their toughest test since their round one encounter with Ratoath.

For all their attacking promise it is in defence where Kilmessan will be challenged. They will need 'games of their lives' from Peter Farrell, Harry Cahill, Lorcan O'Connor and Kyle Donnelly if they are to stifle the threat of Kiltale's rampaging attack.

Shane Brennan is also returning to the fold and his inclusion will certainly help Kilmessan tighten up at the back.

It's a bit of a dilemma for Kilmessan. Do they throw all their eggs into a strong attacking display and try to catch Kiltale on the hop or play it safe by being tight at the back and limiting the threat of Regan, Ryan, O'Sullivan and Durnin?

Either way it is hard to see Kilmessan being capable of putting out the many fires Kiltale are capable of lighting.

Verdict - Kiltale.