Tough one for Meath hurlers on Sunday

Just two games played in their NHL Div 2A campaign so far but already Meath hurlers have been involved in as much drama that would normally fill a season of Sundays. 

Their opening game against Mayo ended with them conceding a last-gasp point in what, by all accounts, was a dramatic finale.
After looking like they were comfortably on their way to victory at one stage Nick Fitzgerald's side had to settle for a draw (0-17 apiece). 

The following week Fitzgerald and his charges were in the thick of the drama again, with the Meath manager greatly annoyed that Antrim were allowed the time to score a late point.

Seconds before that Jack Regan had scored an equalising goal for Meath with the player saying the referee Sean Ryan had told him it would be the last puck of the game. Antrim won (3-13 to 2-15). 

The outcome really upset Fitzgerald for a number of reasons not least because a point earned against the Ulster side would have have gone a long way to wiping out the disappointment of only drawing with Mayo the previous week. 

Now London visit Trim on Sunday and, because of that defeat to Antrim, the game takes on a whole new meaning as far as Meath are concerned.

Victory looks pretty much essential if Fitzgerald and his charges are to achieve one of the ambitions they had set themselves before a ball was struck in anger - namely the consolidation of their place in Div 2A. 

There is much for Meath to be optimistic about. The way in which Meath responded to the concession of a first-minute goal to Antrim was indeed encouraging.

A number of times Antrim threatened to pull away; each time Meath hauled them back including at the end when Regan struck.

Padraig O'Hanrahan has emerged as a consistent free-taker, as well as somebody who embodies the ethos of the team, with a willingness to graft and battle. 

By switching the talented Darragh Kelly to a more forward position against Mayo and Antrim, Meath added considerable sting to their attack - although it could also be claimed with justification that has left the Royals more vulnerable at the back.

The ease with which Antrim got in for three goals must be a concern to Fitzgerald and his selectors. Meath will need to fortify their battlements better if they are to hold out the Exiles. 

It's difficult to judge how strong London will be from one year to the next.

They have only played one game in the NHL Div 2A so far (a 0-15 to 2-17 defeat to Westmeath). Their next outing against Mayo at Ruislip was postponed.

They have players like David Nolan, Shane Lawless and Aaron Sheahan who registered scores against the Lake County.

They could inflict further damage against Fitzgerald's troops. 

This is a vital game for Meath made all the more so by that Antrim blow.

There is the undoubted reality that they would have targeted London as one of the games to earn precious points. More drama promised.    

RESULTS
First round - Meath 0-17, Mayo 0-17; Westmeath 2-17, London 0-15; Kerry 1-21, Antrim 2-16.
Second round - Antrim 3-13, Meath 2-15; Westmeath 4-13, Kerry 2-17.

NEXT UP
Sunday 17th February - Meath v London; Antrim v Westmeath; Kerry v Mayo.
Saturday 23rd February - London v Kerry.
Sunday 24th February - Westmeath v Meath; Mayo v Antrim.
Sunday 3rd March - Kerry v Meath; Antrim v London; Westmeath v Mayo; Antrim v London.
Saturday 9th March - London v Mayo (second round rescheduled)