MEATH CAN EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF SIX WITH WIN IN DERRY

Colm O’Rourke has named an unchanged starting XV for the most difficult test so far in his reign as Meath manager, tomorrow, (Saturday 18th) trip to Owenbeg to face Ulster champions Derry in a league division 2 clash.

A win will see the Royals experience the joy of six points after victories in their opening two clashes against Cork and Clare.

Derry though will present a different set of problems, they have their defensive system down to a tee as illustrated by the fact they have conceded just 18 points in their first two games although that sat has to be qualified by the fact they played Louth and Limerick in those matches.

Since O’Rourke took over the most obvious change in Meaths tactics is their new found propensity to kick long fast and direct ball into the forwards who are duly expected to  deliver the scores, and as they are currently the divisions leading scorers, and have rattled in seven goals in two games the front six have responded.

Conversely Meath have conceded 35 points the second worst total in the division and clearly they cannot rely on always winning a shootout especially against a defence as miserly as Derrys.

Confidence is high and as success tends to breed success Meath can and probably will shade this one.

Meath: Harry Hogan (Longwood), Adam O’Neill (Wolfe Tones) , Michael Flood (St. Brigid’s) , Harry O’Higgins (Drumbaragh Emmets) , Jack O’Connor (Curraha) , Donal Keogan (Capt) (Rathkenny) , Cathal Hickey (Seneschalstown), Ronan Jones (St. Peter’s Dunboyne), Daithí McGowan (Ratoath), Cillian O’Sullivan (Moynalvey), Jason Scully (Oldcastle), Darragh Campion (Skryne), Jordan Morris (Kingscourt Stars), Donal Lenihan (St. Peter’s Dunboyne), Shane Walsh (Na Fianna)

Subs: Sean Brennan (Dunderry), James O’Hare (Rathkenny), Daniel O’Neill (Wolfe Tones), Shane Crosby (Duleek-Bellewstown), Robin Clarke (Duleek-Belllewstown), Brían Conlon (Simonstown Gaels), Shane McEntee (St. Peter’s Dunboyne), Eoin Harkin (Dunsany), Diarmuid Moriarty (Curraha), Thomas O’Reilly (Wolfe Tones), Aaron Lynch (Trim)

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