Buoyed up by a fine opening weekend success, Westmeath will be eager to claim another Allianz Hurling League Division 2A triumph away to Derry at Owenbeg on Sunday.
Derry shared the spoils with Kerry at Austin Stacks Park in Tralee last weekend which demonstrated how resourceful they can be. Despite trailing by five points at the break Derry rallied after half-time with Paddy Henry and substitute Johnny O’Dwyer influential. A late Henry free edged Derry in front, but Kerry’s Shane Nolan responded for the Kingdom as the match ended in a draw.
O’Dwyer’s display and the defiance Derry demonstrated means that Westmeath will need to be resilient from the first whistle in Owenbeg. London caused Westmeath some early bother, but Eoin Price’s accuracy from distance was crucial for Michael Ryan’s team.
The manner in which Robbie Greville contributed two vital goals was equally important for Westmeath, who know that the Derry encounter will be far more revealing.
