While the serious shots in anger have yet to be fired in this year’s hurling championship, Westmeath have created a bit of a stir after the senior side beat Antrim to make it two wins from two in the Leinster qualifier group.
It capped off a brilliant weekend for the Lake County after their minors secured a provincial semi-final berth when beating Wexford.
Senior boss Michael Ryan spoke about “everybody pulling together” in the aftermath of the 1-21 to 0-07 trimming of the Saffrons in Mullingar – a result that leaves Westmeath well on track to reach the Leinster quarter-final.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "We know there are good hurlers in this team. If we can get our work rate right and have real belief in our ability, then we can keep winning.
“Our work rate against Antrim around the field was fantastic. Our use of the ball was good – we always looked for the man in a good position and worked the ball really well into scoring positions."
"I’d also like to think that playing here in Cusack Park makes us difficult to beat" - Michael Ryan
The former Waterford boss also felt his side adapted better to the wet conditions that dogged the Cusack Park encounter.
“Conditions were difficult, but I was delighted with the way we adapted and we controlled the game right from the start,” he added.
“The injury to the Antrim player (Aarron Graffin) at the start did disrupt things a little, but I thought we responded well and got the scores on the board. A good start is a help, but I’d also like to think that playing here in Cusack Park makes us difficult to beat."
Ryan also referenced the competition for places in the squad and said that players will have to keep performing if they are to hold on to the jersey: “We have a few guys who are fighting for their places, two or three guys who are out injured and are looking to get back in.
“Whoever is in charge of the jersey and is playing well will keep the jersey. There’s an awful lot to play for, not just in matches, but in trying to get on the team as well."
