Great belief among minor hurlers greville

Westmeath minor hurling manager, Johnny Greville was understandably delighted with his side’s impressive Leinster championship win against Wicklow in Rathdrum last Saturday afternoon.

After the 30-point victory, Greville stated at the outset: “We were building up all year to that game. It was crucial that we won, as it is the first time we got over the first round in four years. It was a huge step forward for hurling in Westmeath because a lot has gone into this group of players.

“We went down to Limerick and Kilkenny early in the season and played well. They were both very complimentary towards us. We were very unlucky below in Wexford Park in the Leinster League. We probably should have won that game.

“They are a solid committed bunch of players. You never have to look out the gate for them. They are always there and they do the extra bit of work on free-taking and all that sort of stuff.”

Despite being virtually home and hosed when leading by 2-13 to 0-1 at half-time, Westmeath never slackened off on the change of ends, and the Raharney man was pleased with this: “We did a lot of analysis during the week, and when we were against the wind we played good ball to our inside line in the second half. We got those couple of goals that killed the game off.

“They were very clinical in the second half. We are learning in every game. Against Down, we also scored 2-13 in the first half, but only got two points in the second half.”

Greville was asked what his target in 2015 is for what is clearly a talented squad. He responded thus: “I’m a big believer that you set your targets to the highest level. My target, and the group’s target, is the Leinster final.

“If you don’t set your bar high, you’ll never reach it. I believe we can achieve it if we get a run at it and get a bit of luck.

“The lads are off to their clubs next weekend and we won’t be able to prepare that weekend but, at the end of the day, the clubs are the heart and soul of the county.

“Without the clubs on board you are not going to have that group of players together. We have great belief in that dressing room. There’s great competition for places. If you have the jersey you have to work hard to make sure you keep it.”

However, it’s very much a case of 'a game at a time’ and, while the bainisteoir conceded that Wicklow were no real test for his side, he looked ahead cautiously, stating: “Carlow will be a different game and we’ll have to up our performance on Saturday week.”