Williams to lead Westmeath attack against O'Moore men

New Westmeath senior hurling manager Seoirse Bulfin has announced the team that will take on Laois in the first round of the National Hurling League (Division 1B) on Saturday at TEG Cusack Park.

David Williams of Lough Lene Gaels will lead the attack from centre forward on the Westmeath side that includes plenty of experience. Williams’ club mate and highly respected hurler, Tommy Doyle lines out at full back and the vastly experienced Niall Mitchell returns to fill the key full forward slot.

Aaon Craig of St Oliver Plunkett’s mans the number six position, while at midfield Éamonn Cunneen of Raharney and Castletown Geoghegan’s Peter Clarke team up. Darragh Clinton starts at corner forward, but leading scorer Killian Doyle is a notable absentee.

Doyle is not named among the list of substitutes, which include Jack Kearney of Fr Dalton's, Cian McCarthy of Southern Gaels and Raharney's Rory Keyes.

Westmeath will be keen to make a winning start against a Laois side that will be no easy opposition. Throw-in time is 2pm at Westmeath Headquarters.

Westmeath starting XV: Jack Gillen; Conor Gaffney, Tommy Doyle, Gary Greville; Johnny Bermingham, Aaron Craig, Eoin Keyes; Éamonn Cunneen, Peter Clarke; Robbie Greville, David Williams, Owen McCabe; Darragh Clinton, Niall Mitchell, Shane Williams.