Bulletin: NHL, February 24

After two rounds of exciting action, the Allianz Hurling League heads for a break next weekend (except for one game in 2A), prior to resuming the following weekend.

The competition is certainly living up to expectations across all the various Divisions. Dublin have been the big story in Division 1, beating last year’s All-Ireland runners-up (Tipperary) and winners (Kilkenny) in the first two rounds to top 1A with four points.

Dublin have also established an impressive scoring difference (+17 points) after scoring a total of 2-45. Cork, Kilkenny, Galway and Tipperary are all on two points, leaving Clare as the only side in the group without a point. It’s all shaping up nicely for their remaining three rounds, which will be played over successive weekends.

Wexford top 1B on full points, followed by Waterford and Limerick on three points. The trio were always fancied to be the main contenders for promotion and it’s working to plan so far, although Offaly are also in contention on two points. Antrim and Laois are still waiting for their first points.

Carlow (4), Kerry (3), Derry (3) lead the way in 2A, while Kildare are the only side on full points in 2B. Monaghan and Tyrone are the 3A leaders on three points from a possible four.

Of the 15 games last weekend, there were eight home and seven away wins. It leaves the total from the first two rounds as follows: Home wins: 15; Away wins 12; Draws 3.

There’s one game on the programme for next Sunday when London face Derry in a 2A clash in Ruislip.

The next full round is as follows:

March 7:

1A: Dublin v Cork;

2B: Armagh v Kildare.

March 8:

1A: Clare v Tipperary, Galway v Kilkenny;

1B: Wexford v Limerick; Antrim v Laois; Offaly v Waterford;

2A: Derry v Carlow; Wicklow v London; Kerry v Westmeath;

2B: Donegal v Meath; Mayo v Down;

3A: Fermanagh v Tyrone; Fingal v Roscommon; Louth v Monaghan.