By Niall Gartland

DOWN camogs face a tough test of their ambitions when they host an in-form Clare team this Saturday.

Domhnall Nugent’s side claimed their first Division 1B victory at the second time of asking last weekend, overcoming Westmeath with a really polished performance, but Clare are a different kettle of fish and sit top of the table having claimed victories over Westmeath and Wexford in their opening two rounds.

The Banner hammered Westmeath on their first day out but it was a different type of contest entirely against a more seasoned Wexford side, coming out on top by a single point.

It’s a big ask for Down to win this one but at the very least they will wish to be competitive, particularly in front of a home audience.

Elsewhere, at Division 2A level, Derry will have taken great confidence from their 1-13 to 0-13 win over Carlow last weekend, their first outing under new manager Eamonn Melaugh. Given they’ve had a considerable turnover in playing personnel in the off-season, they’ll be relieved to have put in a winning performance.

They’ve a tougher assignment this Saturday at home to Offaly, who also got their league campaign off to the best possible start with a 1-17 to 0-11 victory over Kerry.

Armagh camogs, meanwhile, lost out by 2-11 to 0-7 against Meath in the first game under PJ O’Mullan.

The Orchard County are operating in Division 2B this season and it was a real baptism of fire, so they shouldn’t be too disheartened by the defeat.

Next on the itinerary is Carlow at home on Saturday, and they’ll be hoping to get a positive result though they know they’ll get nothing easy in this division.