Bonnar admits lower NHL level worries

WEXFORD boss Colm Bonnar is concerned his charges will be playing at a lower level in the National Hurling League again this season.

The Slaneysiders operated in NHL Division Two last spring but failed to qualify for the top flight after losing their league decider against Offaly.

“I don’t think there’s a huge difference in the quality of the hurlers between the two divisions,” says Bonnar. “But you could see last year that there was a big difference in the intensity and pace they played the game at. When you’re tested week in, week out by your Tipperary’s and Kilkenny’s, it does definitely bring a player on. That’s no disrespect for Division Two. I’m sure other teams will be looking at us to test themselves against and maybe put one over on ourselves and Clare. They’ll be lifting their games against us and having a cut off us. But we’re on record as saying that we believe we’re a Division One team and we’ve to back that up now with performances.”