2 changes for Kildare as they seek place in Christy Ring Cup semi-finals against Mayo today

The Kildare hurlers are in Ballina this afternoon for a crucial Christy Ring Cup clash with Mayo as they look to build on a good win over Roscommon last weekend.

A win today against the westerners will virtually guarantee Kildare a place in the Christy Ring Cup semi-final, regardless of what happens in their meeting with Wicklow on June 2. Having hammered Roscommon 4-26 to 1-9 last Saturday, the Lilywhites should be riding high on confidence before the 3pm throw-in at Ballina Stephenites pitch.

There are two changes to the Kildare team from the one which beat Roscommon last weekend, with the injured duo of Mark Grace and Mick Purcell unavailable, meaning the Dylan Brereton and Martin Fitzgerald coming in to the side.

Mayo lost to Wicklow on a scoreline of 1-20 to 2-11 in their opening game last weekend, and if they fail to win against Joe Quaid's side they will be out of the running for the last four before they play Roscommon net weekend.

Wicklow travel to Roscommon in the other game in Group 1 of the Christy Ring Cup today.

Kildare XV to play Mayo