PREVIEW: Laois Camogie welcome Meath to Portlaoise in All-Ireland Intermediate Championship

Fresh from their opening-round victory over Carlow, the Laois camogie team return to action on Saturday when they welcome Meath to Laois Hire O'Moore Park in the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship.

Throw-in is at 12.15pm in Portlaoise as Laois look to strengthen their position in Group 2 and move a step closer to securing a place in the knockout stages.

Having already picked up three points against Carlow, victory over Meath would leave Laois in a strong position to finish inside the top two and progress from the group. TEAM NEWS BELOW.

LAOIS: Aedin Lowry (Camross); Laura Finlay (St Brigid’s), Ellen Conroy (O’Moore’s), Aoife Carroll (St Brigid’s); Rachael Deegan (The Harps), Clodagh Tynan (St Brigid’s), Sarah Creagh (St Brigid’s); Jade Bergin (The Harps), Aoife Finlay (St Brigid’s); Lucy Conroy (O’Moore’s), Grainne Delaney (Camross), Kaylee O’Keeffe (St Lazarian’s); Susie Delaney (Boherlahan Dualla), Aimee Collier (Camross), Kirtsen Keenan (Camross).

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The visitors arrive in Portlaoise with little room for error after losing their opening fixture to Westmeath. Another defeat would leave Meath facing an uphill battle to keep their championship hopes alive.

The sides are no strangers to one another. They met earlier this year in Division 2 of the National Camogie League, with Meath recording an impressive 2-16 to 1-8 victory in Round 3. The Royals would go on to reach the league final before eventually losing out to Kerry.

However, much has changed since then.

Laois have enjoyed an excellent campaign and arrive into Saturday's contest as reigning Leinster Intermediate champions following their victory over Westmeath in the provincial final at TEG Cusack Park.

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Confidence is high within the squad and Pat Collier and Rob Jones’ side have shown significant improvement as the season has progressed. Aimee Collier has been in outstanding form in front of goal and remains one of Laois' biggest attacking threats, while Clodagh Tynan continues to dominate games from centre-back with a string of influential displays.

Although Meath possesses quality and will draw confidence from their league victory over Laois, recent form suggests the hosts will be optimistic about their chances. The Royals have lost three of their last four matches, while Laois continue to build momentum following their Leinster success and winning start to the All-Ireland series.

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With a place in the top two of Group 2 firmly in their sights, Laois will be determined to make home advantage count and take another significant step towards their ultimate goal of All-Ireland success.

Throw-in at Laois Hire O'Moore Park is at 12.15pm on Saturday, June 6.