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The prize for the winners on Slaneyside is a date with Kilkenny in the provincial semi-final, a clash both should relish as they strive to leave their mark on this summer's campaign.

During the spring, much negativity enveloped Wexford hurling after a few bad defeats in the Allianz League.

There was even talk of the county possibly dropping out of the top tier in the not too distant future and ending up in the Christy Ring Cup. However, after the clocks went forward, the Yellowbellies found a greater belief and a victory over Cork and a draw with Tipperary saw them preserve their Division 1 status.

They will be keen to build on the momentum and a home tie against Antrim is a match they probably feel is winnable, but the Saffrons, after seeing off Dublin in their own back yard last summer, should not be underestimated.

Model boss Colm Bonnar is well aware of the challenge posed by the northerners and told RTÉ.ie: 'It's a big challenge for us. It's our first game in the Championship in 2011 and Antrim have been out already with a win against Laois.

'They are well used to travelling down to Leinster and into the lion's den, so they will be prepared and I think it will be a tight game.

'They put together a great score of 1-21 and they had another goal disallowed in the first half and played the whole second half with 14 men.

'That was their first sort of start off win in Leinster so they'll have no fear against us. We know the task ahead and we're really focused on it.'

Antrim, under the tutelage of Dinny Cahill, showed commendable spirit to wear down the Laois challenge a fortnight ago. They did so without a number of regulars, but for Sunday's game they welcome back Cormac Donnelly, Eddie McCloskey and Shane McNaughton.

However, Liam Watson, Johnny Campbell and PJ O'Connell are still out injured, while defender Neil McAuley will be absent after receiving a straight red card against Laois.

Having already played a competitive match should benefit Antrim, but you get the sense that will be driven by the desire to erase some pitiful displays that characterised their recent championship campaigns.