Meath 4-09, Wicklow 1-04

A superior second half showing against a strong Wicklow side paved the way for victory in rain-sodden Millbrook on Saturday afternoon. Down by a point at half time, the Royals came out fighting in the second half and put 3-07 on the scoreboard while closing down the Wicklow attack to take home all three points in the opening round of the Leinster Championship.

The first half was dampened by a severe shower in the opening ten minutes of the game but it was the Royals who got on the scoreboard first, a pointed free from Megan Thynne in the opening minute. With both sides struggling to adjust to the wet conditions, Wicklow levelled matters on ten minutes before Meath went ahead once more with a Marion Farrelly free half way through the half. Meath's half back line were kept busy with Eimear McEntee, Katie Bellew, Karley Leavy and Emma White all impressing early on. Roisín Commons was key in the full back position but even she couldn't keep out Niamh O'Brien's 15th minute effort which flew into the corner of Laurie McLean's net. This seemed to jolt the Royals into action and it wasn't long before Minor Captain Marion Farrelly led by example and fired the Royal's first goal on 18 mins. Wicklow levelled matters on 22 mins from a free and went into the break a point ahead, with a point on 27 mins.

Half Time: Meath 1-02, Wicklow 1-03.

Aoibhín Cleary keeps possession for Meath

Fired up by a passionate team talk at half time, Farrelly wasted no time in restoring parity, pointing on 31 mins. Meath were unlucky at times with possession easily turned over and Wicklow keeper, Chloe Dwyer, was kept busy early in the half. Meath should have been further ahead, Vikki Wall firing a forceful shot which rebounded off the post and was carried away to safety. Wall levelled matters at 1-04 a piece on 41 mins, with Aoibhín Cleary, Hannah Mulvaney and Karley Leavy pushing the Royals on. Ailbhe Leahy pushed the Royals into the lead with a fine point on 48 mins, with Emma White coming to the rescue in defence, Meath pushed on. Vikki Wall put daylight between the sides with a point on 52 mins and this seemed to open the floodgates, Farrelly added 1-01 in two minutes before Ailbhe Leahy got Meath's third goal on 58 mins. Deep into injury time, Megan Thynne added the Royals' fourth goal before Vikki Wall got the final score, a fine point from distance. It ended in Oldcastle, with a terrific comeback for the Royals, winning on a 4-09 to 1-04 scoreline.

For the day that was in it, Meath will be glad to take home all three points. They will know they will need to improve before their second round game, an away fixture against Westmeath on 20th February. However, Meath had five players making their Minor Championship debuts, and Minor Manager Eamon Murray will be happy with their efforts. So early in the season, this Meath team will only improve.

Thanks to Oldcastle GFC for allowing us use of their facilities and to all in Oldcastle Ladies for their hospitality after the game.

Meath Team & Scorers: Laurie McLean, Emma White, Roisín Commons, Megan Lyons, Eimear McEntee, Katie Bellew, Karley Leavy, Aoibhín Cleary, Niamh Cassidy, Hannah Mulvaney, Vikki Wall (0-03), Niamh Rispin, Megan Thynne (1-01, 1f), Marion Farrelly (C, 2-04, 1f), Ailbhe Leahy (1-01).
Subs: Gabriele Krivinskaite for Cassidy, Eimear Hetherton for Leavy.

Wicklow: Chloe Dwyer, Aoife Grace, Shauna Byrne, Rioghan McGettigan, Kate Hennessy, Alanna Conroy, Aoife Gorman, Shona O'Connor, Amy Ryan, Ella Doran, Lisa Lawlor, Eleanor Dunne, Annie Conroy, Niamh O'Brien, Marie Kealy.

Ref: C. Groome (Offaly)

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