Meath 3-09, Wexford 2-04

Meath U-16s were at their very best this afternoon in Kilbride GAA to defeat Wexford in Round Five of the Leinster Championship. The opening half was a tight one with Meath just ahead by a goal at half time. The second half was an even tighter affair with Meath's finishing and determination proving enough to see them through.

Wexford's Siobhan Doolan was first on the scoreboard with a fine score but Meath's response was almost immediate - Seneschalstown's Kiah Geraghty burying the ball in the back of the net. Terrific teamwork in the back kept the Wexford attack at bay while allowing Meath's midfield pairing of Niamh Cassidy and Aoibhín Cleary, fresh from her exploits with the County Minors yesterday, to push forward. Meath had goal number two on the scoreboard with Ailbhe Leahy finding that extra inch of space and more importantly, the back of the net. Leahy added a point a minute later before Wexford grabbed a goal of their own - a penalty which evaded Judy Bobbett's outstretched hand. The full back line of Emma McCarney, Laura Quinn and Emily O'Connor stood firm in the face of some tough Wexford attack play, while the half backs Laoise McDermott, Lizzie Collins and Niamh Hand worked well as a unit in marshalling the Meath defence. Meath had a penalty of their own with twenty mins gone with a footblock. The penalty was duly converted by Lauren Collier. Abbie Timmons got her opening score of the game, Meath's last of the half with 24 mins gone but it was Wexford who went in the stronger at the break hitting 1-01 without reply before referee, Paul Flanagan blew the half time whistle.

Half-Time; Meath 3-02, Wexford 2-02.

The second half was an even tighter affair with neither side wishing to give up. Lauren Collier added to her goal from the first half with a point early in the second. Minutes later, Donaghmore Ashbourne's Becky Deery pointed after taking the ball from out wide on the wing. The teams traded scores on 39 and 43 mins respectively, Niamh Donnelly with Meath's point and Emily Coakley pointing for the team from the sunny south east. Collier added her second point of the contest on 45 mins after good work from Aoibhín Cleary and Kiah Geraghty. Abbie Timmons pointed twice on 49 and 54 mins to stretch Meath's lead while Aoibhín Cleary added Meath's ninth and final point on 56 minutes. Wexford had time to add one final point however Meath had done enough and there was relief when Paul Flanagan blew his full time whistle.

Full Time: Meath 3-09, Wexford 2-04.

While Meath will be happy with their performance this afternoon, they know they will need to work even harder over the next few weeks. With a bye in round six of the championship, there is time for rest and review of the last number of frantic weeks before the final group game, an away trip to Laois on May 2nd. Meath were placed under pressure today and survived with a little to spare. Great credit today to Judy Bobbett who pulled off some wonderful saves to keep Meath in the game while the defence was almost impenetrable at times. Meath manager, Phil Fay will no doubt be happy with the progression his team is making and will look forward to a trip south to Laois in two weeks' time.

Meath Team & Scorers: Judy Bobbett, Emma McCarney, Laura Quinn, Emily O'Connor, Laoise McDermott, Lizzie Collins, Niamh Hand, Niamh Cassidy, Aoibhín Cleary (0-01), Tara Fay, Kiah Geraghty (1-00), Abbie Timmons (0-03), Niamh Donnelly (0-01), Lauren Collier (1-02, pen), Ailbhe Leahy (1-01)
Subs: Becky Deery (0-01) for Collins, Martha Reidy for Collier, Niamh Williams for O'Connor, Tess O'Neill for McDermott.
Subs not used; Laurie McLean, Orlaith Moyles, Hannah Tuite, Mikaela Rao, Ellen Cassidy, Emma Cassidy.

Wexford: Sadbh McCarthy, Megan Scallan, Cathy O'Brien, Annastasia Breen, Gillian Barry, Sarah Harding-Kenny,            Niamh Dunne, Emma Cousins, Dearbhla Doyle, Siobhán Doolan, Aoife Cloake-Rochford, Kate Hendrick, Becky Hamilton, Aideen Byrne, Rachel Bennett.

Referee: Paul Flanagan (Dublin)

Tweet

Most Read Stories