Meath 0-05, Cavan 2-11

A goal in either half paved the way for victory for Cavan ladies at the Royals' expense in a wet and cold Ballinlough on Sunday afternoon. Meath will surely be disappointed but they can be proud of their determination, skill and relentless attack which will serve them well as the League progresses.

It was the visiting side that got the scoreboard up and running with a point from Lacken's Roisin O'Keeffe in the second minute. Aisling Doonan doubled Cavan's advantage on four minutes, with Meath's defence slowly getting to terms with the Cavan attack. Aishling Sheridan grabbed Cavan's third point on 9 minutes but the Meath defence were coping well with Hannah Heskin, Paula Dunne and Síofra Cleary to the fore. Meath got their first score of the game on 10 minutes when Seneschalstown's Stacey Grimes split the posts after clever inter-play with Vikki Wall. This was wiped out on the resumption with Aisling Traynor pointing on the resumption.

Meath struggled to clear their lines and Cavan seized the initiative, O'Keeffe firing to the back of the net. Great work by Emma Troy and Bláthnaid Keogh broke down a Cavan attack before parrying away to safety. Niamh Gallogly grabbed Meath's second score on 18 mins with Kate Byrne getting Meath's third score on 20 mins - a score that demonstrated the persistence and determination that is plentiful in this Meath squad, with Keogh, Gallogly, Shauna Ennis and Byrne all involved in its creation and execution. As both sides struggled with the weather, Cavan ended the half the happier - O'Keeffe converting a brace of frees on 28 and 29 mins respectively, giving the Breffni side a six point cushion at half time.

Half Time: Meath 0-03, Cavan 1-06.

Cavan's Aisling Doonan got the scoring underway in the second half but Meath continued to push hard and Shauna Ennis was unlucky to see her effort saved by Cavan keeper Elaine Walsh. With both defences on top, scores were at a premium early in the second half. Stacey Grimes covered every blade of the Ballinlough pitch as Meath pushed on. Vikki Wall opened her scoring account on 37 mins while Cavan were unlucky to see several efforts drift wide. Donna English pointed a terrific score on 44 mins before the teams traded scores on 49 and 50 mins respectively, Wall getting Meath's fifth and final score of the afternoon. As Meath continued to press, English grabbed her second point of the contest and on 59 mins, Traynor grabbed Cavan's second goal of the game to leave the result in little doubt. It finished in a wet Ballinlough with Meath the wrong side of a 2-11 to 0-05 scoreline.

Full Time: Meath 0-05, Cavan 2-11.

It was a tough afternoon for Meath supporters but Meath can be proud of their performance. Difficult conditions underfoot made life difficult for both teams. This was a tough and determined performance from the Royals and new Meath manager, Eoin Hennessy, is sure to have learned lots about his squad that he will take into next weekend's Third Round encounter. After two home games, Meath will take to the road and will travel to Laois next Sunday. With Laois beaten by Donegal on Sunday afternoon, both sides will want to take all three points from next weekend's meeting.

Before the game, Masita's Michelle Smith was on hand to officially present the Senior team and Meath Ladies Chairperson Fearghal Harney with their new sponsored jerseys. Meath Ladies would like to thank Masita for their kind sponsorship and we look forward to building our partnership over the next number of years.

Meath Team: Louise Dunne, Aideen Guy, Orla Byrne, Hannah Heskin, Bláthnaid Keogh, Paula Dunne, Síofra Cleary, Kate Byrne (C, 0-01), Emma Troy, Ailbhe McHugh, Shauna Ennis, Niamh Gallogly (0-01), Stacey Grimes (0-01), Vikki Wall (0-02), Sarah O'Reilly.
Subs: Aoibheann Leahy for O'Reilly (27 mins), Hannah McKeown for O. Byrne (HT), Máire O'Shaughnessy for Troy (38 mins), Shelly Melia for Gallogly (56 mins).

Referee: Gavin Corrigan (Down)

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