Wolfe Tones 1-13
Skryne 1-6

Wolfe Tones proved too strong for Skryne in this Meath Farm Machinery Group B fixture at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday night.

Cian Ward took scoring honours with 1-6 for the 'Tones with all of his scores coming from placed balls.

Wolfe Tones have now bounced back from defeat to Dunboyne in the opening round with wins over Trim and now Skryne.

It was a first defeat for Liam Harnan's men, who drew with Simonstown first time out before easily seeing off St Patrick's in their second outing.

Ward's opening score from a close range free in the second minute set last year's SFC runners-up on their way. He had a hand in the score finished by wing-back Gordon Beggy shortly after.

Centre-half forward Niall McLoughlin was an influential figure for the 'Tones in the early stages, pointing three times from play and proving a handful for the Skryne rearguard.

The opening 12 minutes were closely contested with fine efforts from Ian Davis and Paddy O'Rourke keeping Skryne in contention.

Niall McLoughlin's second score made it 0-4 to 0-2 and Cathal O'Bric charges kicked-on to outscore Skryne by 1-6 to 0-1 over the remainder of the half.

A magnificent effort from play from Darren McGrath from the right and an excellent Ward point free close to the left touchline were highlights of the second quarter.

A pointed Ian Davis free was Skryne's sole response to the Wolfe Tones' surge and by half -time it was 1-10 to 0-3.

The resumption was marked by the arrival of drizzle that persisted for a second-half that produced just seven scores.

Within three minutes of the restart Wolfe Tones' full-back Ciaran McLoughlin was dismissed on receipt of two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent.

Numerical advantage was of little use to Skryne, though Paddy O'Rourke sent over another fine effort from play.

Skryne - who lined out without the injured Trevor Giles (finger) - outscored Wolfe Tones by 1-3 to 0-3 after the change of ends.

Paddy O'Rourke third point was added to by a fine effort from Mark Battersby while Ward added to the 'Tones account with points from a free and a '45'.

Having been fouled by substitute Paddy Caffrey, Ian Davis expertly dispatched the resultant penalty past Seanie Power.

However, the 'Tones had the last say with full-forward Stephen Sheppard sending over after being put through by Beggy.

Wolfe Tones - S. Power; R. Brady, C. McLoughlin, A. McKeown; B. McGinn, E. Harrington, G. Beggy (0-1); S. Corrigan, M. McNally; D. McGrath (0-1), N. McLoughlin (0-3), M. Coleman; A. Fox, S. Sheppard (0-1), C. Ward (1-6, 1-0 pen, 5fs, 1 45) . Sub - A. Callaghan (0-1) for McNally (26), P. Caffrey for McGrath (ht), McGrath for Coleman (53).

Skryne - F. O'Rourke; A. Curry, C. Lenehan, M. Jordan; D. Morley, D. McGoldrick, J. Looby; D. Ryan, A. Tuite; J. Hegarty, I. Davis (1-2, 1-0 pen, 1f), B. Davis; A. Carty, P. O'Rourke (0-3), M. Battersby (0-1).

Referee - J. Curley (Moynalty). Tweet

Most Read Stories