Meath 6-06, Dublin 3-07

Meath U16s got their Leinster Championship off to a terrific start on Saturday afternoon as they defeated reigning champs Dublin in a goal frenzy in Dunganny. Nine goals were scored in all and Meath raised the green flag on no fewer than six occasions to seal victory for the home side.

The first half was a tight affair with Dublin's Caoimhe O'Connor getting the first goal in the opening minute. Meath went ahead with Leah Reilly hitting the back of the net on 6 mins and Abbie Timmons pointing a minute later. Ciara Murray grabbed Dublin's second goal on 10 mins but Seneschalstown's Sorcha Gough pointed on 12 mins to leave the home side trailing by just a point. Simonstown's Lauryn Grier grabbed her first goal of the game to push the Royals ahead by two on 13 mins, Murray reducing the lead to one on 15 mins. The game was hanging in the balance with both sides defending strongly and it wasn't until the 20th minute that Timmons broke the deadlock and pointed with aplomb. The teams traded scores on the 23rd and 24th mins with Sorcha Gough on target for the home side. Murray fired Dublin's third goal on 25 mins with points with Dublin firing three points before half time to go into a four point lead, however, Leah Reilly ensured the Royals would only go into the half time break one point in arrears as she grabbed Meath's third goal of the game on the stroke of half time.

Half Time: Meath 3-04, Dublin 3-05

Meath outscored their neighbours by 3-02 to 0-02 in the second half to ensure their victory. Ciara Holland got the scoring underway as she pointed in the 36th minute but this was cancelled out to leave just the minimum between the sides on 40 mins when Lauryn Grier split the posts.  Gough grabbed Meath's fourth goal of the game on 46 mins and as Dublin tried to stage a comeback, it was the Royals that kept the scoreboard ticking over. Meath Captain and goalkeeper Judy Bobbett came to Meath's rescue time and again to preserve Meath's lead and limit Dublin's scoring in the second half. The fabulous Leah Reilly grabbed her third goal of the game on 52 mins before Murray pointed her last score for Dublin, it was the Royals that finished the stronger, Grier hitting the back of the net on 55 mins and Reilly pointing Meath's final score on 56 mins.

Full Time: Meath 6-06, Dublin 3-07

Scenes of joy were evident at the full time whistle as Meath celebrated overcoming their neighbours. They had last met in the 2015 Leinster Final and it was the team from the Capital that had taken home the title. Victory for the Royals on Saturday afternoon will go a long way in inspiring confidence in this Royal team for the 2016 season. That being said, Meath U16 boss Peter Byrne will know one battle doesn't win a war and there will be tougher days ahead with a strong Kildare outfit waiting in the wings in Round 2 on the 12th. For now though, Meath U16s will enjoy their win and look forward with confidence to the rest of the Championship.

Meath Ladies would like to especially thank Vistatec for their very kind sponsorship to ensure our u16s are well prepared for the new season. Special thanks to Mr. Pat Kelly of Vistatec for visiting the team's training session last Friday to present the gear to the team.

Meath Team & Scorers: Judy Bobbett (C), Niamh O'Sullivan, Orlagh Lally, Kate McCarthy, Sarah Wall, Katie Newe, Lauryn Grier (2-01), Deirdre Murray, Laoise McDermott, Orla McLoughlin, Mollie Byrne, Rachel Troy, Sorcha Gough (1-02), Leah Reilly (3-01), Abbie Timmons (0-02).
Subs: Leah Devine for Troy, Sophia Payne for McLoughlin, Caitlin Hamilton for McCarthy, Aedin Slattery for Byrne.

Dublin: Aine Ryan, Laura Dempsey, Lisa Davies, Sinead O'Donoghue, Erin Healy, Sarah Fagan, Eimear Loughlin, Gráinne O'Driscoll, Sinead Wylde, Niamh Hetherton, Rachel Brennan (C), Maria O'Dea, Caoimhe O'Connor, Ciara Murray, Ciara Holland.

Ref: Niall McCormack (Laois)

Tweet

Most Read Stories