Royal ladies back on track

Hopes of Meath claiming a semi-final berth in this year's Ladies NFL Div 1 received a major boost when they defeated Laois at Crettyard in a highly entertaining contest on Sunday. Going into this game Meath were five points adrift of the O'Moore County in the league standings making a victory critical for the Royal County to maintain their ambitions of getting to the last four. Having suffered a bitterly disappointing defeat to Laois in last year's Leinster SFC final Meath were in revenge mode going into this encounter. They trailed 1-6 to 1-7 at the interval before picking up their game considerably in the second-half and ran out victors by four points. The home side started the game on a bright note and, despite some super defending by Meath, they broke through for a goal. Meath responded in a positive manner and they were duly rewarded during the opening half when Kellie Allen found the back of the net. The opening half was very close with both teams battling hard. Laois continued to stay in front and proved a threat in attack with the full-back line of Orla Byrne, Aedin Murray and Orla Sheridan particularly effective in keeping the Laois forwards at bay. Around midfield Fiona Mahon gave All-Star Tracy Lawlor a torrid afternoon, limiting her time on the ball. In the second-half the tempo of the game went up a few notches with the spectators treated to an end-to-end contest. Laois pointed twice early in the second-half however they got precious few opportunities after that as the Meath defence held firm. The introduction of Oldcastle's Bridgetta Lynch at half-time proved to be particularly beneficial for Meath as she popped up to find the back of the Laois net and put her side in front. Vital saves from goalkeeper Monica McGuirk, three times at point-blank range, helped to keep Meath in front. The Royal County girls worked even harder and were rewarded with a third goal this time scored by Vivienne McCormack, whose goal three weeks ago against Cork almost led to a shock defeat of the All-Ireland champions. Over the hour this was a strong performance by Meath especially in the way they bounced back from only drawing with Kildare the previous week. The fate of the team and their ambitions now rests on the last round of league. With Cork, Monaghan and Dublin already having places in the final four, Meath now face an away trip north to Donegal while Laois take on Dublin. If Meath and Dublin win the Royal County girls will make a reappearance in the final four of Div 1 for the first time since 2006. This would be an achievement considering Geraldine Doherty is still out injured. Excellent for the Royal County against the Laois were McGuirk, Byrne, Murray, Sheridan, Mahon, Shauna Bennett and McCormack. Next up for Meath is that trip to Donegal on Sunday 1st April. Meath - M McGuirk; O Byrne, A Murray, O Sheridan; F Mahon, E Rahill, A Guy; K Allen (1-0), H Dennedy; V McCormack (1-0), E Troy (0-1), S Bennett; K O'Brien (0-5), A Thompson (0-1), K Byrne. Subs - M Sheridan for Dennedy, B Lynch (1-0) for K Byrne.