North Meath stay top
After suffering a minor blip a couple of weeks ago North Meath returned to winning ways in Leinster League Div 3 as they cruised to a 45-8 victory over visitors Clane on Sunday.
Charles Brogan ensured North Meath extended their lead at the top of the table with a stunning hat-trick of tries, but it was by no means a one man show for the Kells-based club as their powerful pack ensured the hard yards led to points.
The heavy rain that fell before kick-off ensured plenty of unforced errors with knock-on and fumble count heading close to double figures in the difficult conditions.
Despite the tough weather North Meath opened the scoring with Martin Giles emerging with the ball from the pile of bodies that crashed over the tryline.
An audacious second try, following a couple of reverse passes, set up Brogan for his opening touchdown in the corner, but as the weather cleared up North Meath improved and ran clear with Chris McCartan, Martin Giles, Kevin Dowds, Niall Flynn and debutant Shane Moore all carrying well.
North Meath added five tries after the break, all converted by Joe Carry.
Conor Grey added some composure at scrum-half after the break and he had a hand in some impressive scores, including a chip through for winger Andrew Monaghan.
Powerful running from Chris McCartan and Brogan added three more tries late on to put a gloss on the result and secure a winning bonus point.
North Meath - Charles Brogan, Cailum Kiernan, Eanna Finn, Conor Grey, Andrew Monaghan, Joe Carry, Cairan Dowds, Cormac Donegan, Cormac Galligan, Chris McCartan, Martin Giles, Dennis Cannon, Niall Flynn, Carlos Buckley, Kevin Dowds. Subs - Shane Moore, Gary McKay, Sean Moriaty.
ACTION FROM NORTH MEATH V CLANE
Thanks to pascal reilly for the photographs
NEXT UP
Sunday 2nd December - RCSI v North Meath
DIVISION 3 TABLE
P W D L BP D Pts
North Meath 7 6 0 1 7 0 31
Roscrea 7 4 1 2 8 0 26
Ardee 6 5 0 1 5 0 25
RCSI 7 4 1 2 4 0 22
Swords 6 3 0 3 4 0 16
Dublin Ds 6 1 0 5 2 0 6
Athboy 6 1 0 5 0 0 4
Clane 7 1 0 6 2 -4 2