All square in Kiltale shootout

This late evening SHC shootout between two of the finest sharpshooters in Meath hurling ended all square as Ratoath and Na Fianna played out a thrilling 0-19 each draw at Kiltale today.

Ultimately it was na Fianna's Barry Slevin who had the last word as his 10th point of the contest secured the draw after Podge O'Hanrahan had put Ratoath ahead a minute earlier with his 13th points of the game.

The two free-takers were outstanding throughout, but Slevin was left to rue a missed penalty in the 57th minute which would have put his side two points clear and in the driving seat.

Na Fianna had looked the better of the two sides in the opening quarter as they led by 0-8 to 0-3 at the first water break.

Ratoath did rally, but still trailed by 0-9 to 0-12 at the interval.

When the second-half got underway Ratoath burst from the traps with Gavin McGowan pointing inside four seconds and Bryan McMahon and O'Hanrahan drawing them level within 90 seconds.

Twice in the closing stages Ratoath went two points clear, but they were fortunate not to concede a goal as Conor McGill cleared Cian Slattery's effort off the line and down the other end Eoin Reilly produced a stunning save to deny Bryan McMahon.

It was real tit-for-tat stuff as the sides traded scores late on and while most sides were left to rue missed opportunities a draw was the fairest result.

SCORERS

Na Fianna - Barry Slevin 0-10 eight frees; Rory Fagan 0-4 three frees; Sean Martin 0-2; Sean Coffey 0-2; Oisin Bright 0-1.

Ratoath - Padraic O'Hanrahan 0-13 nine frees, one '65', one sideline; Cian Rogers 0-3; Jack Lanigan 0-1; Gavin McGowan 0-1; Bryan McMahon 0-1.

Pick up Tuesday's Meath Chronicle for full match details and photographs from the game.