Elimination from the SHC remains a real threat hanging over Trim but they remain in the championship.

Cole's men just about stay on course to retain title

They are still there. Trim that is. Still in the running to retain the Jubilee Cup, hanging on by their fingertips.

They simply had to defeat Longwood at Boardsmill today to stay in the SHC and the did that, 1-22 to 2-15, but my how they had to battle mighty hard to carve out this win.

Longwood, who many feared would be trounced, were in contention right to the end and with a little more luck and composure could have snatched a famous victory for themselves.

The sides were level at the interval with Longwood on 1-9 and Trim on 0-12 but the team in red had a sharper cutting edge in the second-half.

Neil Cole's side pushed on to win thanks partly to the free-taking ability of James Murray. The youngster hit 10 points, nine frees over the hour.

Another young player, Mickey Cullen, also played a major rule in securing the win for Trim with 1-3 while the experience and skill of Alan Douglas was significant. He scored five fine points from play.

Longwood's chief marksman was Anthony Healy who bagged 1-11, including a number of superb scores from distance. Damien Healy also found the net for the 'Wood from a well-struck first-half penalty.

The game stayed in the balance right to the end - a testament to Longwood's battling qualities.

SCORERS

Trim - James Murray 0-10 nine frees; Mikey Cullen 1-3; Alan Douglas 0-5; Joey Cole 0-1; Mikey Cole 0-1; Brian Dowling 0-1; Arnie McGee 0-1.

Longwood - Anthony Healy 1-11 frees; Damien Healy 1-0; Karl Ennis 0-1; Ryan Moore 0-1; Bill Hogan 0-1; Aaron Ennis 0-1.

Trim - Charlie Ennis; Ger Dwan, Luke Moran, Gary Fleming; Conor Quigley, Dimmy Higgins, Ciaran O'Rourke; Ian Bermingham, Dylan Farrell; Joey Cole, James Murray, Alan Douglas; Mikey Cole, Mikey Cullen, Brian Dowling. Subs - Sean McGee for Higgins half-time; Ciaran Joyce for J Cole 49 mins, Arnie McGee for Brian Dowling 52m, Ben Holden for Farrell 56m.

Longwood - Mark Kennedy; Enda Dixon, Niall Mulvey, Joe Stenson; Ross Kerrigan, Mickey Burke, Aaron Ennis; Billy Hogan, Ryan Moore; Gavin Griffiths, Damien Healy, Sean Coloe; Karl Ennis, Anthony Healy, Jim Dorran. Subs - Johnny Furey for Dixon 34 mins, Bob Maguire for Dorran 46m, Davy Dixon for Griffiths 54m.

Referee - Killian Jones (Kilcock).

SEE MATCH REPORT IN NEXT ISSUE OF MEATH CHRONICLE