Ward inspires Tones to victory over champions

Cian Ward produced a masterclass as Wolfe Tones stunned three-in-a-row chasing Ratoath and booked their place in the SFC final with a 0-13 to 1-8 victory in Pairc Tailteann today.

Ward scored five points from frees, but was also instrumental in so much of his side's excellent play.

Playing with the wind at their backs Wolfe Tones started well and raced 0-3 to 0-0 clear and after a quick restart after the eater break they stretched that advantage to 0-7 to 0-1.

Bryan McMahon did converted a free before the break to close the gap to five at the interval and within seven minutes of the restart Ratoath had the deficit down to 0-5 to 0-7 with Cian O'Brien, Bryan McMahon (free) and Daithi McGowan (free) on target.

Ratoath did manage to get their noses in front when Eamon Wallace converted a penalty in the 53rd minute to make it 1-7 to 0-9, but Wolfe Tones' response was impressive as they fired over four points in succession with Ward driving them to victory and a final place against Dunboyne on 7th November.

SCORERS

Wolfe Tones - Cian Ward 0-5 frees; Thomas O'Reilly 0-2; Niall O'Reilly 0-2; Oisin Martin 0-1; Cian O'Neill 0-1; Saran O Fionnagain 0-1; Caolan Ward 0-1.

Ratoath - Bryan McMahon 0-4 three frees, one mark; Eamon Wallace 1-0 penalty; Daithi McGowan 0-2 one free, one '45'; Cian O'Brien 0-1; Joey Wallace 0-1.

Read Fergal Lynch's full match report in Tuesday's Meath Chronicle