North Meath go extra mile to play game...Players fly back from Scotland for fixture

Have boots will travel. That certainly proved to be the case for North Meath as they claimed a win against Mullingar in the Provincial Towns Seconds Cup on Saturday showing commitment way beyond the call of duty to fulfil the fixture.

It was not the match itself that was particularly noteworthy but the trouble North Meath took to ensure they played the game. The club's senior team, along with coaches and members, had booked a trip to Scotland to support the national team in the Six Nations on Sunday.

"Unfortunately the subsequent draw for the first round of the Provincial Towns Seconds Cup pitted North Meath against Mullingar on the day before the game," outlined North Meath PRO Nicholas Pratt.

"Despite numerous requests to reschedule, the tie would not be moved so the squad decided to fly back from Glasgow on the Saturday morning, play the game, and then fly back to Scotland in the evening. So it was understandable that the team were fully fired up for the game if not a little lethargic from the journey."

Not surprisingly it was Mullingar that started the better. North Meath were able to resist the early pressure before breaking through for a try scored by Eanna Finn. Graham Boland got in for a second try, breaking through two tackles to score and put North Meath 12-0 ahead at the break.

Early in the second-half a crossfield kick from Finn was collected by Ruben Mostert who dived over for a try, converted by Conor Grey. Mullingar hit back to score two tries in 10 minutes and set up a tense finsh. Grey scored from another penalty and North Meath held on to win. Boland, Ben Shine, Sam Bashford, Joe Carry were among those who stood out in a fine team display from North Meath with captain Finn commending his troops for their mighty efforts.

"There was just about time for a quick shower and change of clothes, and then it was back to the airport to catch a flight to Glasgow and cheer on the Irish team," recounted Pratt as North Meath continued on their travels.

North Meath - Joe Carry, Ruben Mostert, Cian Doogan, Éanna Finn, Jordan Herring, Conor Grey, Nathan Kiernan, Padraic McGurl, Killian Flanagan, Jack Yore, Ciaran Cullen, Graham Boland, Ben Shine, Cailum Kiernan, Senan McDermott. Subs - Sam Bashford, Theo Chamberlayne Daye, Eoghan Cosgrave.