Wicklow hold off late Meath rally

WICKLOW, just held off a late rally by All-Ireland U21 special hurling champions Meath to win their Leinster championship tie at Arklow on Saturday (1-9 to 0-11).

Ahead by 0-6 to 0-4 at the break, Wicklow had a tonic start to the second half despite playing against the wind, and a goal and two points from their star corner-forward Andy O’Brien provided the platform for this victory. In all, O’Brien capped a fine display by scoring 1-5 of the winners’ total.

Wicklow were ahead by 1-9 to 0-4 entering the final quarter which saw a spirited fight-back from Meath, led by substitute Peter Durnin who scored three fine points from frees.

Meath pushed this game down to the wire with a further brace of points from wing-forward Kevin Fagan, and at the whistle, Wicklow were left clinging to a one-point lead.