Meath bounce back to see off Exiles

A more physical and skilful Meath swept aside the challenge of London in Ruislip on Saturday.

Smarting from last week’s first round defeat to Kildare, the Royals scored 1-1 early and remained on the front-foot throughout.

The Meath rearguard gave a display of dominance as the Exiles were forced to rely on the accuracy of Pat Sloane over placed balls to stay in touch. But goals by Meath’s David Raleigh and Nicky Horan gave the visitors just rewards.

“Coming here today was knock-out stuff for us after losing our opener to Kildare,” said Meath manager Cillian Farrell. “I’m delighted with the performance.”

Scorers for Meath: N Horan 1-3 (2fs), D Raleigh 1-0, P Durnin 0-2, J Kelly, S Heavy, S Clynch (f) 0-1 each.

Scorers for London: P Sloane 0-5 (fs), E Cooney, K Walsh 0-1 each.

LONDON: A Ryan; T Hogan, E Walsh, M Walsh; C Quinn, G Hill, P Horkan; E Cooney, N Forde; S Ryan, M O’Meara, Ger Fennelly; P Sloane, E Brennan, E Gleeson.

Subs: T Dunne for Cooney (28), D Maher for O’Meara (ht), K Walsh for Gleeson (41),H Vaughan for Fennelly (44), L Hand for S Ryan (60).

MEATH: S McGann; W Mahedy, E Fitzgerald, C Reilly; S Heavy, P Fagan, E Keogh; S Clynch, S Donoghue; E Marsh, N Kirby, K Keoghan; D Raleigh, N Horan, P Durnin.

Subs: M Cole for C Fitzsimons (48), J Kelly for D Raleigh (53), K Keoghan for Durnin (77).

Referee: D Magee.