Meath hurlers progress in Leinster

Meath produced a gritty display today in the first round of the Leinster MHC against Wicklow as they recorded a 3-15 to 3-9 winning margin in this first round tie at Pairc Tailteann.

Meath trailed at half-time by a goal (1-5 to 2-5) after p[laying against thwe wind, but they received a boost when Wicklow were reduced to 14 following a straight red card early in the second-half.

Meath manager Stephen Masterson felt the red card was harsh and praised the efforts of the 14 Wicklow players for the remainder.

'It was harsh and they made us work for victory,' he commented.

Meath will play Dublin or Wexford (the loser) in the next round - Dublin play Wexford tomorrow.

Meath - Sean Quigley (Dunboyne); Noel O’Sullivan (Na Fianna), Luke Swaine (Clann na nGael), Conor Dempsey (Dunderry); Darragh Brogan (Clann na nGael), Charlie Bird (Boardsmill 0-2), Jack Payne (Rathmolyon); Luke Moran (Trim), Luke Martyn (Dunderry); Josh Wall (Drumree 0-7), Ronan Ryan (Kiltale 0-1), Conor Kearney (Kildalkey 1-0); Alex Walsh (Dunderry 1-0), Ross Ryan (Kiltale 0-3), Liam Carey (Drumree 0-1).

Subs – Jack Bird (Boardsmill) for O’Sullivan 16 mins, Mark Slevin (Na Fianna) 1-1) for Moran 47m.