Ratoath stun Kildalkey and Killyon maintain winning run
Ratoath issued a major statement of their SHC intent as they stunned Kildalkey 3-15 to 2-14 in a thrilling round three clash at Pairc Tailteann this afternoon.
All the goals were scored in a mesmerising opening half as Ratoath threatened to run away with the game when they opened up a 2-3 to 1-0 lead after Kildalkey had netted in the second minute.
Kildalkey did rally to close the gap 2-1 to 2-3, but again Ratoath settled and with Gavin McGowan in outstanding form they grabbed a third goal to lead by 3-7 to 2-6 at the break.
After the resumption Kildalkey closed to within a point and looked set to push on, but Ratoath hit four points in a row to end the third quarter with a 3-11 to 2-9 lead.
Kildalkey hit back with four of the next five points to close to within a point, 2-14 to 3-12, with eight minutes remaining, but Ratoath were not to be denied as they pulled clear again to blow Group A of the SHC wide open.
In this evenings other Group A clash Killyon rallied from a slow start, which left them 0-1 to 1-4 adrift after the first quarter, to seal a 3-18 to 4-11 win over Dunboyne and preserve their unbeaten start to the SHC.
Despite that slow start Killyon were comfortable winners with Dunboyne hitting 2-1 late on to add substantial gloss to their return.
Full match reports and react in Tuesday evening's Meath Chronicle.