Meath caught by late Lilywhite surge

Hopes of advancing in the u-20 John Kerins Cup evaporated for Meath at Dunganny when they were defeated 3-12 to 2-17 by Kildare today.  

This was a game Meath needed to take something from and it looked like they were going to claim a narrow victory when they led by a point at the end of normal time. 

However Kildare found an extra gear in injury time to push on and claim a victory with three unanswered points and leave the home side crestfallen at a missed opportunity to take their campaign a step further. 

Meath looked very suspect in defence in the opening half and at the break they were somewhat fortunate to trail by only 0-8 to 2-6 as the Lilywhites spurned a number of good goal-scoring opportunities. Kildare's goals were netted by Shane O'Sullivan and Luke Griffin. 

Ger Robinson's team upped their game considerably in the second-half firing home three quick-fire goals from Cian Rogers, Daithi McGowan and Matt Moyles to lead by 3-12 to 2-12 on 55 minutes. 

However the young Royals lost their way as Kildare took control and scored five unanswered points including those three in injury time to clinch victory. 

McGowan had an outstanding game while Rogers finished Meath's main marksman with 1-3 while the impressive Aaron Lynch also made a big contribution with four points. Cathal Hickey was another big performer for Meath. 

SEE MATCH REPORT AND PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GAME IN NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE