Royals advance to last eight

It wasn't a spectacular game, it wasn't even all that memorable but Meath did enough to get the victory over Dublin today and advance to the knock out stages of the National Camogie League Div 2.

In the end Meath won 0-12 to 0-8 at O'Toole Park in Crumlin and secure their ticket to the next phase. Who they will be playing has yet to be confirmed.

The contest played in warm summer conditions was physically bruising but Meath's strength and experience were big factors in helping them get over the line.

Meath led all the way, including the break when they were 0-8 to 0-5 in front. The elegant Aoife Minogue showed the way for the winners with five points and a fine overall display while the busy Amy Gaffney hit two points from play early on.

Megan Thynne hit two monster points while inspirational captain Kristina Troy, Sinead Hackett and Maire Kirby all lofted over.

It says a lot that Dublin got all their points from frees and all were scored by Ciara Holland.

Meath had to withstand some sustained late pressure but they showed the tenacity needed to hold out with Holland driving a penalty shot wide.

Gaffney had a first-half penalty saved but Meath still did enough to progress.

Leah Devine started instead of Jane Dolan in what was the only change from the previous game.

SCORERS

Meath - Aoife Minogue 0-5 frees; Megan Thynne 0-2; Amy Gaffney 0-2; Kristina Troy 0-1, Sinead Hackett 0-1; Maire Kirby 0-1.

Dublin - Ciara Holland 0-8 frees.

TEAMS

Meath - Maggie Randle; Louise Donoghue, Ellen Burke, Sophia Payne; Nadine Doyle, Maeve Clince, Tracy King; Kristina Troy, Aedin Slattery; Grace Coleman, Aoife Minogue, Leah Devine; Amy Gaffney, Sinead Hackett, Megan Thynne. Subs - Maire Kirby for Doyle half-time.

Dublin - Sophie Brennan; Emma Parker, Kerri Milne, Lauren Robinson; Ciara Clohessy, Ciara Buchanan, Cara Feeney; Niamh Gleeson, Ellen Dunphy; Siobhan Kehoe, Ciara Holland, Meadbh Hicks; Aoife Heffernan, Aoife Deegan, Niamh Comerford. Subs - Erin Kennedy for Deegan, Molly O'Neill for Feeney both 38 mins, Rachel Seery for Hicks, Nicola Thorne for Robinson both 51m, Rachel Dolan for Buchanan 54m, Fiona Isdell for Heffernan 55m, Niamh Heffernan for Comerford 62m,

Referee - Eamonn Cassidy (Derry).