Derry downed in Ashbourne

Despite a start that was certainly not what the doctor ordered Meath made a strong recovery to start their National Camogie League Div 2 campaign with a 3-8 to 3-5 victory over Derry today.

The wind blew strongly throughout this encounter at Ashbourne. The Ulster side had it in their favour in the opening half and they led 2-3 to 1-3 at the interval.

Meath made a slow start to say the least with Grainne McNicholl firing home two goals inside the opening eight minutes.

Aine McNerney scored Meath's opening goal in that first-half and she also got a another after the break finishing off a super, fast-paced move by the Royals.

Emma O'Connell also found the net for Brendan Skehan's team who powered on to victory. Once Meath took the lead in the second-half they stayed in front to get their campaign off to a bright start.

McNerney, Grace Coleman and the indomitable Amy Gaffney and captain Jane Dolan each contributed two points apiece to Meath's tally.

SCORERS

Meath - Aine McNerney 2-2; Emma O'Connell 1-0; Amy Gaffney 0-2; Grace Coleman 0-2; Jane Dolan 0-2.

Derry - Grainne McNicholl 2-0; Dervla O'Kane 1-0; Aine McAllister 0-3, one '45'; Adrienne Gorman 0-1; Aoife McGoone 0-1.

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