Hurlers battle hard to defeat Meath in Allianz Hurling League opener

KILDARE withstood a strong rally from Meath to take the points in the opening round of the Allainz Hurling League Division 2B game played at Pairc Tailteann, Navan, this afternoon (Sunday) writes RUTH O’BRIEN.

Willie Sunderland’s men opened strongly and led by 1-2 to 0-0 after just four minutes, the goal coming from Paul Divilly.

Meath responded well and were right back in it at the break trailing by just two points (1-6 to 0-7).

The home side really upped their game on the resumption and levelled up matters after forty with the momentum firmly with them at that stage and they took the lead for the first time after fifty, a point from Noel Kirby doing the trick.

Kildare responded with points from David Harney and a free from substitute Johnny Enight. However Meath hit back with a Stehen Donoghue equaliser with nine minutes remaining.

The teams exchanged points before Leo Quinn pointed Kildare back in the lead and while The Royals threw everything at their opponents in the dying minutes it was Kildare who broke away with Celbridge’s Conor Kenny getting the vital last point of the game ensuring a Kildare win on a scoreline of Kildare 1-12 Meath 0-13.