Ratoath's first league game of the new season.

The team started the first half with great determination. They made some amazing tackles against the North Meath team. Cian C and Laurie tackled an opponent twice their size - although size doesn't matter in this game. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Ross and Ben also put in some great tackles in the middle of the park. Soon we were down to 14 men however, as Ryan had to leave the park after an injury and we had no subs. Ratoath finished the first try in the corner, with Brian going over after after some good work by Adam up the other wing and good passing and support to move the ball the width of the park. Emmet and James rumbled well, and Charlie and Matthew were busy, but North Meath were not long in taking a try of their own.

In the second half, North Meath powered ahead - always faster and more aggressive at the ruck, and scored a few more tries. For Ratoath, Alex, Gavin and Ben made some good charges up the flank, and Caelan chased very well up the wing. But Ratoath's heads dropped, the lads started to miss important tackles, although Brian made two great try saving tackles that kept the score down.

Ratoath's Man of the Match was Laurie, who bucked the trend and put in a great tackling performance.

Hard luck James, Gavin, Matthew, Emmet, Alex, Cian C, Ryan, Charlie, Laurie, Harry, Ben, Adam, Caelan, Brian. But you know you were beaten on the day by the team that wanted it more. And you know what you need to work on for next weeks league game. Better organization in defense and faster, more aggressive rucking.