Driving up the M3 through monsoon conditions today, I was pretty sure I'd be leaving the camera in the car but thankfully the rain faded away just before the warm up started and both sides got down to business.
Despite a good defensive show from Ratoath, North Meath got over the line in the first half but failed to convert. Dylan Williams went over for Ratoath but the try was disallowed due to a knock on just before grounding. Ratoath continued to pressure and Petey Bryant later kicked over a penalty to leave the half time score at 5-3.
As the second half started the skies were blue, the sun was out, but your correspondents fingers, toes, and various other extremities were frozen to the bone!
The third quarter was a tough slog with mistakes from both sides but nothing on the scoreline until North Meath went over again and converted this time. Ratoath answered in style as Johny Finglas beat three defenders enroute to a well taken try. Bryant converted and the score stood at 12-10 to the hosts.
Despite frantic efforts from both sides, and with the rain coming in again, neither side could further the scoreline until North Meath shipped a kickable penalty in overtime. Huge pressure on Petey as Ratoath's progress in the Cup came down to one kick. No better man for the pressure as it sailed over the bar and the ref blew up.
Final score 12-13 to Ratoath. Roll on Ardee in the next round!!
Match report by Mick Fenlon.