HOLDERS Meath got the better of Kildare in Trim last evening to advance to a Leinster Under-21 A hurling final clash with Westmeath, a goal from Derek Doran early in the second half proving decisive in a 1-10 to 0-10 win. Meath led at the break 0-4 to 0-2.
The home side took control in the third quarter to go into a 1-5 to 0-3 lead and three points from Doran saw Meath safely through.
MEATH:S McGann; G Murphy, E Lynch, D Tormay; S Brennan, W Mahady, C O'Shea; F Doran (0-1), R Hatton; D Maguire, E Marsh, G Kelly; M Doyle, K Keoghan (0-6, 0-4 frees, 0-1 65), D Doran (1-3). Subs: A Healy for F Doran (46 mins), T Raleigh for Hatton (49 mins), A Gannon for Doyle (53 mins), C Fitzsimons for Marsh (57 mins).
KILDARE:C Gallagher; M Grace, M Carter, R McGrath; R Kelly (0-1), E O'Neill, M Purcell (0-1); D MacDonncha, J Byrne (0-1, 65); D Butler (0-2), C Kenny, F Conway; K Whelan, M Fitzgerald (0-2, 0-1 free), B Deacy. Subs: M Delaney (0-3) for Whelan) , B Ahern for Conway, S Gainey for Deacy (all 42 mins).
Referee:D Harrington (Dublin).
