Pinpoint Jack Regan helps guide Meath past Donegal and onto Divison 2B glory

An outstanding exhibition of accuracy from frees from Meath captain Jack Regan pushed his side to a 0-20 to 0-14 victory over Donegal in a thrilling NHL Division Two B final played in difficult conditions.

A pitch that was pockmarked with divots made hurling difficult for both sides who nevertheless conjured up a fine game for the fans.

Regan hit a total of 0-10 seven from frees to inspire the favourites to victory over a battling Donegal side who missed a potential 1-05 when they had a period of dominance in the third quarter.

But a more experienced and clinical Meath side hung tough after Donegal sub Declan Coulter gave his side the lead for the first time on a score of 0-11 to 0-10 in the 43rd minute after the Royals led by 0-10 to 0-08 at the break.

However, Donegal only added three more points to their opponents 0-10 and that was the major difference between two otherwise well matched sided.

It was Meath, as in their previous encounter, who finished the stronger as they tacked on an impressive further 0-10 to deservedly take the title.

Donegal threw on veterans Stephen Gillespie, Declan Coulter and Danny Cullen to try and stem the tide, but Meath showed much greater composure in front of the posts.

Meath took off like a freight train and a lightning ball into their full-forward Eamon O'Donnchadha and he swung over a point after just 15 seconds.

The Royals meant business and they swept over two more points from Martin Healy and Padraig O'Hanrahan to ease them into a 0-03 to 0-00 lead after five minutes.

Ruairi Campbell from play and a Liam McKinney point left just a point in it but the inevitable Regan and the injured Padraig O’Hanrahan made it 0-05 to 0-03.

Exchanges were close as player struggled to master the bumps and