NFL DIVISION TWO: Meath 1-8 Laois 0-6:DESPITE NOT scoring in the second half, Meath had done enough in the first period at Páirc Tailteann on Saturday to earn their first league points at the expense of a Laois side which failed to register from play.

The home side laid a solid foundation for the success in the opening 10 minutes when favoured by the strong breeze to build up a 1-4 to 0-0 advantage. The lead score from a free by Cian Ward was followed by a spectacular point from namesake Mark, who returned after injury.

The goal was punched in by Brian Meade on eight minutes following a delivery by wing-back Shane McAnarney who increased the lead before Ward got on target from play.

Laois erased their blank on the board after half an hour when MJ Tierney struck the first of his five pointed frees.

Before that Stephen Bray put over two well-struck scores and when Ward converted his second free the shot was initially waved wide before referee Jim McKee overruled the umpire’s decision. That left the scores at the interval 1-8 to 0-1.

Meath put 10 scoring attempts outside the uprights when favoured by the elements and Laois were guilty of eight such misses in the second half.

MEATH:D Gallagher; N McKeigue, A Moyles, E Harrington; S McAnarney (0-1), C McGuinness, D Flood; M Ward (0-1), N Crawford; S Kenny, C King, B Meade (1-1); S Bray (0-2), S McKeigue, C Ward (0-3, two frees). Subs:C O'Connor for N McKeigue (30 mins), B Sheridan for Meade (half-time), P Byrne for S McKeigue (38 mins), R Maguire for M Ward (61 mins).

LAOIS:M Nolan; P Begley, C Ryan, R Stapleton; P O'Leary, D Rooney, P McMahon; P Clancy, K Meaney; P McNulty, B Sheehan, MJ Tierney (0-5, five frees); D Brennan, R Munnelly, C Bergin (0-1, free) Subs:B McDonald for Brennan (55 mins), D Strong for Sheehan (58 mins), N Donoghue for Bergin (67 mins).

Referee:J McKee (Armagh).