MEATH'S hurlers set up a meeting with the reigning Leinster champions, Offaly, after beating Westmeath by a nine point margin in this second round Leinster championship game at Castletowngeoghegan yesterday.

The players had to overcome torrential rain throughout the game and this added greatly to their difficulties in producing good quality hurling. Meath, the more constructive and better balanced side, struck a decisive blow in the 27th minute when impressive midfielder Nickey Horan blasted the ball to the net.

Horan's goal helped his team to a commanding 1-6 to 0-2 lead. However, Westmeath were given some hope when, after a good forward movement, Philip Galvin scored a goal in the 33rd minute. A Barry Kennedy point a minute later left Westmeath trailing by 16 to 1-3 at the break.

The more determined Meath team raised their game in the third quarter and with Martin Ennis, Anton O'Neill, Nickey Horan, the accurate David Martin and goalkeeper Mark Gannon in superb form, they gradually eased further ahead.

Mickey Cole scored the second Meath goal in the 38th minute and while Christo Murtagh, Alfie Devine, Barry Kennedy and Robbie Galvin endeavoured to reduce the deficit, the royal county men were always that bit sharper and fully deserved their victory.