Westmeath and Cavan will go head to head again on October 9 with the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Final down for decision at 4.15pm.
Now the dust has settled there seems to be general agreement a draw was a fair result.
The Lake County came from behind thanks mainly to goals from Johanna Maher and Karen Hegarty, and for long stages in the second half, they were in the driving seat.
Two points separated the sides at the interval in favour of the Breffni side, which once again pointed to the fact that Westmeath were slow starters and the best was yet to come.
However it was Cavan that finished stronger and the Lake County fought to defend the lead as time ran out.
Playing in Croke Park would have been a strange experience for players on both sides who would have had no experience in performing in a stadium of that size. However co-managers Peter Leahy and Alan Mangan would have been planning Cavan’s downfall as soon as the final whistle had sounded on Sunday afternoon.
Although Westmeath were forced to surrender a three-point lead in the closing five minutes, they now know their capabilities and the fear of the unknown has been laid to rest.
Laura Walsh came close to sending the coveted silverware in the direction of the Midlands but her late and brave effort missed its intended target.
No doubt the replay will be another close encounter going down to the wire, and may well be decided with the last kick of the game.
