The aftermath of the earthquake in central Italy that has left more than 240 people dead dominates the front pages of the press on 25 August, with some papers wondering why the tragedy was not prevented.

Images splashed across major newspapers are filled with a sense of anxiety and grieving, showing rescued people sitting on the ground covered in blankets, shop signs with letters destroyed by the earthquake and giant piles of rubble.
Coverage focuses on personal stories, with some papers painting a grim picture of the devastation.
"The night of anxiety, fear and searching for the missing", says a headline in La Repubblica daily.
"Coffins in the children's playground in a village that is no more" reads a front page headline in Corriere Della Sera daily. "In Pescaro del Tronto a kindergarten is now a morgue, an open morgue under clear skies amidst tears and rubble", the report says. "This village has no future anymore."
"The cursed moment of earthquake", echoes a headline on the front page of a local Pescara-based daily newspaper, Il Centro. "My new one-storey house, completely covered in reinforced concrete, trembled. It shook. Like a twig in the sea," writes Giustino Parisse in a blog.
Some Italian commentators also express frustration with construction standards in the quake-prone area.
"I have to say that the anger is stronger than the pain. The anger at the thought that this destruction could have been avoided," writer Dacia Maraini says in Corriere Della Sera. "Can it be that we have not built smartly, anticipating dangers, taking into account earthquake-resistant standards that exist and are very efficient?"
"Town councils should do much more in terms of the rigorousness of earthquake-resistant standards and promoting awareness of the risk. Instead, we are always fatalists, hopeful that it will affect somebody else," echoes civic engineering professor Enzo Scandurra on the Quotidiano.net news website.
Italian media also note that the natural disaster has mobilised society, propelling ordinary Italians and social media users to co-ordinate and offer help.
"As if to prove the words of [Italian Prime Minister Matteo] Renzi about Italians' big-heartedness in emergencies, many have mobilised themselves to raise funds and assist in the earthquake emergency," Il Quotidiano.net website says.
BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook.


The EU says new sanctions against Russia should be adopted shortly and take effect on Tuesday, despite a Kremlin warning of retaliation.

But an EU spokeswoman said the sanctions would be "reversible", depending on the situation in Ukraine.
Pro-Russian separatists and government troops are observing a fragile truce.
Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has arrived in the strategic port city of Mariupol, parts of which have been shelled as rebel forces edge closer.
Announcing his arrival in a tweet, Mr Poroshenko said: "We won't hand over this Ukrainian land to anyone."
The separatists have recently made big gains in eastern Ukraine. But a ceasefire agreed on Friday appears to be holding despite some sporadic shooting.
Fighting in the east has killed some 2,600 people since April.
Major state-owned oil firms including Rosneft are on the new EU sanctions list, but gas is not affected, diplomats say. US sanctions already target Rosneft.
Russia has warned that it could block international flights through its airspace if the EU goes ahead with new measures over the Ukraine conflict.
Russia has repeatedly denied accusations by Ukraine and the West that it has been sending troops into Donetsk and Luhansk regions to help the rebels, who want to establish an independent state.
Rosneft calls itself the leader of the Russian petroleum industry. That makes it a very important player in the European Union's energy market. About 90% of the crude oil used in the EU is imported and Russia is, by a large margin, the biggest supplier.
The sanctions don't appear to directly affect that relationship. They would prevent Rosneft raising money in European financial markets.
But as crude oil is mainly transported by sea, if the trade were disrupted any losses from Russian suppliers could potentially be replaced.  It would almost certainly be more expensive, but it could be done, up to a point.
Gas is another story, which may explain why Gazprom's main business is reported not to be on the new sanctions list. Russian gas is delivered to Europe by pipeline. There is a trade in gas transported by sea, but it would be very difficult to compensate for a major disruption of supplies from Russia.
A European Commission spokeswoman said the new sanctions package targeting Russian firms and officials "is due to be formally adopted by member states through a written procedure later today, so the procedure is ongoing".
"It will then be published in the official journal of the EU, which should happen in the course of tomorrow at the latest as plans currently stand," she said.
Publication in the journal puts the sanctions into effect.
Diplomats say the new package will target Russian oil companies Rosneft and Transneft and the petroleum unit of state gas monopoly Gazprom.
Their access to financial markets will be restricted - a serious matter for Rosneft, which last month asked the Russian government for a $42bn (Â£25.2bn) loan.
The sanctions would also expand the visa bans and asset freezes on Russian officials and entities, including separatist leaders in Ukraine.
Earlier Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned that Moscow would respond "asymmetrically" to further sanctions.
A Russian airspace ban "could drive many struggling airlines into bankruptcy", he told a Russian daily.
"If there are sanctions related to the energy sector, or further restrictions on Russia's financial sector, we will have to respond asymmetrically... For example, restrictions in the transport sector.
"We work on the basis of friendly relations with our partners, and that's why Russia's skies are open to flights. But if we are restricted then we'll have to respond," he told Vedomosti (in Russian).
Airlines would have to pay far more for fuel if Russia blocked their routes to Asian destinations, and flight times would be longer in many cases.
Last week an EU official told the BBC that further sanctions would deepen the existing measures, affecting Russia's access to capital markets, dual-use goods which can be used for military purposes, defence equipment and some other sensitive technologies.
Mr Poroshenko's visit to Mariupol comes after some shelling was reported there at the weekend.
It is the last city in Donetsk region still held by the Ukrainian government and is a strategic port on the route to Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia in March.
On Sunday, Ukrainian security official Volodymyr Poliovyi said 864 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the conflict began.
So far there have been no big prisoner exchanges since the ceasefire took effect.
12-point peace roadmap - key elements
Posted by the OSCE on its website (in Russian).


England slumped to 138 all out to hand Australia an eight-wicket win and a 3-2 series victory in the deciding one-day international at Old Trafford.

The home side were reduced to 22-3 in the sixth over and then saw captain Eoin Morgan retire with concussion.
They failed to recover and were eventually bowled out in 33 overs, Ben Stokes making 42 and Mitchell Marsh taking 4-27.
Australia eased to their target inside 25 overs, with Aaron Finch 70 not out.
For the visitors, sealing the one-day series on the final day of their tour represents a degree of consolation after a 3-2 defeat in the Test series.
Though England's summer ultimately ended as a disappointing anti-climax in front a packed crowd, the success they have enjoyed is far removed from the spring-time World Cup humiliation and poor tour of the West Indies that followed.
A thrilling drawn Test series with New Zealand was followed by a new approach to one-day cricket that resulted in a 3-2 win over the Black Caps and a competitive contest with world champions Australia, where they came from 2-0 down.
Most importantly, the Ashes were regained.
England will have been pleased to win the toss in sunny conditions and have the opportunity to bat first on a true Old Trafford pitch.
But an eventful first over, with Starc swinging the ball at a full length, provided a glimpse of what was to come.
Jason Roy was given out leg before to the second delivery before successfully over-turning the decision thanks to an inside edge.
However, when he was given out again from the fourth delivery, Roy walked off. Neither he nor partner Alex Hales spotted that the ball was missing leg stump by some distance.
From there, England had no answer to some very good Australia pace bowling, with Marsh and John Hastings particularly causing problems with consistency of length.
Hales sliced Hastings to point for four to probably end any notion of a call-up for the winter Test series, with James Taylor then feathering the same bowler behind.
After Morgan was forced to retire, Jonny Bairstow was given out lbw on review to Marsh, while the right-armer picked up Moeen Ali and David Willey in the space of three balls.
Stokes sparkled with powerful drives and pulls but after he became Marsh's fourth victim, lbw to one that nipped back, Adil Rashid was left to eke what he could from the tail.
He made a composed unbeaten 35, supported by Mark Wood and debutant Reece Topley, who was last out when pinned in front by Ashton Agar.
England's plight was not helped by the injury to Morgan, who suffered a concussion when struck on the back of the head from a Starc bouncer in the seventh over.
The left-hander had to be steadied by short leg fielder George Bailey, before sitting on the turf to receive treatment.
There was concern from the Australia team, less than a year on from the death of Phillip Hughes, while Starc was comforted by Smith, Hastings, coach Darren Lehmann and Stokes.
Later in the England innings, it was confirmed that Morgan would play no further part in the match, with Taylor taking over as captain.
England had a glimmer of hope at the interval after Joe Burns edged Willey behind in the first over and Smith followed in similar fashion to Wood to leave Australia 31-2.
But that was snuffed out by an unbroken stand of 109 between Finch and George Bailey, who added 104 runs in 14.2 overs after the break.
Finch played drives and pulls of the spinners and swept Moeen, while Bailey punished the poor Rashid, who conceded 34 runs from four overs.
Bailey sealed it by edging Topley for four, with both sets of players now awaiting squad announcements for their next tours.
Australia go to Bangladesh, while England's party for the series against Pakistan in the UAE will be named this week.


Tributes are being paid to actor Richard Hatch, who has died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 71.

He was the only actor to appear in both the original series of Battlestar Galactica and its more recent reboot.
Hatch played Captain Apollo in the original sci-fi series and a different character - Tom Zarek - in the reboot from 2004 to 2009.
Star Trek actor George Takei wrote on Twitter: "Rest with the galactic stars, Richard Hatch."
Ronald D Moore, who created the rebooted version of Battlestar Galactica, described Hatch as "a good man, a gracious man, and a consummate professional".
"His passing is a heavy blow to the entire BSG family," Moore added.
Hatch's son Paul confirmed his father's death in a message posted on the actor's website: "He died peacefully with his family and friends at his side after a battle with pancreatic cancer."
Dave Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, tweeted: "Very sad to hear about Richard Hatch #RIP #Apollo."
Edward James Olmos, who starred in the Battlestar Galactica reboot, added: "Richard Hatch you made our universe a better place We love you for it. Rest In Peace my friend."
Hatch's other acting work included an early role on All My Children in 1971 and appearances on Dynasty, The Love Boat, Santa Barbara and Baywatch.
Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.


Royal Dutch Shell has said it will cut 2,800 jobs if its planned takeover of BG Group goes ahead, about 3% of the combined group's workforce.

The proposed job cuts are in addition to the 7,500 job losses Shell announced in July.
The tie-up between Shell and BG deal is due to be completed early next year.
However, an institutional investor has told the BBC that the deal does not make "financial sense" at current oil price levels.
David Cumming, head of equities at Standard Life Investments, told the BBC it was "very difficult to make the deal work" with oil below $40 a barrel, saying oil prices needed to be $60-$70 a barrel.
Shell announced in April that it had agreed to buy BG, in a deal that valued the oil and gas exploration firm at about Â£47bn.
In its latest statement, Shell said that the planned job losses were part of "operational and administrative restructuring".
"Further detailed work will be undertaken on the details of the proposed restructuring as part of ongoing integration planning," Shell said.
The final regulatory barrier to the Shell-BG tie-up was cleared on Monday after it was approved by China.
It has already been approved by regulators in Australia, Brazil and the European Union.
Shell chief executive Ben van Beurden said the companies would now "seek approval from both sets of shareholders as we move towards deal completion in early 2016".
Last week, the price of oil fell to seven-year lows, with both Brent crude and US crude now below $40 a barrel.
Speaking before Shell announced the plans for job cuts, Mr Cumming told the BBC's Today programme that - given the low oil price - possible options included  Shell walking away from the deal, Shell changing the terms of the deal, or shareholders rejecting the  deal.
"Shareholders could vote the deal down, and the break fee is pretty low, so I think Shell will come under pressure over the next few months to say how the deal is going to work," Mr Cumming added.
Standard Life is among the top 20 investors in both companies. Mr Cumming declined to say how he would vote on the deal.


Mae 'na bryderon wedi eu codi am fam a mab o Borthaethwy ar Ynys Mon sydd ddim wedi eu gweld ers rhai dyddiau.

Fe gysylltodd teulu Elen Jones, 36 oed a'i mab wyth oed, Lewis Rhys Jones gyda'r heddlu i ddweud nad yw'r ddau wedi cael eu gweld ers dydd Mawrth 17 Ionawr.
Mae'n debyg bod y ddau yn teithio mewn car Citroen Zara aur, gyda'r rhif VRN YS52VTV.
Mae'r Heddlu'r Gogledd yn gofyn i unrhyw un sydd â gwybodaeth i gysylltu â nhw ar 101 gan ddyfynu'r cyfeirnod V009157.


Opening hard shoulders to traffic as part of the M60 smart motorway plan risks more accidents, the AA said.

Work on the Greater Manchester orbital road will see the hard shoulder become an extra lane between junctions 18 and 20, with lay-bys created at intervals of 1.6 miles (2.5 km).
The AA said this would lead to more broken-down vehicles becoming stranded and causing collisions.
Highways England said traffic flow will improve when the work is completed.
The AA's comments came as commuters hit out at regular delays on stretches of the route which has been subject to roadworks and a 50mph limit for more than a year.
The service recorded 2,826 breakdowns on the whole of the M60 in 2016 - equivalent to more than seven per day.
Jack Cousens, a public affairs officer for the AA, said the small number of planned emergency refuge areas along the route was a "huge problem".
"We've had issues with areas of smart motorway where somebody's broken down in a live lane, they make the call to us and we hear a crash, and it all goes silent.
"We don't want to be hearing that," he said.
"What we've been saying consistently is we want to see twice as many emergency refuge areas, and they need to be twice as long."
Mr Cousens said the most common cause of breakdown was a tyre blowout.
"If you can see [a refuge area], the chances are you'll be able to limp in there and use it," he said.
"But if you can't see one, drivers tend to panic and stop, and that's where we have problems."
Commuter Sylvia Pascoe says she can spend up to three hours per day driving the 18-mile (28 km) journey from Ashton to Altrincham and back.
"It's not acceptable. Enough is enough," she said. "What are the Highways Agency going to do about it?"
Highways England said roadworks on the route would be lifted in sections, starting in September, with all works removed by the end of the year.


Workers should be able to self-certify sickness for up to two weeks to help reduce the number of unnecessary GP appointments, doctors say.

People need a doctor's note if they are off for more than a week, but GPs said people should be trusted more.
The call at the British Medical Association's annual conference comes amid rising demand for appointments.
Doctors also want to be paid for carrying out health checks on patients who apply for firearms licences.
GPs are asked by police to report any health conditions - mental or physical - that may present a risk.
These assessments can take up to an hour to do as medical records have to be examined, and doctors said that uses valuable NHS resources.
Dr John Canning, a GP from Middlesbrough and chairman of the BMA's professional fees committee, said: "That's half a dozen appointments that it will take up. That's six people who don't get seen.
"We're busy enough doing the day job, curing the sick."
Both these issues on their own represent a relatively small share of the average GP workload, but Dr Richard Vautrey, a Leeds medic who sits on the BMA's GPs committee, said combined with other issues, they could start to help reduce the burden.
It is estimated that GPs in England carry out 370 million appointments a year - a rise of 70 million in the past seven years.
Dr Vautrey said doubling the length of time someone is able to self-certify illness would be a sensible move in helping to ease the strain.
"If you've got a patient who very clearly has an illness that is going to last 10 days to two weeks, why do they need to make an appointment with a GP just to get that note to tell their employer what their employer probably knows already and what the patient should be trusted to be able to pass on?"
He also highlighted other examples of unnecessary appointments, including people asking for certificates to show that their children are well enough to take part in school plays and council tenants needing proof that damp houses are making their asthma worse in order to get a move.
Last year, a report by Citizens Advice found that a fifth of GPs' time was taken up with non-health reasons.
Both issues will be debated at the conference in Belfast on Wednesday.


St Johnstone are waiting to hear whether Ryan Dow will accept their contract offer after the forward's departure from Dundee United.

Dow, 24, was one of eight United players not offered new contracts after their relegation from the Premiership.
But Saints boss Tommy Wright is keen for Dow to make a swift decision about a potential move to Perth.
"I can't do any more, it's up to Ryan. We've been in touch with him and the decision will be Ryan's," Wright said.
"I've done everything I can and we're just now waiting for his answer. You'd have to ask him (what the delay has been). He's got his reasons.
"But I can't wait forever because players are being put to us all the time and we have to get things sorted.
"However, I do very much want Ryan here and he knows that so hopefully that will get sorted."
Wright has already secured a deal for former United defender Keith Watson on a pre-contract agreement after his exit from St Mirren.
Dow - along with fellow forwards Florent Sinama Pongolle and Edward Ofere, midfielder John Rankin, defenders Guy Demel, Callum Morris and Euan Spark, plus goalkeeper Joe McGovern - was told on Wednesday his time at Tannadice was up.
That followed the club's relegation to the Championship and the departure of manager Mixu Paatelainen.


Pope Francis has delivered a strong denunciation of the drugs trade before an audience of 300,000 people attending an open-air mass in Ecatepec, one of poorest suburbs of Mexico City.

He urged the congregation to rid Mexico of drug dealer "merchants of death".
Ecatepec, with 1.6 million inhabitants, is notorious for  drug violence, kidnappings and gangland-style killings, particularly of women.
The Pope was speaking at the biggest scheduled event of his visit to Mexico.
Throughout his trip he has condemned the evils of forced emigration and drugs, urging Mexico's leaders to provide "true justice" to suffering citizens.
The Pope has described drug trafficking as a cancer that has devoured and destroyed Mexican society, while calling on the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico to do more than just condemn the problem.
Mexicans hope papal visit brings change
Thousands of admirers lined the route of the Pope's motorcade as it made its way to the huge field in Ecatepec where Sunday's Mass was celebrated.
In a final prayer in Ecatepec he urged Mexicans to turn their country into a land of opportunity "where there will be no need to emigrate in order to dream, no need to be exploited in order to work".
On Saturday he celebrated mass at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe, in front of tens of thousands of people.
On Monday, he visits Mexico's poorest and least Roman Catholic region, the indigenous state of Chiapas in the south of the country.
The following day he heads to the capital of Michoacan, a western state also scarred by drug violence.
The Pope concludes his five-day trip in Ciudad Juarez on the US border, a city which has been blighted by drug-related murders. A mass there will highlight the plight of migrants.


A delivery truck crashed into parked cars before hitting a church wall in Swansea.

The Iceland lorry ended up in the grounds of St John's Church following the crash on Woodfield Street, Morriston, at about 04:50 BST on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for Iceland said the driver was taken ill at the wheel.
He was taken to Morriston Hospital "as a precaution", South Wales Police said.
Officers are investigating the cause of the crash, it added.


A Turkish court has charged four senior Israeli military commanders over the killing of nine Turkish activists trying to reach Gaza in 2010.

Ex-military chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi and former heads of military intelligence, the navy and air force are expected to be tried in absentia.
The nine pro-Palestinian activists were killed after Israeli troops boarded their ship, the Mavi Marmara.
They had been hoping to breach Israel's naval blockade and deliver aid to Gaza.
A prosecutor at the court in Istanbul has called for each of the four Israeli officers to face nine life sentences, Turkish news agency Anatolia reported.
The other three commanders are ex-naval chief Vice Admiral Eliezer Marom, former head of military intelligence Major General Amos Yadlin, and former head of the air force Brigadier General Avishai Lev.
If they are convicted, the Turkish court could issue a warrant for their arrest.
Israel carried out its own investigation but has not prosecuted anyone involved in the raid.
The Mavi Marmara was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters as it sailed towards Gaza's coast on 31 May 2010.
A UN inquiry found that Israel's blockade of Gaza was "a legitimate security measure".
It said Israeli troops had faced "significant, organised and violent resistance" when they boarded the ship.
But it said Israel's decision to board the ship and the use of substantial force was "excessive and unreasonable".
The incident has led to a major rift in relations between Turkey and Israel.


Hundreds of motorists in Swansea will have their parking fines refunded because a warning sign was less than 3in (7cm) short of the legal height.

Up to 320 tickets have been issued to drivers who parked in a loading bay in Burrows Place near Swansea museum since September.
Swansea councillor Sybil Crouch challenged the legality of the sign after receiving a Â£70 fine.
The council apologised and said all penalty notices would be paid back.
Ms Crouch, who represents the Castle ward, complained about the penalty charge after not seeing any of the "usual" warning signs at the site.
She said: "Having robustly challenged the adequacy of the sign, the council has finally conceded that it is not correct and they have ceased enforcing in this location until it is changed.
"I have also asked that all 320 recipients of a notice for this area be refunded as the sign has never been valid.
"Motorists are confused and misled into believing this is available for parking - evidenced by the fact that a staggering 320 tickets have been issued over a nine-month period in what is a very small area."
Swansea council said it would write to motorists to arrange reimbursement.


Surrey raced to a dramatic first win of the season in the final session at The Oval after a praiseworthy batting effort by Leicestershire.

The visitors held out until after tea before finally being dismissed for 480 as spinner Zafar Ansari took 6-152.
Needing 216 to win, opener Steven Davies smashed a 57-ball century and was 115 not out when Surrey reached their target on 218-3 in the 22nd over.
Kevin Pietersen played no part in proceedings because of a calf problem.
Although the match will be remembered for his magnificent 355 not out on days two and three, he was only a spectator as Surrey tried to dismiss Leicestershire's lower order after undergoing a precautionary scan, having driven himself to hospital.
Having resumed on 310-5, they got through to lunch for the loss of only Ben Raine (33) and Niall O'Brien (78).
Clint McKay was lbw to Ansari for 41 following the restart, but Rob Taylor and Jigar Naik stood firm until tea as they added 62.
Naik (30) finally fell to home skipper Gareth Batty and the innings came to an end four balls later when Taylor (42) was caught behind off Ansari, who sent down 51.1 overs during the innings.
Any hopes Leicestershire had of keeping Surrey's batsmen in check were soon dispelled as Davies and Jason Roy took 60 off the first five overs.
Roy hit three sixes and five fours in a 28-ball half century and their stand was worth 145 when he was caught off Taylor for 67.
Kumar Sangakkara and Gary Wilson both fell to Naik's off-spin, but Davies maintained his momentum and having collected four sixes and 10 fours, it was fitting that he should add another boundary to bring the game to an end.
Surrey batsman Steven Davies told BBC London 94.9:
Media playback is not supported on this device
"I'm over the moon, it was an incredible win. Things were looking pretty tough from the start of play, right through to tea really.
"That was a flat wicket and it took a special knock from Kevin to get us ahead of the game.
"It was one of the best innings I've ever seen. The guy is class, it's a joy to watch him play.
"I'm really pleased he didn't just get a big hundred, he got 350. He's a fantastic player, the best I've seen."
Leicestershire head coach Andrew McDonald:
"There was a lot of fight from the players over the last couple of days and a lot of them batted for a good amount of time.
"Every batsman set out to occupy the crease and, in the end, we just fell short.
"But the players tried their backsides off and all I will say is that we have got to start winning the key moments in games."


Before the tournament started it had been built up as the tightest Six Nations in recent memory.
And after the first round of matches there is only a total of eight points separating the six sides over the three games.
Eddie Jones began life in charge of England with a 15-9 win over Scotland, France scraped a 23-21 victory against Italy, before Wales fought back from 13-0 down to earn a 16-16 draw against last year's winners Ireland.
How will the four home nations look back on a weekend of narrow margins and tightrope tension?
In the build-up to the Six Nations, Wales backs coach Rob Howley was saying how they have been trying to learn the lessons from the World Cup and particularly that period when they failed to punish an Australia side that were down to 13 men in the pool stages.
They were noticeably more expansive against Ireland than they have been in previous years. They were less predictable in attack, while keeping the ferocious defence that has been their hallmark.
Number eight Taulupe Faletau could really benefit if it is a change in style that Wales stick with. I'm a great admirer of his, but in previous seasons he has been a little restricted by Wales' gameplan. He is athletic, his footwork is superb, he is strong and aggressive in defence and he will flourish in a more ambitious Wales side.
I can't wait to see him in this tournament, then test himself against Kieran Read when they tour New Zealand in the summer, before he finally arrives at my old club Bath.
Media playback is not supported on this device
Jamie Roberts was also impressive. The 29-year-old has reached that stage, approaching your 30s, where you appreciate how lucky you are to have the career you have and also become aware that it won't last forever. That inspires you to work even harder and push to really maximise your talent.
He has had a strange first half to the season - playing student rugby for Cambridge and studying - and I think that has refreshed him mentally and physically.
If Wales lose fly-half Dan Biggar to injury for a time you know what you are going to miss: a high percentage return from your goal kicking, his excellence under the high ball - particularly chasing his own kicks - and a continuity in attack.
Rhys Priestland is certainly capable of delivering the same excellent kicking and I don't think you are losing much in attack. Both players are excellent distributors but don't make breaks regularly.
It was a frustrating result for Ireland - who had a clear opportunity to win the game and failed to do so having taken a 13-0 lead.
However, the intensity of the match meant that there would inevitably be ebbs and flows. Neither side could keep up the pace that they set themselves in their best periods, especially considering it was the opening game of the tournament.
Ireland were missing some world-class players in Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony and Rob Kearney, and they can take consolation that they emerged unbeaten from a match that was of a higher quality than the other two on the opening weekend.
If O'Brien especially is fit for next week they will be licking their lips with the chance of getting their teeth stuck into a France pack that looked pedestrian against Italy.
I don't think we have seen too much difference in England's play just yet after Eddie Jones taking over as coach. He's only had a couple of weeks or so with the players so it is far too early.
What we have seen is a difference in leadership and presentation. He is very direct in news conferences - he does not um and ah over words - and his players are clearly in no doubt about what he wants from them. And I don't think he will stand for too many poor performances from any individual before they are gone.
George Kruis made an immediate good impression and was vying with Billy Vunipola for man of the match.
Media playback is not supported on this device
The Saracens lock was impressive in the line-out - winning the ball nine times including one steal - made 16 tackles - only two less than open-side flanker James Haskell, and took his try well too.
He left his mark on the game and the Scottish players.
The exciting thing about number eight Billy Vunipola is not just the high level of his performance, but also the room for improvement. He made a team-high 22 carries and was often making yards off a standing start. If he attacks the defence at pace he will be an even more effective player.
The backline, by contrast, did not get too involved. England kicked from hand 41 times - that is a lot. Territory is vital - you have to get it as efficiently as possible and that is often by kicking - but sometimes it was needless and brought on by nerves and inexperience.
Media playback is not supported on this device
What was encouraging was the unstructured heads-up rugby that produced Jack Nowell's try. There was nothing pre-planned in the way that Ford, Farrell, Mako Vunipola and Nowell played off each other. That beautiful offload by Mako Vaunipola would have us all raving if it had been a New Zealand or South Africa prop.
We have yet to see how long a leash Jones has given them to play off the cuff like that, but I feel that they will have permission to go for their lives - just so long as they execute properly.
The stats are kind to Scotland.
When you peruse the figures you see them making lots of tackles - both as a team and individuals - and enjoying enough territory and possession to win games, but consistently they are failing to do so.
And that is because they are making their mistakes in the areas and periods of the game that matter most - that is something that the stats don't show so easily. Scotland make critical mistakes at vital times. There are errors where there needs to be clarity of thought to get over the line and make pressure count.
Coach Vern Cotter said afterwards that they could have won the game but for a few mistakes, but I think behind closed doors he will have given them an earful because it was another missed opportunity.
There was a period between the 14th minute and 38th minute in which they were dominating the game and could have scored two tries, a penalty and a drop-goal. That would have been a serious half-time lead, but their lack of composure and ability to solve the problem in front of them meant most of those points were left out on the pitch rather than on the scoreboard.
I like Mark Bennett and Matt Scott as a centre combination, but wing Tommy Seymour made too many errors and fly-half Finn Russell played like he had the weight of the nation on his shoulders.
Cotter will keep faith with these players. He is right to because they are young and did reasonably well in the World Cup. But he also doesn't have a whole lot of other options.
Jeremy Guscott was talking to BBC Sport's Mike Henson.
Media playback is not supported on this device


Amazon is launching a full online supermarket service in the UK.

From Thursday, Amazon Prime customers in central and east London will be able to order a full weekly shop and get it delivered the same day.
It plans to roll the deliveries out further across the UK, but has not set a specific date.
"We are launching with a comprehensive offer in a limited area and will take our time to hone our service," said Ajay Kavan from AmazonFresh.
That service has been running in the US since 2007.
Can Amazon win over grocery customers?
Amazon UK has so far sold only a very limited amount of fresh food through its Prime Now service. It also sells long-life products such as cereals, pasta and nappies.
According to retail expert Bryan Roberts, from TCC Global, although Thursday's launch is limited to 69 postcodes in London, it will be the last thing the big four grocers - and Ocado - wanted to hear.
"While there is no cast-iron guarantee of success... I'm tempted to believe that we'll look back on today as something of a disruptive game-changer up there with the entry of Aldi and Lidl," he said.
Amazon recently did a deal with Morrisons, making hundreds of products available through its website. This is now being increased and food from other suppliers will also be on offer.
It means that customers will be able to shop from 130,000 products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, at prices which Amazon claims will be more competitive than the main grocers.  It will also offer specialty food from 50 local suppliers.
"Convenience, ultra-competitive pricing and customer service will find favour with urban shoppers and will heap immediate pressure on retailers that do sizeable business in the capital. The model is scalable and the popularity of the Amazon Prime ecosystem around the UK will mean that it will find a receptive audience," said Mr Roberts.
Amazon has built a behemoth around easy, one-stop shopping.
Food is one of its final frontiers and unlike the established players, it does not seem too concerned about profits, in the short term at least. Its focus will be building market share.
"The market has been waiting for the arrival of AmazonFresh for a very long time. There has been endless speculation about what it might entail," said Adam Leyland, editor of the Grocer magazine.
The service will not be free. You have to be a member of Amazon Prime as well as pay a flat fee of Â£6.99 a month.
"In a well established online grocery market like the UK, that's a lot more realistic than the US proposition, with its annual sign-on fee of several hundred dollars," added Mr Leyland.


Bath and England centre Kyle Eastmond has extended his contract with the Premiership club.

Media playback is not supported on this device
The 26-year-old, who last played for his country in November 2014, switched codes in 2011 when he joined Bath from Rugby League side St Helens.
Bath have not disclosed the length of Eastmond's new deal.
"I don't think there are many clubs with such a positive training and playing environment," he told the club website.
"I feel like we've started a really exciting time at Bath."
Head coach Mike Ford added: "Kyle's part of a young backline here that's already achieved some great things, but there is a lot more to come from them."


Having more than 11 moles on one arm indicates a higher-than-average risk of skin cancer or melanoma, research suggests.

Counting moles on the right arm was found to be a good indicator of total moles on the body. More than 100 indicates five times the normal risk.
The study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, used data from 3,000 twins in the UK.
GPs could use the findings to identify those most at risk, it said.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer affecting more than 13,000 people in the UK each year.
It develops from abnormal moles, so the risk of being diagnosed with a melanoma is linked to the number of moles a patient has.
Researchers from King's College London studied a large group of female twins over a period of eight years, collecting information on skin type, freckles and moles on their bodies.
After repeating the exercise on a smaller group of around 400 men and women with melanoma, they came up with a quick and easy way to assess the risk of skin cancer.
Females with more than seven moles on their right arm had nine times the risk of having more than 50 on their whole body.
Those with more than 11 on their right arm were more likely to have more than 100 on their body in total, meaning they were at a higher risk of developing a melanoma.
The findings could help GPs to identify those with an increased risk of developing a melanoma.
Lead author Simone Ribero, of the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology at King's, said: "The findings could have a significant impact for primary care, allowing GPs to more accurately estimate the total number of moles in a patient extremely quickly via an easily accessible body part."
Consultant dermatologist and study co-author Veronique Bataille said if a patient was worried about an abnormal mole and went to see their GP, counting moles on one arm "might ring alarm bells" and highlight those patients who should be seen by a specialist more quickly.
Dr Claire Knight, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said the study findings were helpful, but added that fewer than half of melanomas develop from existing moles.
"It's important to know what's normal for your skin and to tell your doctor about any change in the size, shape, colour or feel of a mole or a normal patch of skin.
"And don't just look at your arms - melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, and is most common on the trunk in men and the legs in women."


South Africa captain Faf du Plessis scored 118 not out before declaring on 259-9 on the first day of the third Test against Australia in Adelaide.

Du Plessis went into the day-night match having been fined for ball-tampering in the second Test, and was booed on his way to the crease.
He responded with a century as wickets fell around him and put the hosts into bat for the day's final 12 overs.
Australia reached 14-0 with the pink ball under lights by the close.
Usman Khawaja had to fill in as opener for David Warner, who was not allowed to bat having spent time off the pitch for treatment to a shoulder injury.
Du Plessis admitted he made his declaration after Warner spoke to the umpires.
"I listened to the conversation he had with the umpires - one ear talking to the batter, one ear listening to him," said Du Plessis.
"And then I heard he had six minutes left before he could bat again so I thought 'let's have a crack'."
The hosts, 2-0 down in the three-match series, had made five changes from the second Test defeat, with batsmen Matthew Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson making their debuts.
Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and bowler Jackson Bird were also recalled and Australia quickly made inroads into the tourists' line-up, with Josh Hazlewood taking 4-68.
Du Plessis stood firm, though, and his declaration was the second lowest in an opening innings of a Test in Australia.
The South Africa captain was fined 100% of his match fee after television footage appeared to show the 32-year-old licking his finger and shining the ball while eating a sweet in the second Test.
Du Plessis pleaded not guilty to the charge and denied any wrongdoing as he claimed he had been made a "scapegoat".
England bowler Chris Woakes, who is in India for the side's ongoing Test series, called the issue a "grey area".
"A lot of people have said I think we all shine the ball in a very similar way," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "You don't try and overstep the rules of the game.
"We all shine the ball, we all try and make the balls move in the air as, otherwise, it'd be a pretty dull game if it didn't.
"I heard Hashim Amla saying about having chewing gum in his mouth and if he is shining the ball is that deemed as cheating? I don't think that is deemed as cheating."
Despite Du Plessis' century, the Adelaide Advertiser preferred to concentrate on Australia's hard-fought 14-0 on their sports pages.
After a series of humiliating collapses, maybe such an achievement should be cheered?
Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.


An unbeaten 95-run partnership between Jack Taylor and Kieran Noema-Barnett guided Gloucestershire to a draw against Sussex at Hove in Division Two.

The visitors declared their first innings on 150-1 before the start of play with the captains eyeing a result.
Harry Finch (74 not out) and Luke Wells (44 not out) scored quickly as Sussex declared on 142-1, a lead of 320.
Gloucestershire were toiling at 88-5 but Taylor (69 not out) and Noema-Barnett (37 not out) saw out the match.
They finished some 109 runs short of the winning line, on 212-6, to deny Sussex fourth win in five County Championship games.
Visiting opener Cameron Bancroft took his maiden first-class wicket in a Sussex innings which was all about building runs for a chase, but a result did not materialise.


England stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches with a goalless draw against France in Doncaster.

Media playback is not supported on this device
The visitors dominated the first half, but England defender Lucy Bronze went closest, heading wide from a free-kick.
France's Sandie Toletti forced Karen Bardsley into a save with a long-range strike, but England failed to work keeper Sarah Bouhaddi.
Toni Duggan had a late goal ruled out for handball for the Lionesses who have not beaten France since 1974.
Mark Sampson's side have not scored against the French in their last four meetings, but can take heart from a solid defensive display, leaving the opposition with limited chances.
England's last defeat came in the SheBelieves Cup in March when they lost 2-1 to Germany. They then went through six Euro 2017 qualifying games without defeat.
Their next friendly match is against Spain in Guadalajara on Tuesday, 25 October.
Former England striker Sue Smith on BBC TV:
"There have been some excellent defensive performances for England but Lucy Bronze was solid, made two excellent recovery blocks and did nothing wrong. Going forward she gave them something else and did not get a pass wrong.
"In the second half, England had the opportunity from Toni Duggan, it was chest at most but the referee thought it hit her hand. They showed patches of good play and when they play France again, they will feel mentally they can beat them.
"These are the games they need to play, the likes of France, Spain and Netherlands. They will give them different problems and can play different personnel in those games to work out the problems."
Match ends, England 0, France 0.
Second Half ends, England 0, France 0.
Corner,  France. Conceded by Demi Stokes.
Substitution, France. Camille Catala replaces Eugénie Le Sommer.
Substitution, England. Toni Duggan replaces Karen Carney.
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Delay in match Sarah Bouhaddi (France) because of an injury.
Karen Carney (England) is shown the yellow card.
Corner,  England. Conceded by Sarah Bouhaddi.
Substitution, France. Delphine Cascarino replaces Kadidiatou Diani.
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Delay in match Kheira Hamraoui (France) because of an injury.
Foul by Kheira Hamraoui (France).
Nikita Parris (England) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Jessica Houara (France).
Karen Carney (England) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Attempt saved. Eugénie Le Sommer (France) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Sandie Toletti.
Offside, France. Sandie Toletti tries a through ball, but Eugénie Le Sommer is caught offside.
Attempt saved. Sandie Toletti (France) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Kadidiatou Diani.
Substitution, France. Clarisse Le Bihan replaces Claire Lavogez.
Substitution, England. Alex Scott replaces Gemma Davison.
Offside, France. Kheira Hamraoui tries a through ball, but Eugénie Le Sommer is caught offside.
Substitution, France. Sandie Toletti replaces Élise Bussaglia.
Offside, England. Stephanie Houghton tries a through ball, but Nikita Parris is caught offside.
Foul by Kheira Hamraoui (France).
Jade Moore (England) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Offside, England. Karen Carney tries a through ball, but Nikita Parris is caught offside.
Wendie Renard (France) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Jill Scott (England).
Foul by Claire Lavogez (France).
Gemma Davison (England) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Substitution, England. Nikita Parris replaces Rachel Daly.
Foul by Eugénie Le Sommer (France).
Jill Scott (England) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Kadidiatou Diani (France) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Jade Moore (England).
Offside, France. Claire Lavogez tries a through ball, but Gaëtane Thiney is caught offside.
Attempt missed. Jade Moore (England) right footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Attempt missed. Kheira Hamraoui (France) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Kadidiatou Diani.
Second Half begins England 0, France 0.


DJ Tony Blackburn has "parted company" with the BBC after failing to fully co-operate with the Jimmy Savile inquiry, director general Tony Hall has said.

Lord Hall said Dame Janet Smith's inquiry had rejected the evidence from the Radio 2 DJ.
The veteran DJ, who has threatened to sue the BBC, said the report included an accusation he was among celebrities who "seduced" a 15-year-old girl.
Mr Blackburn, 73, denies the allegation and says he was cleared of wrongdoing.
In a statement, he accused the BBC of making him a "scapegoat" for its own "cover-up" of abuse.
Dame Janet's report found the BBC had repeatedly failed to stop "monstrous" abuse by DJ Jimmy Savile and broadcaster Stuart Hall because of a "culture of fear".
Lord Hall told a news conference in the wake of the report's publication: "My interpretation is that Tony Blackburn fell short of the standards of evidence that such an inquiry demanded."
He said it was "one of the most important inquiries in the BBC's history and that has put an even greater responsibility on everyone who took part in that inquiry to co-operate fully and to be open".
"So many survivors and witnesses have honestly and openly co-operated fully - and at great personal cost to themselves.
"As Dame Janet has said, she's rejected his evidence and she's explained very clearly why. I have to take that extremely seriously."
BBC 'missed chances to stop abuse' by Savile
BBC bosses 'aware' of Stuart Hall's sex abuse
Dame Janet Smith report: At a glance
Savile report reaction
In his statement released on his Twitter account, Mr Blackburn said the claim made in 1971 was quickly withdrawn.
The girl at the centre of the allegation took her own life later that year.
Who is Tony Blackburn?
The son of a doctor from Guildford, Tony Blackburn was the first DJ to broadcast on Radio 1 when it launched in September 1967. He spent 17 years at the station and also presented Top of the Pops and was a weekly fixture on Noel's House Party. Prior to all that, he had broadcast on Radio Caroline South and then Radio London.
After Radio 1, he was one of the launch presenters on Capital Gold. He has also hosted Radio 2's Pick Of The Pops as well as regular bank holiday specials for the stations. He has also had shows on BBC London 94.9, BBC Radio Berkshire, the Magic network, BBC3CR and KMFM.
In 2002 he won the ITV reality TV programme I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!
Mr Blackburn said that neither Dame Janet's report into Savile, nor the BBC, made any suggestion he was guilty of misconduct with the girl, nor did a coroner's inquest or a subsequent police inquiry.
He says that, during her review, Dame Janet saw BBC records allegedly showing he was interviewed about the girl's diary by a senior BBC executive, Bill Cotton, and by a senior lawyer.
The DJ says he repeatedly told the review that he was never interviewed by either man.
He said in a statement: "They are destroying my career and reputation because my version of events does not tally with theirs."
"Sadly what is happening to me now seems entirely in keeping with the past BBC culture of whitewash and cover-up."
Speaking to the BBC News Channel, Dame Janet said both Bill Cotton and the senior lawyer said they had had conversations with the DJ.
"[He] told me that no such conversation had taken place and this was not a lapse of memory on his part. They simply had not taken place and I rejected that evidence," she said.
Fellow radio and TV personalities have backed Mr Blackburn on Twitter.
Christine Hamilton, who spent two weeks in the Australian jungle with Mr Blackburn on the first series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, tweeted: "The BBC should be ashamed of themselves for sacking Tony Blackburn. Massive overreaction after lamentable failure over Savile and Hall."
TV's Piers Morgan tweeted: "Fewer nicer guys in showbusiness than @tonyblackburn. BBC treatment of him after 50yrs of brilliant broadcasting is outrageous."
Comedian Danny Wallace tweeted: "I know @tonyblackburn, and as far as I can tell, every bone in his body is decent."
Tony Blackburn responded on Twitter, saying he was "overwhelmed and humbled" by the support from fellow broadcasters and listeners.


A technologist has 'hacked' the exterior of BBC's Old Broadcasting House building to use its plaque as a musical instrument.

14 October 2015 Last updated at 15:04 BST
Bruno Zamborlin is the brains behind Mogees - a vibration sensor and associated app that can make music out of any surface thin enough to resonate when it is tapped.
Watch his stunt in the video above and listen to BBC World Service's Click to hear him explain more.


Sale Sharks scrum-half Peter Stringer has targeted playing at the top level past the age of 40.

The former Ireland number nine turns 39 on 13 December and if he did earn a new deal with Sale, he would be playing Premiership rugby at 40 next season.
Stringer, who won 98 caps for his country, joined the Sharks last season after spells at Munster, Saracens, Newcastle and Bath.
"It is a landmark, but it is only next year," Stringer told Rugby Union Extra.
"I genuinely feel as I did 10 years ago. I still enjoy the training and playing so as long as the body and mind are in sync I shall keep going as long as I can."
Stringer puts his longevity down to never drinking alcohol, his lifestyle and enjoying keeping fit.
"It's diet, it's sleep, it's everything," he added. "It's is probably since moving to the UK and getting that shock at Munster of not being involved in the matchday squad and I suppose people writing you off.
"Coming over here and getting a new lease of life and realising that whatever number of years I do have left in the game, I want to give myself every opportunity to be at the top."
Stringer also spoke to BBC Radio Manchester for the first time since the sudden death of his Munster captain and friend Anthony Foley last month.
Five days after he passed, Stringer started in Sale's 15-5 loss to the Champions Cup loss to Toulon on a personally emotional night at AJ Bell Stadium.
"Anthony is a guy who would not have wanted me to sit at home and keep my head down - it was a matter of getting on the field," he said
"I'm glad I played against Toulon and it then it hit me when the final whistle went and I was sat in the changing room.
"On the field this guy was just a sensational player, one of the brightest I've ever come across on a rugby field."


The National Hockey League (NHL) has reached a provisional agreement with players to end a near four-month lockout that had threatened to wipe out the whole season.

After 16-hours of negotiations, the two parties agreed a "framework", which still needs final approval.
"We have to dot a lot of i's and cross a lot of t's," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
The two sides are in dispute over how to split $3.3bn (Â£2.1bn) in revenue.
"There is still a lot of work to be done, but the basic framework has been agreed upon," Mr Bettman said.
"We have to go through a ratification process and the Board of Governors has to approve it from the League side and, obviously, the players have to approve it as well."
He said a decision about when to restart games had not been agreed.
The US and Canadian league locked the players out in mid-September, a month before the season was due to begin.
The work stoppage is the fourth in 20 years for the NHL. A previous union dispute saw the entire 2004-2005 season cancelled.


Ulster Rugby have announced that they will erect a memorial to Anthony Foley in the away changing room at Kingspan Stadium.

The 42-year-old Munster head coach died suddenly in Paris on Saturday ahead of a European Champions Cup game.
It is a reciprocal gesture following the death of Ulster player Nevin Spence in 2012.
Munster erected a plaque commemorating Spence at Thomond Park, their home ground in Limerick.
It has not been confirmed what form of memorial will be made by Ulster.
"Anthony Foley was a magnificent rugby player and a magnificent human being," said Ulster CEO Shane Logan.
"We extend our condolences to his family and all in Munster rugby.
"Munster were superb when Nevin Spence died - they did us the great tribute of placing a permanent memorial to Nevin in their away changing room.
"We would like to reciprocate for Munster."
Munster's European Champions Cup game against Racing 92 was postponed following the former Ireland international's death.
Media playback is not supported on this device
Foley captained Munster to Heineken Cup success in 2006 and won 62 caps for Ireland.
He was forwards coach with Munster, and for a short period in 2012 with Ireland, before becoming head coach of the Irish province in 2014.
Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss worked with Foley during their respective backroom stints with the Ireland squad.
"It's a hard thing to sink in. Axel Foley, a legend of Munster and Irish rugby," said Kiss.
"A good friend and great coach. I loved working with him. To think I'm not going to see you again is surreal. I can't believe it."
Ulster centre Spence was just 22 when he died in a farming accident along with his father and brother.


A player who will later be deemed good enough for professional football will surely have no trouble getting into a university team, right?

Well, not if you are Tom Meechan.
As a fresh-faced teen new to the University of Birmingham, the striker turned up to mass football try-outs where, no matter how terrible you are, if you pay a fiver you can take a punt at joining one of the university's official teams.
But, drowned out in a sea of mediocrity and hangovers, he failed to make the cut and was not asked back.
Wind the clock forward a few years and the 25-year-old has just joined League Two side Newport County.
"I should think some of them will probably be quite surprised," Meechan said of those that missed him at that trial.
Eventually, at another trial at Christmas, the sports and exercise science student smashed in a volley to make his seniors sit up and take notice - but only so much for the third team.
His goals helped them win the title, but he never made the step up any higher than the second team.
"We always said 'how is Tom Meechan not playing for the first team?'," said former team-mate Sam Brown.
"No matter what level you play at, if you have the ability to score, that counts. Tom always scored, he never missed one-on-ones, he anticipated the ball well, he's so quick and he's just got a natural eye for goal."
At most universities, there will always be a handful of people that have dropped out of professional teams' academies.
One of Meechan's contemporaries was former Arsenal schoolboy Christian Burgess, who was picked up by Middlesbrough while studying for a history degree and now plays for Portsmouth, in the same division as Newport.
Names like the Gunners on your CV will certainly help your reputation when it comes to choosing which team you will play for, but Brown added the team's success may have also held him back.
"We just got in such a natural rhythm of scoring that it probably was that we didn't really want to let him go to the first team," he said.
And how does Meechan think he would have done if given a chance in the first team?
"I scored quite a few goals for the second and third team, but never really had a chance to play in the first team," he said. "I think if I had, I'd have done alright."
After finishing his degree, he did a PGCE conversion course to become a high school maths teacher in Cambridgeshire, where he combined his work with a fledgling non-league football career for Godmanchester Rovers, St Ives Town and St Neots.
"To start a teaching career is quite hectic," he said. "Training during my PGCE year and being first year as a teacher, it was quite difficult to juggle playing football at the same time, with all the travelling and everything involved in that.
"I think I will miss teaching, I did really enjoy it, but it's too good an opportunity to turn down to become a footballer."
After Meechan scored a staggering 53 goals in a season for Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division side Godmanchester, he moved to seventh-tier club St Neots.
Despite the step up, again his goalscoring record - a division-leading 21 - caught the attention of Football League clubs and, amid interest from other teams, he joined Warren Feeney's Newport.
Meechan's move has a few shades of Conor Washington in it, to say the least.
Washington joined the Exiles from one of Meechan's former clubs, St Ives, albeit at a younger age, before moving to Peterborough and then being sold to Championship side QPR for a reported £2.5m.
"It's obviously a similar story, particularly with Conor being from the same area," said Meechan.
"One of the pulls of joining Newport was their ability to develop players and some have gone on to bigger clubs from there.
"It's a bit surreal at the moment going into training every day and just living the life of a footballer. It's very different to what I was used to.
"It's a huge step going three leagues up halfway through the season. So for the rest of the season, I'm just going to go into training, work hard and see what happens from there.
"Hopefully I can repay the faith Newport have shown in me when they purchased me."
That is faith that the University of Birmingham first team probably wish they had had.


Two people shot dead at a north London flat have been named locally as a mother of nine and her nephew.

They were found wounded at a property in Elmshurst Crescent, East Finchley at about 06:25 BST.
The Metropolitan Police named the two victims  - said to have moved to the UK from Congo in central Africa - as Anny Ekofo, 52, and her nephew Bervil Ekofo, 21.
Mr Ekofo's mother said she had lost her "life" and her "best friend".
Maymie Botamba said: "He was my life, they have taken my life away. He was my best friend.
"He was so lovely and kind to everyone, always surrounded by girls. He had never been in trouble before, he had never been in a fight in his life."
The Met's homicide and major crime command unit is investigating.
Mrs Ekofo's cousin, Fifi Selo, said the family was in shock and "cannot explain what happened".
"They were an amazing family. Anny was the kind of person who was a mum to everybody. She always brought everybody together."
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Local resident Lizzy Holsgrove said: "About 20 police cars and four or five paramedic cars, and three ambulances sped past my window.
"They cordoned off the street very quickly and police were sprinting from the top of the road where they'd stopped.
"There had been screaming before the police arrived."


A man who has spent 25 years trying to solve the Loch Ness Monster mystery has been honoured with a tourism award.

Steve Feltham had hoped to complete his challenge in three years after giving up his job and selling his home in Dorset to move to Dores near Inverness.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of his effort to explain sightings of Nessie.
He has been named Ambassador of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards.
Mr Feltham, who continues to search for the monster, said: "Winning this award makes me realise that what I've been doing for two and a half decades doesn't just make my heart sing, it has a knock-on effect for the tourism industry in the Highlands of Scotland."
He has previously been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Record for the longest continuous vigil hunting for the Loch Ness Monster.


An eight-year-old boy who wrote an apology note to a library, for accidentally ripping a comic book, has been rewarded for his honesty.

Media playback is unsupported on your device
21 August 2015 Last updated at 16:07 BST
Jackson made headlines across Canada and the U.S. after the Toronto Public Library shared the note he had tucked into the pages of a comic book he had damaged.
The note said: "I am sorry that a page ripped when it fell out of my bunk when I fell asleep reading. It won't happen again. I'm sorry, from Jackson."
A library worker found the note and shared it on social media.
With thanks to CBC News, Toronto


A law giving people rights to access services in Welsh is "too complicated" and will be reviewed, Welsh language minister Alun Davies told BBC Wales.

The Welsh language standards came into force in 2016, requiring councils, national parks and the Welsh Government to provide some services bilingually.
The review was welcomed by Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws.
But she said budget cuts had been a blow to her work promoting the language, and had "broken her heart".
The language standards include placing a duty on bodies to make it clear that they welcome correspondence with the public in Welsh and giving the language priority on bilingual signs.
Many bodies have complained about the cost and complexity of the regulations.
Mr Davies told the Newyddion 9 programme: "I think we always need to review how policy is being implemented - is it delivering its ambition?
"I hope in the next few months to issue a white paper which will review the issue of Welsh language standards as part of a wider review of Welsh language policy.
"When I look at the standards I can see they are having an impact within public bodies that deliver services in Welsh but I also see complications.
"They can be too complicated at times, both the process of designing and implementing."
Creating the standards became the responsibility of the Welsh Government in 2014 after an initial attempt by Ms Huws was heavily criticised.
The then language minister Leighton Andrews said her recommendations had been too complicated and the impact on the organisations involved had not been considered sufficiently.
On Thursday, Ms Huws said both she and the minister agreed they were working with "cumbersome" legislation.
"It focuses on process rather than outcomes and I believe now is the right time to review."
She added: "It is fair to say that the cuts we have faced over the last three years have not helped in terms of our work in promoting the language.
"It has been a blow and has broken my heart."
The language commissioner's budget has fallen by a quarter in money terms since 2013, to just over Â£3m.
The reduction is around 32% after inflation is taken into account.


A few years ago, it was difficult to browse the web without coming across a site using Flash.

13 November 2015 Last updated at 00:05 GMT
Released in 1996, the browser plug-in enabled animations, interactivity and streaming video on what was a largely static web.
But the software has been plagued by security problems, and has been criticised for affecting computer performance and battery life.
Now many experts say the media plug-in's days are numbered. Watch the video to find out more.


Labour has pledged to fight animal cruelty by measures including a ban on wild animals in circuses and ending the "inhumane and ineffective" badger cull.

The policies, unveiled ten years after the ban on hunting with dogs in England and Wales, include a vow to reduce cruelty on shooting estates.
Labour also promised to defend the Hunting Act, saying the Conservatives might legalise hunting with dogs.
The Tories are committed to a free vote on the issue in the next Parliament.
Shadow environment secretary Maria Eagle said: "The last Labour government achieved much to end the cruel and unnecessary suffering of animals: the banning of hunting with dogs, securing an end to cosmetic testing on animals, banning fur farming and introducing the Animal Welfare Act.
"The next Labour government will continue to lead the way on animal welfare, starting with six key commitments that build on our previous achievements at home and abroad."
Labour pledged to:
Further details of the policies have not yet been released.
Party leader Ed Miliband said: "Our Labour values tell us that we have a moral duty to treat the animals we share our planet with in a humane and compassionate way.
"No other major political party has such a proven track record of decisive action for animals at home, on farms and in the wild."
Claire Bass, of Humane Society International, said: "We urge all parties to make acting for animals a priority, and encourage voters to ask their candidates for their views on animal welfare."
The 2010 Conservative manifesto said the Hunting Act was "unworkable" and promised a free vote by MPs on its repeal.
The party says it remains committed to this if it wins a parliamentary majority in May.


Many tributes have been paid to boxer Mike Towell who has died in hospital after being seriously injured in a bout on Thursday.

The 25-year-old from Dundee is only the third professional boxer to die in the UK from apparently fight-related injuries in the past 21 years.
St Andrew's Sporting Club  confirmed Towell's death in a tweet on Saturday morning.
Other tributes have been paid to the fighter on social media including an emotional post on Facebook from Towell's partner, describing her heartbreak at the loss of her "annoying best friend".
On Twitter, retired boxer Audley Harrison wrote that it was "sad news", and that he was "sending love and light to his family".
WBO world middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders said "people need to understand boxing is not a game"
Fellow Scottish boxing professiongal Charlie Flynn said it was "hard to believe" what had happened.
Another professional boxer Tony Bellew said what boxers risk "every time we step through them ropes" had been highlighted again.
A fundraising page on the website JustGiving has been set up by former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton.
It quickly attracted more than Â£10,000 of donations on social media.  The page hopes to raise Â£20,000 for Towell's family and young son Rocco.


Kristen Stewart has become the first US actress to win a Cesar award, the French equivalent of the Oscars.

She got a best supporting actress gong for her role in film drama Clouds of Sils Maria.
The big winner of the night was Timbuktu, which won seven awards including best film and director.
It depicts life in northern Mali under the control of Islamist militants, and is competing for best foreign film at Sunday's Oscars.
Accepting the prize, Stewart shouted "I love you Juliette" in French to her co-star Juliette Binoche.
She later paid tribute to French filmmakers.
"The reasons why people make films here in France are very different from the reasons why people make movies in Hollywood and I prefer it here a little bit," she told Variety.
There also was recognition for another American actor, Sean Penn, who got a lifetime achievement award.
In his acceptance speech, Timbuktu director Abderrahmane Sissako called France a "magnificent country" for its response to the deadly Islamist attacks last month.
"There is no clash of civilisations. There is a meeting of civilisations," he said.


The pay cap on NHS staff must be lifted because it puts patient safety at risk, NHS bosses say.

NHS Providers said the cap, which limits pay rises to 1% a year to 2019, was causing severe recruitment and retention problems in England.
The body, which represents NHS trusts in England, said the next government must look at the issue immediately.
Labour says it would look to increase pay, but the Tories and Lib Dems have not yet set out any pay plans.
Labour wants to increase pay so it better reflects the cost of living, but has not said by how much.
Over the weekend the Lib Dems did announce they would  increase income tax by a penny-in-the-pound to boost investment in the NHS.
Last year the Public Accounts Committee warned that the NHS in England was 50,000 people short of the front-line staff it needed - about 6% of the workforce.
NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson said his members were now worried the situation was so bad that services were at risk.
"Growing problems of recruitment and retention are making it harder for trusts to ensure patient safety," he said. "Unsustainable staffing gaps are quickly opening up."
He said the seven years of pay restraint, combined with stressful working conditions, had taken a toll on the workforce.
"Pay is becoming uncompetitive," added Mr Hopson. "Significant numbers of trusts say lower paid staff are leaving to stack shelves in supermarkets rather than carry on working in the NHS."
He added that uncertainty surrounding Brexit meant that "vital recruitment from EU countries is dropping rapidly", saying: "Pay restraint must end."
While NHS Providers represents only English hospital, ambulance and mental health trusts, any move on the pay cap would have implications elsewhere as pay recommendations are made on a UK-wide basis.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is polling its members on whether they should strike over the pay cap.
It says a combination of pay freezes and caps on pay rises since 2010 have, in effect, led to a 14% pay cut due to the rising cost of living.
RCN general secretary Janet Davies said: "The government cannot ignore this warning from hospital bosses - poor pay for NHS staff damages patient care.
"If it now pays more to stack supermarket shelves than work on the wards, ministers should hang their heads in shame."
Lib Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb refused to be drawn on whether his party would increase pay.
But he accused the Tories of "running the health service into the ground".
A Conservative party spokesman said: "The truth is that in order to continue to invest in the NHS, grow staff numbers and pay and improve patient care, we need to secure the economic progress we've made and get a good Brexit deal.
"That is only on offer at this election with the strong and stable leadership of Theresa May."
Every 1% increase in pay would cost about Â£500m.
Get news from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning


Syrians in the besieged Old City of Homs are now so desperate for food that they are eating "anything that comes out of the ground, plants, even grass", resident Baibars Altalawy has told the BBC.

Mr Altalawy, 24, described life in parts of Homs under government siege for over a year-and-a-half.
He said those under siege had had to rely on supplies of food, medicines and fuel left over from the time the siege was imposed - and they had now run out.
"If we don't die from bombardment or snipers, we die of hunger or the cold," he told the BBC via Skype from Homs.
Mr Altalawy said those under siege were desperate for peace talks in Geneva to result in safe routes out - but said that if the regime really wanted to help them, it would have done so already.
There are 13 districts, including the ancient Old City, which are "totally under siege", he said.
"There are families, women, elderly, injured people, and a lot of the elderly are in need of medicines because they have chronic illnesses.
"There has been no help arriving to us, all we see is daily clashes. The rebel fighters who are in the besieged areas are doing all they can to stop the regime forces from entering."
"We are now eating anything that comes out of the ground, plants, even grass. We pick it, then cook it with some water using wood because we have no gas...
"These shrubs and grass that we're eating causes illnesses, such as indigestion and fever. A few days ago an elderly man died within six hours from eating the grass and shrubs."
The unrelenting bombardment to which the besieged are subjected is also a cause of great suffering, with the regime forces "directly targeting civilian populated areas", Mr Altalawy told the BBC.
"Many have died because we don't have the equipment or medicines to save their lives. What little medicine we have has expired, but we have to use it.
"The medical situation is no better than the humanitarian situation. When a person is injured, all we can do is pray to God to alleviate his pain because we can't treat him or even give him food," Mr Altalawy said.
As well as those under siege, 700,000 people had been displaced by the siege, the journalist said - many living in public buildings and tents outside the area under siege, waiting for the right conditions to return to their homes.
Mr Altalawy said the people were desperate for a good outcome from talks under way in Geneva, but had little hope they would get it.
He said the government was simply engaging in "political manoeuvres", and if they had wanted to establish safe routes out for civilians or allow food in, they would have done so already.
"We are on the edge of death, and there is no way to get the injured or sick out. And anyone who tries to escape the siege, we know that he will be killed for sure."


Four men have been arrested in Newtownards, County Down, in connection with a fake banknotes investigation.

Police said a number of charities and businesses in counties Down and Armagh were targeted by men passing counterfeit Â£20 notes on Thursday.
It involved premises in Banbridge, Dromore, Ballynahinch, Moira and Newtownhamilton.
Four men, aged 20, 22, 31 and 45, were arrested on suspicion of fraud in Newtownards town centre.
They were detained when officers on patrol in High Street stopped a black vehicle after they noticed "suspicious" activity.
The men are currently assisting police with their inquiries.


Two days after the ancient city of Nimrud was retaken by Iraqi forces, the BBC's Richard Galpin was one of the first people to witness the scale of the devastation left behind by so-called Islamic State (IS).

Sheikh Ali Mohammad Hussain Albyati grew up in a village close to the famed archaeological site of Nimrud in northern Iraq.
The remains of the ancient Assyrian city, which 3,000 years ago was the capital of what is thought to have been the world's first empire, formed the backdrop to his childhood.
On Tuesday, he returned to the site for the first time since IS were finally pushed out by the Iraqi army, having held it for more than two years.
We stood next to a pile of smashed statues and the rubble of the King's Palace, dynamited and bulldozed by the militants.
"Ninety-five per cent of the site has been destroyed," he said. "I spent my childhood here and I'm very sad about what I've seen. Sometimes we feel that the ruins are more important to us than our own lives, our souls and our children."
In almost every direction we looked there was destruction.
A few hundred metres from the entrance to the palace lay a strangely tidy mound of earth.
It was all that was left of a tower, or Ziggurat, which had overlooked the ancient city ruins.
"It used to be 50 metres high, now it is just 10 metres or even less," he said.
According to Sheikh Ali and villagers we had spoken to earlier, IS militants used bulldozers to demolish the tower last month.
When we made a closer inspection of the smashed pile of statues, we found intricate cuneiform writing carved into the stone as well as depictions of animals.
These were the precious winged bulls which had guarded the palace entrance and stood as symbols of the strength and culture of the Assyrian empire when it was at the height of its powers.
The human head, body of a bull and wings of an eagle represented wisdom, strength and sight.
Sheikh Ali is involved in the battles to regain control of Nimrud district from IS after recently becoming a commander in the tribal forces fighting alongside the Iraqi army in the current offensive targeting the militants' last strongholds in the country.
One of his motivations for joining up was to try to save the archaeological site, but to no avail.
"We should have arrived in the first six months [after IS took control]," he said, "but the political facts and lack of military means, led us to arrive so late.  However, better late than never."
The site lies on a hill with a magnificent view overlooking the local villages and dry, dusty plains not far from the eastern bank of the river Tigris.
To stand there is to sense the power of the ancient Assyrian city, the heart of an empire which stretched across the Middle East from Turkey to Egypt.
But IS wanted to eradicate it, to erase Iraq's history, and they have gone a very long way towards achieving that goal.
But already there are calls for teams of experts to travel to the area once it is safe enough, to assess what can be done to save a precious part of the region's ancient history.
Something will still be salvaged from the destruction, not everything is lost.


The Scottish government has published its proposals for strengthening BBC Scotland.

It said its suggestions would help the BBC deliver "better, more representative content" for Scottish audiences.
They included calls for a decentralised BBC structure, with BBC Scotland given greater control over budgets and commissioning.
It also proposes a new Scottish-focused version of the Six O'clock News.
And it has called for the creation of a new Scottish TV and radio channel.
The paper also called for a semi-autonomous Scottish board to be created to hold BBC Scotland to account. The board would itself be accountable to the Scottish Parliament.
The policy paper will feed into the BBC's charter renewal process, in which the Scottish government has been given a formal role for the first time.
The Scottish government wants broadcasting policy to be fully devolved to Holyrood and sees charter renewal as a stepping-stone towards this ambition.
It also wants more support for Scottish independent producers to take their content to the global market, and for Gaelic channel BBC Alba to receive the same levels of in-house programming as the Welsh language channel S4C.
BBC director general Tony Hall told MSPs last month that the corporation accepted it was "time to make changes" to how its news services covered Scotland.
£323m
Licence fee generated in Scotland
£123m - Scottish-only output spend
£82m - Scottish-made network output
£132.5m - UK programmes and services available to Scotland
A BBC spokesman said audiences across Scotland get "excellent value" from the BBC, and were some of the highest users of its services.
He added: "We welcome the Scottish government's contribution to the Charter Review debate and look forward to further discussions with them about how to provide the best possible service to Scottish licence fee payers.
"However, as the report notes, the financial constraints on the BBC will see the corporation having to make close to 20% savings over the next few years."
The Scottish government stressed it was "very strongly committed to the editorial independence of the BBC".
But it said it had requested that BBC Scotland be given editorial control "to ensure that appropriate editorial decisions can be made, in particular in relation to news and current affairs which accurately reflect the impact of issues in Scotland".
The policy paper stated: "In the period following the referendum on Scottish independence, there has been detailed scrutiny of the news and current affairs coverage in Scotland.
"A common thread through this discussion has been the assertion that the current coverage of both national and international news and current affairs by BBC Scotland is insufficient in both scope, scale and quality of output, with audience satisfaction figures at little more than 50%.
"A more comprehensive approach to news with a greater voice for Scottish journalists on Scottish issues in the UK network as well as on national and international stories for the Scottish network cannot now be resisted and is a change which does not require changes in the charter."
It said the recent appointment of a new Head of News in Scotland was a "welcome first step".
But it said there needed to be a "more fundamental consideration" by the BBC of how it ensures that national and network news is able to cover stories from within and outwith Scotland, and "make best use of our journalistic talent to better reflect the views of audiences."
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said full control of the licence fee money raised in Scotland could deliver up to an additional £100m of investment in Scotland's creative sector every year, which she said could support an extra 1,500 jobs and contribute up to an additional £60m to Scotland's economy.
Find out more about Charter Renewal


A sheep's head, a prosthetic leg and a ferret are among the strangest gifts people have given to charities.

The items, which feature in a top 10 list of strange donations, were given to charities including Oxfam and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The list, which was compiled by the Charities Aid Foundation, also includes a ventriloquist dummy and two canaries.
The donations have either been left at charity shops or bequeathed as legacies.
Other goods included a Victoria Cross and a Doulton Faience ceramic vase, which was spotted by valuers working for Oxfam.
Known as a moon flask because of its shape, the Doulton Faience vase was given to one of the charity's High Street shops.
The piece - dated circa 1890 - sold for Â£2,400 at auction in June 2016.
Joanna Walker, head of private clients at CAF, said: "People's generous and unusual donations make charity shops and websites an amazing source of items to buy, helping people personalise their homes and supporting thousands of vital causes in the process."


The yes result in the same-sex marriage referendum in the Republic of Ireland has led to calls for its introduction in Northern Ireland.

More than 62% voted for same-sex marriage - almost 38% were against it.
A mass rally in support of same-sex marriage is due to be held in Belfast next month.
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International, said the referendum result was an endorsement of equality for all citizens in the Republic.
"That elation is tempered by the realisation that here it is business as normal," he said.
"It is discrimination as usual in Northern Ireland for same-sex couples, for gay people.
"This is now the one region in the UK and Ireland where gay people are not allowed to get married."
The former moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Dr Norman Hamilton, said he believed legalising same-sex marriage would be resisted in Northern Ireland in the immediate future.
"I can't see the Presbyterian Church or, indeed, any of the other Churches changing our fundamental position on same sex marriage in that we do regard marriage as being exclusively between a man and a woman," he said.
"But if there were changes to be made, then I would want to urge that they are made by the legislators rather than by the courts."
DUP MLA Peter Weir said he did not see the need for a referendum in Northern Ireland.
"We are defending the role of traditional marriage," he said.
"This is an issue that has been debated on four occasions in the assembly and, on each occasion, it has been rejected by the majority of assembly members.
"We believe that the traditional marriage definition is correct one. We would be concerned about the impact on Churches.
"We don't really run social policy in this country by way of referendum."
CaitrÃona Ruane, Sinn FÃ©in, said Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty was "absolutely right".
"I was part of the campaign in the south over the last number of weeks. There was a real conversation across family tables amongst the young and old.
"For the first time my LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) friends felt part of the conversation. An overwhelming population in the south voted for it - they voted yes for equality.
"If we do not legislate I have no doubt there will be a legal case  on discrimination."
The first gay marriages are likely to take place in the Republic of Ireland in early autumn.
On Sunday, one of Ireland's most senior Catholic clerics called for the Church to take a "reality check" following the country's overwhelming vote,
Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, said the Church in Ireland needed to reconnect with young people.
The archbishop told the Irish broadcaster RTÃ‰: "We [the Church] have to stop and have a reality check, not move into denial of the realities.
"I appreciate how gay and lesbian men and women feel on this day. That they feel this is something that is enriching the way they live. I think it is a social revolution."
In total, 1,201,607 people voted in favour of same-sex marriage, while 734,300 voted against.
Same-sex marriage is now legal in 20 countries worldwide.


UK satellite telecommunications company Inmarsat has announced a nine-figure investment to boost broadband connectivity in aeroplanes over Europe.

The London-based firm will link aircraft to the internet via cellphone towers on the ground that have been modified to point skywards.
A new spacecraft will augment the system, ensuring passengers experience an unbroken onboard wi-fi service.
Inmarsat says its hybrid network will also support a range of other services.
These are likely to include high-resilience communications that can be used by government agencies in security situations or in disaster response.
For the in-flight application, British Airways is in advanced discussions to be a launch customer.
It will be hoping that the ability to drive connections through a ground tower-infrastructure, rather than just through a traditional satellite network, can increase dramatically the capacity of those connections while at the same time substantially reducing the cost of the wi-fi tariffs offered to passengers.
Inmarsat, whose role in the search for the lost Malaysian jet MH370 has brought it international prominence, is Britain's biggest space company.
It is currently in the process of rolling out its Â£1bn ($1.6bn) next-generation mobile satellite communications network called Global Xpress.
This is a series of big spacecraft that are being placed around the planet to provide connectivity to customers in remote locations.
These will include ships at sea, oil and gas installations, deployed armed-forces, aid agencies in disaster areas, and TV news crews reporting from trouble zones.
It will also include aeroplanes, but the project announced on Thursday will be a very different proposition - geographically, because it is restricted to Europe; and technically, because of its use of cell towers.
This so-called "air-to-ground" architecture mirrors the approach taken by GoGo in the US, which has been providing in-flight broadband internet to commercial jet liners since 2008. AT&T is now developing a rival system in North America.
Inmarsat is expecting first-mover advantage as it seeks to bring a hybrid, satellite/air-to-ground system to Europe.
It is able to do this because it has access to the necessary tranche of radio frequencies.
These are in the S-band. The European Commission granted Inmarsat a licence to operate in this part of the spectrum in 2009, and it has been looking for the right business opportunity ever since.
"The ability to deploy terrestrial technology to serve aeroplanes gives you dramatic capacity and cost-per-bit advantages [over traditional satellite only services]," explained Rupert Pearce, the CEO of Inmarsat.
"We can deliver over 40 gigabits per second across an air-to-ground network in Europe. That translates to incredible capacity, so the whole plane can get out their device and start furiously using the internet. We've seen American consumers taking to the GoGo experience in droves - they love being connected on aircraft, and they get a really rich experience at a decent cost," he told BBC News.
The new satellite that forms part of the integrated network will be called Europasat. Its construction cost will be shared by another, but non-competing operator, Hellas-Sat, who will use the platform to deliver TV to homes.  The manufacturer will be Thales Alenia Space and it should be ready for launch in 2016.
Inmarsat says that planes using the S-band satellite/ground-to-air network will be switched to Global Xpress seamlessly when they leave European airspace.
Of all Inmarsat's revenue streams, aero services are currently growing fastest - in double digits. Market-watchers expect that trend to continue.
Inmarsat's total outlay for the new network, it told investors, is likely to be near Â£450m.
Its confidence will be seen as further proof of the health of the UK space sector.
Government ministers have identified satellites as one of the "eight great technologies" that can help rebalance and grow the economy.
They have committed to put in place the absolute best conditions to enable large, medium and small-sized space companies to flourish.
Government and industry have challenged themselves to build a sector that is exporting products and services that are valued at Â£25bn per year by 2030.
Science and space minister David Willetts said: "I am delighted that UK-based Inmarsat is leading the creation of a network to provide airline passengers with in-flight wi-fi.
"Today's announcement is an important investment in new infrastructure that will promote productivity and growth in the UK and across Europe. I welcome the fact that this service has been enabled by the EU's approach to harmonising the necessary spectrum across EU member states.
"This approach enables companies to build business cases that can deliver Pan-European benefits".
Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET@bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter: @BBCAmos


Team GB rower Graeme Thomas says there is no reason why he and the men's quadruple sculls team cannot win gold at the Olympic Games.

Thomas, 27, was selected to be part of the quadruple sculls (M4x) team that will travel to Rio this summer.
"I've got very high hopes for this boat and it's proven all the time, we're kind of trailblazers," Thomas said.
"We've got a lot of ambition. We want to be the first GB quadruple skulls to medal at an Olympic Games."
"There's absolutely no reason why that can't be a gold medal."
Thomas missed out on qualification for the London 2012 Olympics but used the experience to spur him on to Rio qualification.
"When I signed up to the GB rowing start programme, I definitely had my eyes set on London but it was 2009 and they were already a year into a four-year Olympic cycle," he told BBC Wales Sport.
"In the end I only missed out by a second on going to London which is a pretty fine margin given the timeframe.
"It's made me tougher, it's made me realise what's actually on the line here to go and race and compete for Team GB."
The one-time rugby-player played for Preston Grasshoppers before turning his attention to rowing, but plans to do Wales proud thanks to his Welsh father.
"The Welsh link's on my father's side from the Rhondda Valley. I've been down to visit where he grew up and I do feel I've got enough Welsh in me to claim that one," Thomas said.
"It's a great country and I'm proud to be flying the Welsh flag for Team GB."


"Widespread or serious failures" at Rotherham Council are leaving young people at risk of harm, Ofsted has warned.

An inspection by the watchdog last month rated the authority's children's services as "inadequate".
The new report said management had not sufficiently understood the failures or been effective in making improvements.
Rotherham Council said it "fully accepted" the findings of the report.
Ofsted's verdict comes after the Jay Report, published in August, revealed up to 1,400 children were sexually abused in the town between 1997 and 2013.
Ofsted itself was criticised by MPs on Tuesday for not carrying out effective inspections in Rotherham over the period covered by the Jay Report.
In response, the watchdog said it had now introduced a "more rigorous inspection framework".
Its new report, published earlier, covered an inspection between 16 September and 8 October.
Inspectors found children's welfare had not been safeguarded and police and social workers still did not work together properly.
"This means that key information held by other agencies may not be taken into account, and potential risks to children may not be considered," said the report.
Council leader Paul Lakin said keeping children safe remained the authority's highest priority.
"We are sorry that we have let them down in the past, but we know that apologies simply aren't enough," he said.
"We are determined and committed to addressing all the issues raised in this report, and must demonstrate that we are doing so, if we are to rebuild trust and confidence in our services."
The report also slammed the Local Safeguarding Children Board for its response to the Jay Report.
"Findings have led to much activity, but this has been ineffectively coordinated, with insufficient integration of effort - the pace of change has been too slow."
Steve Ashley, independent chairman of the board, said: "This is a further example of where collectively agencies could have done better for children, young people and families.
"The board partners were already aware of many of the issues raised in the report and are already working hard together to address these."
A separate Ofsted report, published earlier, said local authorities across England were failing vulnerable children at risk of sexual exploitation.


Voting has begun in elections being held in North Yorkshire.

Polling stations opened their doors at 07:00 BST and will close at 22:00.
A third of seats are up for grabs on both Harrogate Borough Council and Craven District Council. Votes are also being cast for the North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Across England elections are taking place for more than 120 councils and the London Assembly, four mayors and 36 PCCs.


The assembly is debating a motion later calling for the government to press for a human rights-compliant Arms Trade Treaty.

Final negotiations on the treaty are to take place at the UN next month.
The assembly motion urges the government to insist that arms sales not be authorised where there is a substantial risk they will lead to serious human rights violations.
It is being backed by
          Amnesty International
 and
          WAVE Trauma Centre
.
Grainne Teggart of Amnesty International said: "Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Labour leader Ed Miliband, and UK Foreign Secretary William Hague have all spoken publicly of their commitment to securing a robust and effective Arms Trade Treaty.
"However, so far the Prime Minister David Cameron has stayed silent on the issue.
"As one of the most influential players in the negotiations, it is crucial that David Cameron publicly commits to championing an effective Arms Trade Treaty and sends a clear message to other world leaders that the UK will not compromise on human rights.''
Alex Bunting, from WAVE, who lost a leg and sustained injuries to his other leg in a booby trap bomb attack on his taxi in Belfast in 1991, said: "Having had our own experience of the illegal flow of arms in Northern Ireland, it is important that our MLAs urge David Cameron to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and ensure that the Arms Trade Treaty protects the human rights of people both at home and abroad.''
Mr Bunting's injuries were caused by a bomb comprising explosives illegally imported to Northern Ireland, suspected to have come from Libya in the 1980s.