Thanks for the replies. The flight in question was operated by MyTravel, but on a Skyservice A320 which I believe is wet leased for the summer.
I can assure you my request to the check in lady was very polite and I fully understand that the pre-booked pax with meals would be given priority. I just could'nt understand why we were put right at the back, despite our request.
Obviously I don't know how many pax were pre-booked, but hardly anyone had a meal.