Hurling League wrap: Kevin McKernan finds range as Antrim reel in Derry

Division 2A favourites Antrim, Westmeath, and Carlow all recorded wins yesterday, with the Lake County taking two points from their trip to London, while Antrim and Carlow came through tricky derby fixtures after falling to early deficits against Derry and Kildare respectively.

Rúairí Convery’s accurate free-taking and a goal from Gareth O’Kane helped Derry to a 1-8 to 0-6 interval lead against the Saffrons at Owenbeg, but Antrim struck eight of the first nine scores of the second half, one of which was Donal Nugent’s decisive goal. Kevin McKernan hit four second-half points from play as the Saffrons led before Convery’s goal from a close-range free, reducing the final deficit to six points — 1-21 to 2-12.

Kehoe Cup champions Kildare were 0-10 to 0-4 ahead of Carlow after half an hour at Newbridge but a Ross Smithers goal and two quick-fire Carlow points before the interval undid their good work.