Division 2A final places secured

Westmeath and Carlow, the only two Liam McCarthy Cup counties operating outside the top flight of the Allianz hurling league, will contest the Division 2A final next weekend after Carlow’s two point victory over the Lake County at Netwatch Cullen Park yesterday.

Westmeath’s place in the final was secured regardless of their result at the home of the Dolmen County but there was no lack of endeavour on their part, with Brendan Murtagh’s goal giving them a 1-9 to 0-8 interval lead. James Doyle and Marty Kavanagh were in superb form after half time however and it was the latter who equalised with a magnificent score after 57 minutes. The next four points were shared before Seamus Murphy and Marty Kavanagh pointed to give Carlow a 0-20 to 1-15 win.

It was a win they needed as London kept the pressure on with a 1-21 to 1-19 win over Antrim at Ruislip, ensuring that pre-season favourites Antrim ended the campaign in fourth.