Offaly take strong win

Westmeath 1-17 Offaly 3-22

After last weekend's postponements, these Leinster rivals were itching for action at Cusack Park in Mullingar this afternoon.

Offaly prevailed to go second in the Allianz NHL Division 2 table.

Goals from Shane Dooley, Derek Molloy and Brian Carroll ended Westmeath's hopes of an opening win, although they were competitive until Andrew Mitchell was sent-off with 18 minutes remaining in the second half.

Mitchell got a straight red card for connecting with Rory Hanniffy as the pair competed for a dropping ball.

The decision was harsh as it looked like it might have been a different Westmeath player who caught Hanniffy with the challenge.

Shane Dooley emerged as Offaly's top scorer (1-7) and he scored the opening goal which set them on their way to a 2-7 to 0-10 half-time lead.

Westmeath's second half goal came from the stick of Derek McNicholas (1-3), while Brendan Murtagh was their most consistent scorer (0-7).