Down win eight-goal thriller

Westmeath 4-10 Down 4-18

Down collected their first win in Allianz NHL Division 2 as they played out an eight-goal epic with hosts Westmeath at Cusack Park in Mullingar.

Mourne boss Jim McKernan watched his side get off to a flying start when Kieran Courtney rattled the Westmeath net after only 30 seconds' play.

Down were a constant threat in attack but their defence also conceded a succession of scores, including goals from Luke Folan and Killian Cosgrove.

The visitors were 3-8 to 2-7 ahead at half-time with their other goals coming from Paul Braniff (16 minutes) and Courtney (34).

Down's fourth goal, registered by Stephen Clarke, really put the game beyond Westmeath's reach.

Late goals from Robbie Jackson and Andrew Mitchell, both scored in the closing four minutes, made the second half look tighter than it had actually been.