Hurling round-up: Westmeath in pole position for Joe McDonagh Cup final after first win of 2021

When Carlow took their first lead of the game just short of the hour mark with the wind at their backs, they looked set for victory

Westmeath picked up their first competitive win of 2021 and, in the process, put themselves in the driving seat for a place in the Joe McDonagh Cup final as they scored the last six points without reply in their 0-23 to 0-18 win over Carlow at Netwatch Cullen Park on Saturday afternoon.

Carlow’s physical presence under the puckout and the strong scoring of Chris Nolan, who ended the game with 0-11, kept them in the game. When they took their first lead of the game just short of the hour mark with the wind at their backs, they looked set for victory.