Daithí Sands hits hat-trick as Down ease to hurling league victory over Meath

In Division 2B, Derry recorded a 2-32 to 0-14 victory over Roscommon to march into the final in fine style.

2 April 2022; Daithí Sands of Down during the Allianz Hurling League Division 2A Final match between Down and Westmeath at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

A Daithí Sands hat-trick helped Down to a comfortable 3-19 to 1-16 win over Meath on Saturday, securing a second trip to Portlaoise in this campaign and an opportunity to improve on their 2-18 to 0-17 defeat last month.

A Jack Walsh goal for Meath gave the Royals a great start but they fell away in the second quarter, coughing up a seven-point lead thanks to the first two goals that were scored by Sands.