Westmeath went top on scoring difference as Carlow’s unbeaten run came to an end in Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling league.
Niall O’Brien (1-11) led the charge as Westmeath claimed a 1-22 to 2-10 win over Wicklow at Cusack Park.
O’Brien fired 1-07 in the opening half, including Westmeath’s only goal on the way to a 1-12 to 2-03 half-time lead.
The Caulry clubman added four points to his tally in the second half, in a game where Wicklow led by 2-03 to 0-02 early on, but saw the hosts fire 1-10 without reply before the break.
Jonathan O'Neill (1-02) and Steven Kelly (1-00) both netted early goals from placed balls as Wicklow led by 2-03 to 0-02 after 11 minutes.
However, Westmeath fought back with the hosts firing 1-10 without reply before the break.
Andy O'Brien (0-04) worked hard to keep Wicklow in touch, but
Westmeath weren't keen to leave Cusack Park without a win.
Kerry edged a competitive encounter at Netwatch Dr. Cullen Park, as the visitors claimed a 1-24 to 3-17 win over Carlow.
Little separated the sides in the opening quarter, and indeed the teams were level at 1-04 to 0-07 in the 17th minute, following a Marty Kavanagh goal for the hosts.
Carlow took the lead on three occasions in the second quarter, but Kerry pushed 0-15 to 1-08 ahead at half-time, after five unanswered scores.
Scores from Kavanagh and Eddie Byrne edged Carlow back, before Michael O’Leary and Byrne traded quick goals.
A John Michael Nolan goal ensured a three-point gap, with Kavanagh levelling late on, before Padraig Boyle snatched a late winning pointed free.
