A masterful performance from Killian Doyle, inspired Westmeath to victory in this Allianz Hurling League Division 1B game at Netwatch Cullen Park on Saturday.
The centre-forward was superb on the day scoring 1-15 and having a huge part to play as his side dug deep to secure a win after an initially disappointing start to the season which saw them relegated from the division.
The experienced Doyle was on fire right from the off as he fired over three points without reply. His goal direct from a free was badly defended by a non-existent defence as his 30-metre free strike flew in to the top left-hand corner of the net at the scoreboard end of the ground.
Carlow hit back with a goal of their own as Marty Kavanagh attacked down the left before firing home. The home side looked to be in a good place when Jake Doyle took a pass from Donagh Murphy and gave Westmeath goalkeeper, Jack Gillen, no chance.
The visitors replied with David Williams netting from close range. He added his second and Westmeath's third as the Carlow defence were opened up on both occasions. At the interval, the eventual winners led 3-8 to 2-7.
Points were exchanged in the opening attacks of the second half. Carlow looked to be in a good place when Kavanagh passed to Conor Kehoe and his fellow St Mullins clubman finished to the net.
The home side went on to take a narrow lead with a great one-pointer from Murphy. Westmeath were not fazed and had the answer.
Two points from Doyle and another through Williams cancelled out a solitary effort for Carlow from Fiachra Fitzpatrick. The visitors were five points clear with just over a minute to go. They would not falter.
The Lake County raiders held out in the closing minutes. Carlow did have points through John Michael Nolan and Kavanagh (free) but a clear goal chance never presented itself as Westmeath stood their ground to take the victory.
Carlow: Kyle Foley; Paul Doyle, Niall Bolger, Lorcan Doyle; Colm Beck, Kevin McDonald, Darragh Nolan; Jon Nolan (0-1) Fiachra Fitzpatrick (0-1); Jake Doyle (1-0), Marty Kavanagh (1-7, 6fs) Fiach O'Toole (0-1); Conor Kehoe (1-1), Jack Treacy (0-1), Donagh Murphy (0-2) .
Subs: John Michael Nolan (0-1) for O’Toole (53), Ted Joyce for J Doyle (60), Eric English for Treacy (66), Chris Nolan for Murphy (72), Richie Coady for Fitzpatrick (72),
Westmeath: Jack Gillen; Conor Gaffney , Eoin Keyes , Gary Greville; Aaron Craig, Robbie Greville, Shane Williams; Davy Glennon, Eamon Cunneen (0-1); Joseph Boyle (0-1), Killian Doyle (1-15 1-7fs 2-65s),, Mark Cunningham; David O’Reilly, Niall O’Brien, David Williams (2-1).
Subs: Peter Clarke for Cunningham (45), Darragh Clinton for Glennon (55),
Referee: Thomas Walsh (Waterford)
