Carlow finish on top, as Westmeath and Derry post victories
Carlow finished on top of Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling League despite drawing with Wicklow this afternoon, while Westmeath and Derry posted victories.
A late surge earned Carlow a share of the spoils - 1-11 to 1-11 - at Aughrim with the Barrowsiders now through to a final clash with Westmeath with the winners of that gaining promotion.
Wicklow, who failed to win any of their five games, led by two points late on, but not even the dismissal of forward Craig Doyle detered Kevin Ryan's Carlow side.
Carlow led by 1-6 to 0-8 at half-time, with Mark Brennan netting a 25th minute goal.
Andy O'Brien kept Wicklow in touch from placed balls and also some impressive points from open play.
Wicklow netted on the restart, and Casey O'Brien's charges continued to hold the lead for long spells of the second half.
Wicklow led by two points with five minutes remaining, but were placed under huge pressure by Carlow who snatched a late point to ensure a draw.
A hat-trick of second half goals paved the way for second-placed Westmeath to take a 3-21 to 2-20 verdict over Down at Pairc Esler in Newry.
An Eoin Price goal proved to be the decisive strike, with the sides tied at 2-19 apiece late in this contest.
The sides were well balanced in the opening half, but Brian Hanley's Lakesiders upped their game on the restart to ensure a four-point win.
The sides were tied at 0-12 to 1-9 at the interval with Danny Toner netting Down's goal.
Westmeath netted goals galore on the restart, with Dan Carty, Niall O'Brien and Price all claiming three-pointers in the second half.
Carty's goal sent Westmeath ahead before four unanswered scores gave Down a 1-15 to 1-14 lead.
Conal Mageean's goal pushed Down further ahead, but O'Brien bagged Westmeath's second goal a minute later.
Tied at 2-19 apiece, this game was set up for a grandstand finish with a late Price goal ensuring Westmeath's fourth success of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Derry record their second triumph to seal a third place finish. They ran out 0-16 to 1-6 winners over Kerry in today's mid-table battle at Celtic Park.
The hosts led by 0-9 to 1-2 at half-time and could have been further ahead but for a series of goal misses.
Kevin Hinphey (0-4) and Ruairi Convery (0-3) were in good scoring form for Derry, while centre-back Paddy Kelly also impressed while registering two points.
Despite the defeat, Kerry managed to finish fourth in the final table and avoid the relegation play-off - instead it will be Wicklow and Down that battle it out to stay in the division.
