Both teams had already been condemned to Division 3 football next year, but this game was competitive throughout.

A Philip Gilsenan goal handed Westmeath an early lead, but Tipperary bounced back with George Hannigan's 29th-minute goal giving the home side a 1-6 to 1-4 interval lead.

Barry Grogan claimed a second goal as John Evans' charges finished the stronger.

The result meant very little to either side, but manager Brendan Hackett will certainly be disappointed that Westmeath have failed for the second year in succession to claim a league point.

Tipperary, on the other hand, will be frustrated at not having maintained their Division 2 status, after wins over Meath and Westmeath, and a draw with table toppers Down.

The hosts started brightly with Barry Grogan slotting over a fourth minute free. However, Westmeath showed their enviable ability to pick off an early goal when Gilsenan, who started in place of Fergal Wilson, bulged the hosts' net from close range.

Tipperary gave a firm response with points from Philip Austin and Barry Grogan (0-2), but Daniel McDermott equalised for the visitors soon after.

The Premier County side were strongest before the break with scores from Barry Grogan and Brian Fox pushing them in front. Hannigan also claimed Tipperary's first goal, helping the hosts to lead by two points at half-time.

David Duffy was replaced by Gary Glennon for Westmeath at the interval, but by the 41st minute Barry Grogan had notched Tipp's second goal.

Westmeath bounced back with five unanswered points, including two each from Gary Flanagan and Wilson, along with a Paul Greville score.

However, the visitors could only manage one further score over the remaining 18 minutes, as Tipp hit six points in succession to add some cushion to their lead.