THE Division Three match in the Church and General National Hurling League at Aughrim was cancelled yesterday after the referee did not appear. Confusion was also the order of the day at Celtic Park, where the start of the game was delayed by 25 minutes when Derry arrived without jerseys.

In the end, perhaps, Derry were sorry a set was found. After just 40 seconds, Carlow's Des Murphy had the ball in the Derry net. And It didn't get any better from there on in a high scoring shootout. Derry did manage a part recovery, trailing 2-4 to 1-5 with 20 minutes gone. However, they fell a way tamely in the second half, with a run of four points from Niall English, Brian Murphy and David Doyle breaking what spirit they had left.

Kildare again advertised their unlikely credentials as promotion contenders in Newbridge yesterday. The result was a 0-14 to 1-11 draw with Down.

A muddling first half was given a jolt in the second quarter when Michael Braniff pounced for a Down goal and, with John McGrattan displaying a real eye for the target, the northerners led 1-6 to 0-5 at the break.

Three further scores from McGrattan extended Down's lead to a generous six points. Yet Kildare retained their composure when it would have been easier to panic and six unanswered points was their reward.

Donegal may be in for a quick return to Division Four if their, tumble at Ballybofey is anything to go by. Two goals of contrasting natures from Roscommon's bulky full forward helped his side to a 2-6 to 0-2 lead at half time.

One had to feel sorry for Donegal's talented centre forward Austin Wallace. His four second half points were among the best of the game but it was all in vain as Roscommon rested dangerman Lohan in front of 70 spectators and their dog.

In Division Four, Monaghan and Tyrone head the rush for promotion. Both counties swept to wide margin wins over Sligo and Mayo respectively.