Carlow continued their improved form in this Leinster SH and league "double up" game played at Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday evening. The win qualifies Carlow for the Division 2 final against Meath next Sunday. The winners of that game play Division One bottom team Kerry for the right to play in Division One next year. Carlow had first-half goals from John Byrne and Micheal Ryan, while a goal from a 20-metre free by Pat Coady near the end secured the win.

Carlow: P Fenlon; D Dundon, T Doyle, N Foley; D Kavanagh, C Jordan, J Nevin; R Foley (0- 2), M Ryan (1-0); P Coady (1-5), D Murphy, D Roberts; J Kavanagh (0-4), P Jordan, J Byrne (1- 0). Subs: M Farrell for P Jordan (52 mins), J Hickey for M Ryan (54 mins).

Westmeath: B Conaty; M Murtagh, M Williams, D Curley; B Williams (0-3), D McCormack, D Gallagher; P Williams (0-1), A Devine (0-2); R Galvin (0-1), A Mitchell, O Devine; S McLoughlin, C Murtagh (0-2), B Kennedy (2- 1). Subs: J Gavigan (0-1) for S McLoughlin (13 mins), M Carley for P Williams (43 mins). Referee: P Neary (Kilkenny).