NHL Division Two: Westmeath made hard work of beating struggling Meath in this encounter in Trim, eventually beating their neighbours by 2-9 to 0-10 yesterday.

The visiting side appeared to be on their way to another comfortable win and led by 2-6 to 0-6 at the break. But it took them 31 minutes of the second period to score again. In the end it was first-half goals from Darren McCormack and Ronan Whelan which proved crucial.

Carlow overcame Mayo by 2-14 to 0-12 at St Brendan's Park, Birr, yesterday.

The Carlow match-winner was Séamus Smithers who scored two second-half goals to ensure victory. His first goal, seven minutes into the second half, gave Carlow a 1-10 to 0-5 lead. But Mayo battled back to come within a goal of their opponents at 1-12 to 0-12.

Carlow finished strongly with a point from play by Paul Kehoe being supplemented by a last-minute goal from Smithers.

Down had to draw on all their reserves to overcome a resurgent Wicklow by 1-19 to 2-13 in Arklow yesterday.

As the game entered its final quarter, Down trailed the home side by seven points. They were playing with the wind in the second half but Wicklow were dominating and, aided by two goals from Jonathan O'Neill, led by 2-12 to 1-8 by the 50th minute.

Gareth Johnston put Down ahead on 70 minutes with a point and then in injury-time, Paul Braniff - who scored their goal in the ninth minute - and Brendan McGourty secured the victory.