McNicholas’s second half goal can’t prevent shock Down win
Allianz National Hurling League Division 2A: Down 1-18, Westmeath 1-16
The gorgeous spring weather couldn’t counter the gloom in TEG Cusack Park this weekend, as Westmeath’s senior hurlers followed their football counterparts in suffering a gut-wrenching home defeat.
Today, Down were shock winners at Westmeath GAA headquarters after a strong finish sealed a deserved two-point win for the Mourne men.
An early goal from Eoghan Sands set down on their way, and the visitors missed a penalty before Westmeath settled down to dictate proceedings, with a Derek McNicholas point making it 0-10 to 1-3 after 26 minutes.
Westmeath were profligate in the first half however, clocking up 10 wides and leading only by the minimum at half-time (0-12 to 1-8).
Down took an early lead in the second half with a brace of points from Paul Sheehan, but a Derek McNicholas goal on 47 minutes, followed by scores from Killian Doyle, Joey Boyle and Jack Gillen, gave the hosts a handsome lead (1-15 to 1-10).
From there however, Down outscored Westmeath 0-8 to 0-1, with Sheehan (0-3), Marc Fisher, sub Oisín McManus (two frees) and Eoghan Sands among the scorers.
Down: Stephen Keith; Matt Conlon, John McManus, Michael Hughes; Liam Savage, Conor Woods (0-1f), Caolan Teggart; Donal Hughes, Tom Murray; Ryan McCusker, Paul Sheehan (0-10, 5f, 1 ‘65’), Chris Egan (0-1); Pearse Óg McCrickard, Eoghan Sands (1-3), Daithí Sands. Subs: Marc Fisher (0-1) for Egan (48), Oisín McManus (0-2f) for McCrickard (53), Jordan Doran for McCusker (60), Gerard Hughes for Murray (65), Conor Cassidy for M Hughes (67).
Westmeath: Noel Conaty; Darragh Egerton, Tommy Doyle (0-1), Conor Shaw; Aaron Craig, Tommy Gallagher, Aonghus Clarke; Jack Galvin, Ciaran Doyle (0-2, 1f); Niall Mitchell, Joey Boyle (0-3), Robbie Greville; Derek McNicholas (1-1), Jack Gillen (0-7, 4f, 2 ‘65s’), Killian Doyle (0-2). Subs: Eoin Keyes for McNicholas (45), Johnny Bermingham for Greville (52), Eoghan Ahearn for Gillen (57), Darragh Clinton for C Doyle (70).
Ref: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary).