Report | Westmeath inflict promotion blow on Limerick

Limerick’s promotion hopes were dealt a blow after they were beat by Westmeath in the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

A poor second half proved detrimental for Billy Lee’s side who could only add one point to their first half tally when they led by three.

In the end it finished 1-12 to 1-6 in Westmeaths favour as they moved level on points with Limerick.

In a slow moving first quarter, the sides were level twice, Josh Ryan replying to a Westmeath point on both occasions.

John Heslin and Sam McCartan has Westmeath into the first two point lead of the half. 

But Adrian Enright struck with the crucial score of the first half, slaloming his way through the Westmeath rearguard before firing into the top corner.

Iain Corbett then added a score to put Limerick 1-3 to 0-4 to the good.

Alex Gardiner replied for the visitors but Ryan and Hugh Bourke had the final scores of the half as Limerick led 1-5 to 0-5 at the break.

Luke Laughlin reduced the deficit on the restart before giving the Lake county the lead with a well take goal. 

Prior to that score at the other end, Peter Nash hit the post with a goal bound effort.

John Heslin followed this up with a magnificent score for 1-7 to 1-5.

Ryan kicked the next score after 54 but Westmeath replied through Ronan O’Toole quickly after.

McCartan then made it a three point game with a neat score. Heslin added a free to push Westmeaths lead out to four with as many minutes to play.

Brian Donovan was then black carded with Heslin popping over the resultant free. 

Loughlin finished off a fine game personally with the last score of the game to leave it 1-12 to 1-6.