| london down after defeat
 By
Larry Cooney
London’s hurlers ended their league campaign without a victory
after another disappointing defeat at Ruislip on Sunday.
As unbeaten Westmeath progressed to the semi-finals of Division 2 after
a thoroughly deserved six-point victory. The Exiles are now left to contemplate
life in Division 3 next season.
Playing with the advantage of a strong breeze in the opening half Westmeath
were soon in control through points from an Andy Mitchell free and efforts
from John Shaw and Barry Kennedy.
A Danny Carty goal for the Lake County men opened up a 1-3 to 0-0 lead
in the opening quarter.
London were making very little impression in midfield and their half-back
line also came under intense early pressure from the visitors very effective
half-forward division.
The hosts had to wait until the 33rd minute to open their account. By
then Westmeath had amassed a commanding 1-6 lead and London never looked
capable of making up the leeway in the second-half trailing by 1-8 to
0-2 at the break.
Although Westmeath travelled to London early on Sunday morning the visitors
looked much fresher than their opponents.
Had goalkeeper John Joe Burke not thwarted Derek McNicholas of what looked
like a certain second Westmeath goal in the 17th minute London would have
been in serious trouble.
Andy Mitchell converted the first of his two 65s as a result of Burke’s
save but London were still left chasing their elusive first score until
John Quinlan sent over a point from a free two minutes before the interval.
Andy Mitchell’s fifth successful free soon cancelled out Quinlan’s
effort before full-forward Martin Finn picked-off a neat point just before
the half-time whistle.
London were given the perfect tonic in the opening minute of the second-half
when Finn evaded Christo Murtagh to send an unstoppable shot to the net.
However Westmeath refused to panic and a well-taken point from midfielder
Ronan Whelan soon settled the visitors.
London were now playing with far more purpose but although Fergus McMahon
had now moved into attack they never quite managed to get the better of
the Westmeath defence where centre-back Brendan Murtagh and Darren McCormack
were outstanding.
Brian Foley was now operating at the heart of the London defence but the
visitors attack still looked menacing as they continued to carve out openings.
Although John Quinlan’s fifth successful free closed the margin
to five points after 55 minutes a freak Andy Mitchell goal for Westmeath
from a 65 nine minutes from time ended the contest.
Brendan Bolger’s side continued to battle gamely to the final whistle
but never looked like scoring an all-important second goal that would
have set up an exciting finish. |
