Down hurlers took another massive leap forward at TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar as they produced a shock result to beat Westmeath 1-18 to 1-16 in their Allianz League Division 2A clash.

Ronan Sheehan's charges reeled off the last five points of the contest through Paul Sheehan (2), Oisin MacManus (2) and Eoghan Sands to record a memorable victory and put themselves firmly in the shake up for promotion to Division 1.

Westmeath, who dined at the top table last year, were 1-8 to 0-12 to the good at the interval and appeared to be in control when leading (1-10 to 1-15) with 20 minutes remaining. However, Down responded well and dug deep to finish the stronger side.

In the day's early throw-in at Austin Stack Park, Stephen Molumphy's Kerry cruised to an emphatic 2-31 to 0-14 victory over Meath.

The game was effectively over as a contest at half-time as the visitors trailed 2-16 to 0-6, the goals coming from Shane Nolan and Michael Leane.

The Kingdom are all but assured of a semi-final date heading into their final round clash with Down in Ballycran.

At Newbridge, neighbours Kildare and Carlow played out an entertaining 2-14 to 0-20 draw, a result that leaves Meath bottom of the pile.

Derry guaranteed their place in the Division 2B final after coming from behind to see off Donegal by 0-23 to 0-15 in Letterkenny.

London and Sligo are in the hunt for knockout spots following their respective 3-16 to 1-9 and 4-13 to 0-19 victories over Wicklow and Mayo.

Tyrone and Roscommon remain deadlocked at the top of the Division 3A title.

The Red Hands overcame Monaghan 3-14 to 1-11 in Iniskeen, while the Rossies pipped Armagh at the Athletic Grounds, 2-17 to 1-19.

Fermanagh lead Division 3B after coming away from the Louth Centre of Excellence in Darver with a 2-22 to 0-9 win against Lancashire.

Meanwhile, previously unbeaten Leitrim slipped to a 1-15 to 1-14 defeat at the hands of Longford at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.

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