An excellent first half performance laid the foundation for Down's three point win over Kildare in Division 2A of the NHL at Newbridge. It was the first half performance that kept the Mournemen's promotion chances alive as thanks to a Johnny McGrattan goal they led by 1-10 to 0-7 at the break.

Kildare had opened the scoring through the influential Tom Carew – who hit eight points over the course of the game - but Eoin Clarke and McGrattan were on hand to fire over scores for the visitors before McGrattan got the vital goal on 27 minutes.

Kildare came out a revitalised side in the second half and twice reduced the deficit to just two points, but a second Down goal by Gerard McGrattan gave the visitors the breathing space to hold out for the win.

Down
G Clarke; L Clarke, S Murray, E Dorrian; S Wilson 0-4, G Savage, G Clarke; T McMahon, A Savage; G McGrattan 1-1, M Braniff 0-2, B McGourty; M Coulter, J McGrattan 1-4, E Clarke 0-2.

Subs
P Braniff for McGourty, M Pucci for McMahon.

Kildare
C Leahy; P Keegan, D Lahart, A Flaherty; B Maher, D Harney, R Hoban; C Divilly 0-4, B White; A McAndrew 0-3, C Buggy, J Dempsey 0-3; T Carew 0-8, A Quinn, P Reidy.

Subs
S O'Carroll for Quinn, T Spain for White, S Gleeson 0-1 for Reidy.

Referee
F Smith (Meath)