A 30th minute Ian Coffey goal from a penalty left the midlanders leading 1-7 to 0-4 as Wexford struggled after a bright opening quarter. A Jamie O'Grady goal from a penalty after 38 minutes left four points separating the sides, 1-8 to 1-4, Wexford's brief surge was stifled by a slick-moving Westmeath side, who went on to control the closing quarter.

Scorers Westmeath: I Coffey 1-6, 1-0 pen; 1 free; C Lynam, J Kenny 0-3 each; T McDaniels 0-2; K Martin, J Egan 0-1 each.

Wexford: J O'Grady 1-1, 1-0 pen; G O'Toole 0-2, 1f; A Merrigan, R Cousins 0-1 each