Two late goals within a minute, including one directly from a Gareth O'Kane free, secured a deserved five-point win . . . 2-14 to 2-9 . . . for Derry over London at Ruislip yesterday. Having held the hosts level at half-time, the Oak Leaf county found it difficult against the Exiles until Sean Leo McGoldrick struck in the 28th minute.

Playing with the benefit of the breeze London made much the brighter start and fully deserved their 0-3 lead after only six minutes. However, Derry were level six minutes later with scores from Oisin McCloskey, Sean Leo McGoldrick and top scorer Gareth O'Kane. Although Derry were now in control, a Martin Finn goal after twenty-three minutes brought the Exiles back in contention before a pointed Gareth Kane free gave the visitors the lead just before half-time.

However, a superb long-range Fergus McMahon point tied the scores on the half-time whistle - London's 1-5 to Derry's 0-8.

Despite facing the elements, London enjoyed the balance of play in third quarter but failed to make the most of some good point scoring opportunities. A second Martin Finn goal 11 minutes after the resumption gave them real hope of recording their fist victory, but they simply failed to consolidate their domination on the scoreboard.

Leading by 2-8 to 0-13, London finally succumbed to two late goals and along with four Gareth O'Kane frees, Derry were good value for their five-point victory on a score.

WESTMEATH COME THROUGH ON HOME SOIL

Two first-half goals from clubmates Derek McNicholas and Daniel Carty proved the decisive scores in an entertaining Christy Ring Cup clash in Cusack Park, Mullingar yesterday as Westmeath secured a 2-13 to 1-15 win over Down.

In the first half, Westmeath were in complete control and after Carty found the net in the 21st minute, they held a commanding eight-point lead.

However, the Mournemen, led by the excellent Ciaran Courtney and Gareth Johnston, clawed their back into the game . . .

Westmeath held a 2-7 to 0-7 advantage at the break. When a Ciaran Courtney free found its way to the net seven minutes after the break, the game was on a knifeedge and the sides matched each other score for score but it was Westmeath, with scores from John Shaw, Ronan Whelan and Carty who won out.

MEATH OUTCLASS MAYO AT McHALE PARK

DESPITE the boost of a second minute Meath own goal, Mayo suffered defeat in the Christy Ring Cup in Castlebar yesterday when they were outclassed by the Royals in McHale Park by 223 to 1-10. The opening goal was a bizarre affair when Meath's fullback Enda Fitzgerald palmed the ball to his own net. The Royals completely dominated the second-half and tore Mayo to shreds with a succession of points and some fine play from Niall Hackett, Eoin Brislane and Joey Keena who finished with six points.