Allianz Hurling League round-up: Kerry and Kildare start strongly

Kerry started their Division 2A campaign with a convincing win 2-22 to 0-13 win over Derry at Celtic Park.

The Kingdom, who lost last year's semi-final to Westmeath, opened with a free from captain Podge Boyle, but their assignment looked decidedly more difficult when Colin Walsh was sent off in the opening minutes.

That numerical disadvantage gave the Oakleaf County a foothold and new manager Johnny McGarvey saw his side stay in touch in the first half with James Friel grabbing a few scores.

Kerry led 0-13 to 0-08 at the break with Boyle racking up a series of frees to keep the visitors ahead.

A trio of Cormac O’Doherty frees brought Derry within three points in the third quarter but Paudie O’Connor’s goal in the 57th minute killed the game as a contest as it put Kerry 1-18 to 0-13 ahead.

It was all one-way traffic from there with Kerry adding a further 1-04 without conceding, Eoin Ross grabbing their second goal in the final minutes.

Kildare also started their Division 2A campaign with a comprehensive victory as they defeated Carlow 0-25 to 0-11 at Netwatch Cullen Park.

Johnny Byrne, James Burke, Cathal Dowling and Gerry Keegan were all on the scoresheet early on as the Lilywhites moved 0-05 to 0-01 ahead after 10 minutes.

Kevin McDonald landed a few first-half scores for Carlow and when Rochard Coady landed an effort from play in the 33rd minute, they were just two points behind, 0-08 to 0-06. Keegan and Burke did respond though to give Kildare a four-point interval advantage.

The away side went on to dominate the second half with Burke adding to his ever-increasing tally with a series of frees.

There was another big winning margin in Division 2B as Meath earned a 10-point victory over Wicklow, 2-24 to 2-14.

Meath were soon into