McNaughton stars as Saffron hurlers beat Westmeath

A solid afternoon's work saw Antrim get their first victory in Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League as they ran out 2-25 to 1-19 winners over Westmeath at Corrigan Park.

James McNaughton top-scored with 1-14 for Davy Fitzgerald's Saffrons and although David Williams landed a dozen points for the visitors, this game only ever seemed to be going one way.

Antrim were much improved from last weekend's loss to Dublin as they had much more of a cutting edge and had they been a bit more clinical, their final tally could well have had an even more handsome look, but they will be more than happy with this performance.

Antrim were much quicker out of the traps with McNaughton landing the first of his 10 first-half scores to settle his side.

He was denied a 13th-minute goal from a penalty after Conor Johnston had been fouled as Jack Gillen was equal to the Loughgiel man's effort but Westmeath built into this game with Williams leading their charge.

The hosts seemed to have more answers up top and they opened a six-point gap with Johnston, Eoghan Campbell, Seaan Elliott, Niall McKenna and Niall O'Connor all contributing scores.

Westmeath remained in touch as Darragh Clinton and Mark Cunningham pointed, yet it was McNaughton with late frees to help Antrim into a 0-15 to 0-10 lead at the break.

The second half was something of a slow burner with but 10 minutes in, a Westmeath error was ruthlessly punished by McNaughton who gathered, cut in and buried to the net.

Williams continued to keep his side in the hunt with Darragh Clinton also chipping in but although they got to within six on a few occasions, they got no closer as Antrim gradually pulled further away.

Keelan Molloy found his range with a couple and the Dunloy man set up his clubmate Nigel Elliott for Antrim's second goal in the 70th minute.

Westmeath goalkeeper Gillen cancelled this out from a 20-metre free almost immediately, but it was a mere consolation as Antrim banked their first points.

James McNaughton (left) hit 1-14 as Antrim beat Westmeath 2-25 to 1-19 at Corrigan Park