Kerry will meet Carlow in the Allianz Hurling League Division Two A final, with the winners to play the losers of the Antrim-Offaly relegation play-off from Division Two B to decide who will play in the second tier next year.
Kerry completed their campaign with a 100 per cent record as they edged out London by 2-17 to 1-18 in Ruislip. That record looked under serious threat at half-time however as they trailed by 1-10 to 0-7 but Eamonn Kelly's men fought hard after the resumption and goals by Shane Nolan and Padraig Boyle kept them ahead in the match.
Carlow inflicted more misery on a struggling Westmeath, coming away with a 2-21 to 0-13 win at Dr Cullen Park.
Quick start
John Meyler's crew flew out of the traps to lead by four points after 16 minutes but their young Westmeath opponents fought back well with four points in six minutes to restore parity. A Marty Kavanagh free pushed the home team ahead once more though, and they never relinquished the lead again, with a Shane Kavanagh goal making it 1-9 to 0-7 at half-time. Carlow were utterly dominant in the second half, with David English and Seán Murphy in particular enjoying themselves, while Kavanagh added a second goal.
Kildare and Derry played out a hugely entertaining 3-17 to 4-14 draw in Newbridge, giving the relegated Lilywhites their first point. Derry led 2-2 to 0-0 but Kildare scored 10 points in a row in response.
Goals from David Harney and Éanna O'Neill pushed them six points ahead at half time. Aaron Kelly goaled for Derry though and Kildare were reduced to 14 when Harney received his second yellow card with 12 minutes left.
A Brendan Rogers goal put the Oak Leafers in front but a Martin Fitzgerald goal earned the Lilywhites a share of the spoils.
They will be playing in Division Two B next year however, and their place will be taken in the division by either Down or Wicklow, who play in the Division Two B final.
