Kerry significantly boosted their hopes of reaching the league play-off when they overcame a spirited Westmeath challenge in an entertaining clash in Killarney yesterday. Westmeath got off to the perfect start when wing back Damian Healy netted inside the first minute. However, four points inside three minutes just before the break gave Kerry the edge.

Kerry resumed with a 0-8 to 1-4 lead and although Des Dolan kept Westmeath in touch with two pointed frees, Kerry regained the edge with points from Donal Daly, Dara O Cinneide and Maurice Fitzgerald. Kerry then sealed victory when John Crowley shot to the net in the 50th minute.

KERRY: D O'Keeffe; M McCarthy, B O'Shea, K Burns; E Breen (0- 1), M Hassett, T O'Se; D O Se, W Kirby; J GLynn (0-1), D O Cinneide (04), D Daly (0-1); J Murphy (0-2), J Crowley (1-1), M Fitzgerald (0-2). Sub: L Hassett for Murphy.

WESTMEATH: C Ryan; A Lyons, D Murray, F Murray; D Healy (1- 0), K Ryan, D Mitchell; R O'Connell, D O'Shaughnessy; L Gillivan, S Colleary, E Casey; G Heavin (0-1), M Flanagan, D Dolan (0-6). Subs: P Conway for Casey, P Martin for Heavin.

Referee: P Russell (Tipperary).