Westmeath kept up the challenge for honours by scoring the easiest of victories over a London side lacking any real fighting spirit at Ruislip yesterday.

London's cause was not helped by the sending off of two players - one in each half - but at no time were the losers capable of coming to grips with the fast-moving Westmeath side that combined fine approach work with excellent finishing.

Rory O'Connell and Paul Conway were never under any serious pressure at midfield, and the inside forward trio of Ger Heavin, Martin Flanagan and Des Dolan scored a combined total of 210. While the defence was never under any serious pressure full back David Murphy and centre half back David Mitchell easily snuffed out any threat by the opposing attack.

Even before the sending off of midfielder Jody Gormley early in the first half and defender Finbar Downey 12 minutes into the second half - both for rough play - London were never in the game, and their lack of discipline added to their problems. On this form Westmeath must stand an excellent chance of dethroning leaders Wicklow in two weeks time.

Westmeath: D Ryan; A Lyons, C Murphy, D Brady; D Healy, D Mitchell, K Ryan; R O'Connell, P Conway (0-1); L Gillivan, M Ennis, S Colleary; G Heavin (1-4), M Flanagan (1-2), D Dolan (0-4). Subs: K Lyons (0-3) for M Flanagan; J Cooney for D Dolan; J O'Brien for D Murphy.

London: J Collins; P Rafter, D Gordon, B McDonagh; T Feehan (0-1), C Wilson, F Downey; J Gormley, S O'Brien; N Harrington, A Dillon, P Coggins (0-1); T Maguire, J Ryan, J Grimes. Sub: D Gillespie (0-1) for P Coggins. Referee: W Feeley (Mayo).