NHL DIVISION TWO Kerry 2-23 Down 3-17:KERRY HAD to withstand a tremendous second-half fightback from 14-man Down, before they claimed their first brace of league points in this Division Two contest, played at the Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Sunday.

Kerry racked up 2-16 to Downs 1-5 in the opening half and it looked curtains for Down when Gareth Johnson was sent off, but Kerry were outscored 2-12 to 0-7 in the second period and it took a late point from Kerry’s Liam Boyle to ensure victory.

KERRY: B Rochford; A Keane, J Godley, C Harris; A Royle, T Murnane, P O'Grady; J Griffin (0-1), D Dineen (0-1); D O'Connell (0-10, 0-6 frees), M Boyle (0-4), L Boyle (0-3); J Egan (1-2), A Boyle (1-0), S Nolan (0-2). Subs: J Flaherty for S Nolan (52 mins), P Costello for J Griffin (58 mins), E Fitzgerald for A Royle (66 mins), G OBrien for A Boyle (66 mins).

DOWN: G Clarke; M Hughes, F Conway, S Ennis; K McGarry, C Woods (0-2, 0-1 free, 0-1 65), M Ennis; A Savage, E Clarke; J Coyles (0-4, 0-2 frees), B Ennis (0-4), A OPrey (0-2); D Toner, G Johnson (1-5, 1-0 pen, 0-1 free), P Keith. Subs: C Mageen (1-0) for P Keith (47 mins), A Clarke for D Toner (52 mins), S Nicholson (1-0) for K McGarry (65 mins), J Smyth for M Hughes (69 mins).

Referee: M OConnor(Limerick).