Holders Westmeath, Derry, Carlow and Mayo all advanced to the semi-finals of the Christy Ring Cup following their victories on Saturday. Under pressure to get back on track after last weekend's shock defeat to Wicklow, Johnny Dooley's Westmeath rose to the challenge with a 2-22 to 3-13 victory over Andy Comerford's high-flying Kildare side at Newbridge. In what was a repeat of last year's final, goals from the Clonkill pair of Paddy Dowdall and Andrew Mitchell inside the first 25 minutes paved the way for a largely comfortable win. The Lake County took full advantage of their wind advantage in the opening half to go into the break leading by 2-13 to 1-6. However, the home side made a dream start to the second half when Adrian McAndrew netted and they trailed by just 3-8 to 2-13 inside eight minutes. But despite hitting eight second half wides, the holders refused to panic and with team captain Brendan Murtagh to the fore, they pulled away again in the closing stages. Derry sprung a surprise at Newry where they eliminated a fancied Down side on a 1-20 to 0-18 scoreline. Paddy McCloskey's 16th minute goal proved crucial as it gave Brian McGilligan's men a 1-11 to 0-10 cushion at the interval. Despite the best efforts of Paul Braniff, who shot 0-6 for the losers, the Oak Leafers maintained their advantage throughout the second half with Michael Kirkpatrick's haul of 0-11 easing them home. The result of the day was undoubtedly Mayo's 3-18 to 1-22 extra-time victory over Wicklow at Aughrim. John Mitchell's Gardenmen came into the tie on a hot run of form, but were outfought by the never-say-die visitors in a thriller. Mayo, who are coached by former Galway star and TV pundit Pete Finnerty, had several outstanding performers, including goalkeeper Michael Walsh and the Higgins' brothers, Keith and Pearse. The home side led by 0-8 to 0-7 at half-time in normal time and with Jonathan O'Neill registering 0-8 and Sean Kinsella crashing home a second half goal, they looked to be on their way. But Mayo never gave up and eventually wore down the hosts in extra-time. Carlow also booked their place in the last four with an impressive 1-14 to 2-4 win over Kerry in Tralee. The Kingdom put 7-11 past Meath a week ago, but their scoring touch deserted them as Jim Greene's Carlow produced a workmanlike performance to win by seven. The Barrowsiders led by 0-9 to 0-3 at half-time, but Kerry resumed with goals from Michael Conway and Liam Boyle to haul themselves back into contention. However, substitute Craig Doyle's 58th minute goal put the result beyond doubt. Tweet

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