Kehoe Cup victors Kildare continued on their winning ways by defeating Louth in the opening round of the league at Newbridge.

Kildare, much stronger in attack, notably through Tom Carew, notched four points in as many minutes towards the end of the opening half to establish a 0-9 to 0-2 interval lead.

Louth's task in the second half was all but impossible but they never gave in. Tony Corcoran reduced the deficit but Kildare soon re-established their superiority.

Kildare finished with two points from play by Carew, the game's top scorer.

KILDARE: P Ryan; N Swan, S Buggle, M Keogh; P Rohan, E Denieffe (0-1), J Brennan; S Gleeson, N Casey;, A McAndrew, C Buggy (0-1), T Spain (0-2); B Coulston, J Dempsey (0-2), T Carew (0-8). Subs: M Hennessy for Denieffe, P Reidy for B Coulston, J Coulston for Brennan, G Curran for Gleeson, R Spain for Keogh.

LOUTH: E McArdle; D Black, J Quigley, J Flaherty; C Connolly, B Murphy, N Byrne;, D Dunne (0-2), E Quigley; T Hilliard, G Collins, P Dyas; T Corcoran (0-4), P Sharkey, J Kennedy. Subs: J Murphy for Kennedy, D McCarthy for Sharkey, P Murphy for Dyas.

Referee: M Bodkin (Galway).