Power inspires Cats to opening day win

Allianz Hurling League Division 1A: Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 0-15

Kilkenny delivered a huge statement of intent at Nowlan Park on Sunday afternoon, opening their 2012 Allianz Hurling League campaign with an impressive eight-point defeat of Tipperary.

It was an early-season repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final and once again the Cats proved far too strong, with Richie Power scoring 1-11 of their total in a high-scoring game.

For those of a superstitious nature, the winner of the Allianz League game between the sides in each of the last seasons has gone on to win the All-Ireland final later in the year.

Brian Cody, the Kilkenny manager, named 12 of the side that contested last September’s All-Ireland final in his starting XV, while Tipperary started with eight, Brendan Cummins coming in as a late replacement for Darren Gleeson, whose wife gave birth this morning.

Kilkenny had the better of the first half and led by 1-10 to 0-8 at the break, Power converting a 12th minute penalty after he had been fouled in the square.

At that stage the Cats led by 1-5 to 0-1, but Tipperary hit the next four points in a row to come back into the game, Pa Bourke hitting a brace and Noel McGrath also getting on the scoreboard.

The Premier County had the gap down to just three points within minutes of the resumption of play, as the prolific Bourke brought his tally for the day to 0-6 and McGrath struck a third from play.

Kilkenny, however, hit back ruthlessly, Eoin Larkin forcing the ball over the line for a perfectly timed goal on 41 minutes after a long ball into the Tipperary defence had caused chaos.

Declan Ryan looked to the Tipperary bench to freshen things up and Eoin Kelly and Shane Bourke certainly seemed to liven up the visitors’ attack when they were introduced.

Kilkenny were brilliant in defence, though, with Tommy Walsh, imperious under the high ball in the half-back line, once again seeming to deliver his best performances when faced with blue and gold opposition.

Two late Power frees saw the 2011 GAA All Star bring his total to 1-11 and Kilkenny cruise to a deserved eight-point win.