oneills.com Leinster U-20 Hurling semi-final

WEXFORD 1-18 KILKENNY 2-13

By Robert Cribbin

A strong finish saw Wexford claim a two point victory over neighbours Kilkenny in the Leinster Under 20 Hurling Championship Semi-Final at UPMC Nowlan Park.

The winners scored the last three points in total as they somewhat made up for losing out to the Cats in last year's provincial decider.

The defeat brings an end to Kilkenny's reign as Leinster and All-Ireland champions and while they had a number of players from last year's side they can have no complaints at the final result.

The home side were shorn of the injured Billy Drennan though and his loss was keenly felt against a Wexford team that led for the majority of the contest.

It was Wexford's second win over the Noresiders in this year's Leinster campaign after already accounting for Mark Dowling's team in the opening game of the round-robin series.

A slow start meant Gearoid Dunne's penalty put Kilkenny in front for the first time in the 47th minute and when Eoin O'Brien doubled that goal tally five minutes later, the Cats appeared to be in a great position.

Wexford had other ideas though and sub JJ Twamley scored an incredible individual goal that spurred on the late rally which saw Cian Byrne and Corey Byrne Dunbar knock over the insurance scores.

Managed by former county star Keith Rossiter, Wexford were certainly the better team early on and by the 8th minute they led 0-4 to 0-1 through points from Luke Murphy, Michael Dundon, Cian Byrne and Cillian Byrne.

Kilkenny's sole point in that opening 10 minutes came from Gearoid Dunne but the full forward's impact on the game soon became clear when he combined with fellow county panellist Timmy Clifford for the hosts second score of the night.

Kilkenny kept at it with further efforts from Dunne, Eoghan Lyng and Luke Connellan but Wexford were still in full control by the time of the half-time whistle.

Cian Byrne scored four more points of which three came from frees and with Corey Byrne Dunbar also finding the target, Wexford led 0-9 to 0-5 at the break.

The introduction of Ted Dunne as a half-time sub certainly helped Kilkenny and they got three of the first four points of the second half.

Clifford, Dunne and Killian Doyle all found their range and with only two points seperating the sides, it was all to play for.

Points from Byrne Dunbar and Darragh Carley kept Wexford's noses in front until Kilkenny won a penalty at the beginning of the final quarter.

A scrum on the ground just in front of the Wexford square saw Cillian Hackett somehow gain control of the sliotar and after running forward, the Dicksboro star was pulled down and a penalty was given which Gearoid Dunne made no mistake in finding the net with.

Wexford bounced back from the goal quite well but they were soon reeling again when Eoin O'Brien netted Kilkenny's second goal.

Crucially Wexford's and the game's next score was JJ Twamley incredible solo effort and that gave the Model county renewed oxygen.

Kilkenny did subsequently level and go ahead through Timmy Clifford's third point from play but Wexford weren't to be denied as they scored the last three points to secure a rare win in the Marble City.

Scorers for Wexford: Cian Byrne (0-10, 6f and 1 '65), JJ Twamley (1-0), Corey Byrne Dunbar (0-3), Michael Dundon (0-2), Luke Murphy, Shamey O'Hagan, Cillian Byrne (0-1 each)

Scorers for Kilkenny: Gearoid Dunne (1-6, 3f and 1 '65), Eoin O'Brien (1-0), Timmy Clifford (0-3), Luke Connellan (0-2), Eoghan Lyng, Killian Doyle (0-1 each)

Wexford- Derry Mahon; Simon Roche, Eoin Whelan, Darragh Kehoe; Conor Murphy, Michael Dundon, Conor Foley; Sean Rowley, Darragh Carley; Cian Byrne, Corey Byrne Dunbar, Jack Redmond; Luke Murphy, Shamey O'Hagan, Cillian Byrne.

Subs- Dylan Purcell for Murphy (39), JJ Twamley for Cillian Byrne (41), Darragh Farrell for Redmond (44), Cormac Walsh for Murphy (58).

Kilkenny- Stephen Manogue; Padraig Lennon, Sean Purcell, Jeff Neary; Joe Fitzpatrick, Eoghan Lyng, Paddy Langton; Billy Reid, Killian Doyle; Luke Connellan, Timmy Clifford, Cathal Beirne; Cillian Hackett, Gearoid Dunne, Harry Shine.

Subs- Ted Dunne for Shine (H-T), Ivan Bolger for Fitzpatrick (34), Eoin O'Brien for Beirne (44).

Referee- Chris Mooney (Dublin)