London produced arguably the result of the weekend when shocking last year's Connacht champions Sligo at Ruislip, while there were also wins for Antrim, Leitrim and holders Wicklow in Saturday's action. Sligo, under the guidance of caretaker boss John Kent, were expected to repeat their facile Connacht championship victory of two months ago, but the fired-up Exiles had other ideas and pulled off a sensational 3-14 to 2-12 victory after extra-time. After falling behind early on, Sligo got back on level terms thanks to a David Kelly penalty and they looked set to prevail as the game entered its final quarter. But a 65th minute major from Galway native Chris Donnellan ensured that the sides finished level on 1-10 apiece at the end of normal time. London, who had the benefit of a preliminary round win over Kilkenny, went from strength to strength after that and sealed their semi-final place with goals from substitutes Paul Hehir and Ollie Coffey. Jody Gormley's understrength Antrim side withstood a second half rally from Carlow to triumph by 1-10 to 0-11 at Casement Park. A fisted Kevin Brady goal put the home side in the driving seat after 19 minutes and they went on to lead by 1-4 to 0-5 at the interval. But Carlow, who were hockeyed by Meath in the Leinster championship, hit a purple patch midway through the second half which yielded four unanswered points to close the gap to the minimum. However, a late point sealed a last-four spot for last year's runners-up. Dessie Dolan's Leitrim came away from Ennis with a 1-12 to 1-8 victory over a Clare side that had high hopes of progressing in the competition. The visitors took an early lead thanks to points from Donal Brennan and Emlyn Mulligan, but a 25th minute goal from full forward Gary Brennan had the Banner 1-5 to 0-5 in front at the break. But Leitrim rallied in the second half and they never looked back after Mulligan netted from the penalty spot. Clare's misery was completed when Gordon Kelly received his marching orders late on. Arthur French's Wicklow had to work hard for a 0-18 to 0-12 victory over a battling Waterford side at Aughrim. The visitors, who were without the hurling-tied Gary Hurney and cruciate knee ligament victim Shane Briggs, made life difficult for the holders throughout with Patrick Hurney taking the challenge to them with 0-6. However, Wicklow's greater balance eventually showed and no fewer than nine of their players got on the scoresheet, with Seanie Furlong and Tony Hannon registering 0-4 each. The Gardenmen finished the stronger and would have won by more had a late Rory Nolan goal not being disallowed. Tweet

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