Walsh Cup: Kilkenny advance despite late Lake comeback
February 06, 2012
Kilkenny's Willie Phelan and Frank Boyle of
Westmeath during the Walsh Cup Senior Hurling Semi-Final at Castlecomer.
Fielding a relatively young side, Brian Cody's charges were too fast for the visitors in the first half as they went in 0-14 to 0-6 ahead.
Kilkenny picked up where they left after half time, stretching the margin to eleven with a goal from target man John Power.
The outcome looked done and dusted but Kilkenny had full back Eamonn Walsh dismissed. Brian Hanley's side worked hard and cut the deficit to two with just under 10 minutes to the end with scores from Brendan Murtagh (goal), Cormac Boyle, Andrew Mitchell and Dan Carty.
Kilkenny looked in trouble, but a free from Power on 65 minutes gave them some breathing space. This was the home sides first score in 15 minutes.
Victory for the Cats was ensured when they pushed on to score four more points in the closing stages.
Final score: Kilkenny 1-23 Westmeath 1-16.
Kilkenny - D. Walsh; J. Corcoran, E. Walsh, B. Kennedy; P. Walsh (0-1), W. Phelan, J. Holden; C. Buckley (0-2), D. McCormack; P. O'Flynn (0-2), L. Harney (0-1), M. Bergin (0-4); M. Aylward (0-2), J. Power (1-8, 6f), G. Aylward (0-3). Subs: M. Gaffney for P. O'Flynn, C. Tobin for D. McCormack, S. Phelan for J. Holden, R. Reid for G. Aylward.
Westmeath - C. Scally; P. Fennelly, A. Price, C. Jordan; D. Fennell (0-1), E. Price, P. Gilsenan; P. Dowdall, C. Boyle (0-1); A. Mitchell (0-3, 1f), F. Boyle, P. Greville; D. Higgins, B. Murtagh (1-10, 1-8f), J. Shaw. Subs: A. Dermody for Higgins, D. Carty (0-1) for C. Boyle, J. Gilligan for A. Dermody, D. McCormack for P. Gilsenan.
Referee - P. Murphy (Carlow) Tweet
