National Hurling League Division 1
Wexford 1-16 Cork 1-15 Eh, how did that happen? With their relegation to Division 2 all but confirmed, Wexford’s hurlers somehow managed to pull victory over Cork out of the bag, giving themselves the slenderest hope of top-flight survival. Colm Bonnar’s men were resolute in the second period, battling their way back from a five-point deficit at the break to grab their first win of the season.
Dublin 1-17 Kilkenny 3-11 Anthony Daly will be wondering what might have been had his side not been so profligate in their point-taking against Kilkenny on Saturday evening. Dublin shot 17 wides in a rain-battered headquarters, leaving them reliant on an injury-time score from Paul Ryan to earn an all-important draw.
Tipperary 4-23 Galway 1-14 All-Ireland Champions Tipperary pulled themselves back into contention for a spot in this year’s Division 1 final with an 18-point demolition of Galway at Pearse Stadium yesterday. Shane Bourke was practically unplayable, scoring a remarkable tally of 3-4 from play.
Waterford 2-19 Offaly 1-19 Brian O’Sullivan’s second-half goal was enough to give Waterford a win over Offaly in Tullamore, leaving the hosts in danger of losing their top-flight status should results go against them in a fortnight’s time.
National Hurling League Division 2
Limerick 1-24 Kerry 1-9 A classy display from Limerick helped them overcome a slow start to ease past Kerry at Killmallock and maintain their unbeaten record. Although they found themselves five points down after the opening 35, a string of unanswered points allowed them to draw level before a well-taken goal from Kevin Downes killed the game.
Laois 3-16 Clare 3-13 Clare’s own promotion hopes were dented by Laois on Saturday as an injury-time goal from Willie Hyland gave the hosts a victory that few would have predicted before the game. It was fitting that Hyland should score the decider having impressed throughout, racking up ten points before flicking home the winning goal.
Carlow 2-15 Westmeath 1-14 Bottom side Westmeath were condemned to a sixth-straight defeat and Division 3 hurling by Carlow in Dr. Cullen Park yesterday. Eoin Nolan’s 59th-minute goal proved decisive as Kevin Ryan’s men recorded a four-point victory.
Antrim 5-08 Down 1-14 A Neil McManus hat-trick helped Antrim to an important six-point victory over Down at McKenna Park, leaving them needing a win over a Limerick side with nothing to play for to secure their own place in the Division 2 final.
National Hurling League Division 3B
There were wins for all three teams at the top of Division 3B, though Roscommon victory over Fingal came in the most unorthodox of fashions. The Dublin side were forced to concede a walkover on Friday as the bulk of their squad was either injured or involved in club fixtures. Mayo remain two points clear at the top of the division, with Louth and Roscommon poised behind them.
Results: Mayo 3-18 Sligo 1-10; Louth 6-12 Donegal 1-8; Roscommon def. Fingal (walkover)
