Kilkenny Under-21 1-18 Laois Under-21 1-13:Kilkenny advanced to the next round of the Leinster hurling championship, but only after getting a real scare.
Laois looked hungrier and sharper in Nowlan Park last night, and seemed on course for a shock when they led by 1-12 to 0-11 with 10 minutes to go.
Backed by a strong display from free-taker Damien Bergin, Laois led 0-9 to 0-8 at half-time. They made a better start to the second half, and looked certain to knock out the All-Ireland champions when Jason Phelan broke through and rattled the Kilkenny net with 44 minutes on the clock.
But the Cats upped their game. Substitute Richie Hogan bagged two points, then fired a close-range shot past goalkeeper Eoin Reilly with three minutes to go to make it 1-15 to 1-12.
Points from full forward Eoin Guinan and Hogan helped Kilkenny through.
KILKENNY: L Tierney; JJ Kenny, E Walsh, K Joyce; N Walsh, R Dollard (0-1, 65), R Maher; P Hartley (0-2), TJ Reid; E O'Donoghue, R Cody, G Nolan (0-1); M Ruth (0-2), E Guinan (0-8, 0-6 frees), M Aylward (0-1). Subs: R Hogan (1-3) for O'Donoghue (24 mins); J Mulhall for Nolan (50 mins); D Meally for Cody (52 mins); N Kenny for Ruth (60 mins).
LAOIS: E Reilly; C Dunne, C Healy, C Fitzpatrick; J Prior, M Whelan, JA Delaney; J O'Loughlin (0-1), C Delaney; D Bergin (0-7, all frees), B McEvoy, W Hyland (0-2); J Phelan (1-2), G Delahunty, S Burke (0-1). Sub: D Gaughan for Delaney (54 mins).
Referee: F Deveraux (Kildare)
