Blackrock were made fight all the way by Kerry underdogs Kilmoyley at the Lerrig grounds yesterday.
The game was in the balance until the final three minutes, with Blackrock leading by 1-13 to 2-6, when a goal and a point from Alan Browne sealed victory.
Goals from Billy Brick and Richard Gentleman gave Kilmoyley a 2-2 to 0-2 lead after 12 minutes, but Blackrock were stung into action and within a minute Browne doubled on a Fergal Ryan long delivery to score the first of his goals. Blackrock went on to lead by 1-8 to 2-4 at half-time.