LEINSTER UNDER-21 HC SEMI-FINALS/Kilkenny 3-20 Wexford 4-6:KILKENNY PUT a poor start behind them to book their place in the Leinster under-21 hurling final at Nowlan Park last night.

Wexford opened quickly, scoring 1-4. However, they failed to keep the tempo, allowing Kilkenny to claw their way back into the game.

Led by a Barry Carton goal, Wexford were six points clear (1-4 to 0-1) inside the opening quarter. Kilkenny’s response was impressive however, as Walter Walsh ended a fine solo with a powerful goal.

That strike proved to be the inspiration his side needed, as Kilkenny gradually took control. Kevin Kelly bagged a brace of points before John Power goaled, scores which helped Kilkenny into a 2-9 to 1-5 interval lead.

Wexford’s evening went from bad to worse, as Jack Guiney was denied a goal when defender Richie Doyle stopped his 27th-minute penalty on the line.

Kilkenny strengthened their position within seconds of the restart, as Walsh grabbed his second goal of the evening.

It was more or less game over from there, as a rampant Kilkenny moved into a 3-18 to 2-5 lead.

Wexford put in a late burst, Guiney goaling two close range frees in the dying minutes, but it was too late.

KILKENNY: D Walsh; J Corcoran, W Phelan, J Lyng; L Harney, R Doyle, B. Kennedy; G Brennan (0-1), O Walsh; C Kenny (0-1), P Walsh (0-1), C Buckley; G Aylward (0-3), W Walsh (2-1), K Kelly (0-9, 0-7 frees). Subs: M Gaffney (0-3) for C Kenny (43 mins); P Buggy for K Kelly (51 mins); P O’Carroll for R Doyle (53 mins); O McGrath for J Power (1-1) (56 mins).

WEXFORD: M Fanning; W Deveraux, M. O’Hanlon, A Nolan; C Goff, J. Lacey, D O’Keeffe; A Nolan, M Maloney; L Chin, M O’Regan (1-2), G Moore (0-1); L Óg McGovern, J Guiney (2-1, frees), B Carton (1-1). Subs: S O’Gorman for M Maloney (29 mins); K Nimmo for A Nolan (38 mins); I Byrne (0-1) for B Carton (45 mins); B O’Gorman for A Nolan (47 mins); A Nash for L Og McGovern (54 mins).

Referee: D Hughes (Carlow).