DUBLIN came close to recording a shock win against Kilkenny in the semi- final of the Leinster minor hurling championship at Nowlan Park last night.

A wasteful Kilkenny attack had 15 wides in the first half, and while Dublin's forwards had much less possession they scored two goals to leave the sides level at 2-1 to 0-7 at half-time.

Dublin had the advantage of a favourable wind in the second half and Kilkenny were reduced to 14 men when corner back Jim Lynch was sent off, but the Dubliners could not pull away.