Kilkenny Hurling semi-finals/James Stephens 2-13 O'Loughlin Gaels 2-13: James Stephens scrambled a goal in the third minute of injury time to earn a thrilling draw with Leinster champions O'Loughlin/Gaels in the second county semi-final at Nowlan Park yesterday. The all-important goal was scored by former All Star Brian McEvoy through a crowded goalmouth. The replay will be on Sunday.
The closing stages were full of excitement as Stephens saved a game they looked to have lost. A lovely 57th- minute point from Brian Dowling took the champions into a 2-12 to 0-13 lead. But Stephens roared forward, and boosted by a great goal from Gary Whelan after terrific approach work by McEvoy and Eoin Larkin they clawed their way back.
An O'Loughlin's point from Séamus Cummins seconds from the end of normal time looked to have settled the issue. But Stephen's forced two 65s, and before the second could be cleared McEvoy swept the ball into the net.
O'Loughlin's had a late, late chance for victory but a sideline cut from 25 yards out by their star performer Alan Geoghegan tailed wide at the near post.
Stephens, fast and lively up front, took the game to their opponents from the moment Patrick Butler clipped over their first point in the second minute. They led all the way to the break and went in 0-9 to 0-6 ahead.
O'Loughlin's had a goal from Maurice Nolan shortly after the break, and by the 35th minute they had gained parity for the first time. However, they had to wait until the 46th minute to get in front, thanks to a pointed free from Geoghegan (1-10 to 0-12).
The game looked over when the Gaels went five points clear three minutes from the end of normal time, but the fun and games was only starting as far as Stephen's were concerned.
O'LOUGHLIN/GAELS: K Cleere; B Kelly, B Hogan, B Murphy; S Dowling, A O'Brien, P Dowling; A Geoghegan (0-3, two frees), M Nolan (1-0); M Comerford (0-1), A Comerford (0-1), S Cummins (1-1), N Skehan (0-2, frees), J Lawlor (0-3), B Dowling (0-2). Sub: C Furlong for Skehan.
JAMES STEPHENS: F Cantwell; D Cody, M Phelan, D Grogan; P Larkin (0-1), P Barry, J Tyrrell; P Butler (0-1), B McEvoy (1-0); E McCormack (0-1), E Larkin (0-8, five frees), G Whelan (1-0); J Murphy (0-1), R Hayes (0-1), D McCormack. Subs: N Tyrrell for Butler; M Ruth for J Murphy; J Mernagh for D McCormack.
Referee: D Connolly (Mooncoin)
