LEINSTER SHC QUARTER-FINALS: Oulart-the-Ballagh 2-12 James Stephens 0-15A GOAL either side of half-time saw the Wexford champions neutralise the threat of Kilkenny's county winners at Nowlan Park yesterday and book their place in the Leinster club hurling semi-finals.
Two points clear in first-half stoppage time, the Wexford side’s hopes were given a real boost when midfielder Shaun Murphy’s long-rang free found the Village net via a deflection off a Kilkenny hurley. That goal left Liam Dunne’s side with a five-point lead (1-8 to 0-6) at the break.
Forty seconds into the second half they were eight clear, as Eoin Moore blocked down a Tomás Keogh clearance and then followed up to sweep the loose sliotar past goalkeeper Derrick Brennan.
The goals proved vital, as both sides had endured something of a stop-start opening half. By the 13th minute a fresh-looking Oulart had moved 0-4 to 0-2 clear, thanks to frees from Nicky Kirwan (0-2) and Moore, but within six minutes Stephens were level.
Playing without their captain, the suspended Jackie Tyrrell, the Kilkenny side enjoyed a bright spell when Eoin Larkin and Niall Tyrrell ended good moves with neat points. Although Kirwan (free) and Moore pushed Oulart two ahead again, Larkin (free) and Matthew Ruth had James Stephens level – for what was the last time – by the 28th minute.
The haul could have been greater for the Kilkenny side, as Ruth latched on to a loose ball and bore down on goal, but his kicked effort sailed over Ben O’Connor’s crossbar.
That two-goal salvo saw Oulart silence the large home crowd with practically the entire second half to play. Midfielder David Redmond was to the fore for Oulart, winning plenty of possession and turning it into scoring chances for Stephen Doyle and Moore (2). Eoin Larkin hit back with two points, but that still left Oulart with a nine-point lead after 43 minutes (2-11 to 0-8).
Despite playing their third game in as many weeks, James Stephens looked to have the greater energy in the final quarter.
Eoin Larkin and David McCormack chipped points off the deficit, but Rory Jacob ensured Oulart had an eight-point cushion going into the last 13 minutes.
That would prove to be their last score however, as James Stephens went on a charge. New Kilkenny captain Eoin Larkin took on the mantle of scorer-in-chief, hitting five points in the remaining minutes (four frees, 65), but they couldn’t find the goal that would have denied Oulart victory.
OULART-THE-BALLAGH: B O'Connor; A Kavanagh, K Rossiter, B Kehoe; D Stamp, M Jacob, L Prendergast; S Murphy (1-0, free), D Redmond; D Nolan (0-1), G Sinnott, E Moore (1-5, two frees); R Jacob (0-2), F Cullen, N Kirwan (0-3, frees). Subs: S Doyle (0-1) for Kirwan (35 mins), D Mythen for Cullen (55 mins).
JAMES STEPHENS: D Brennan; T Keogh, P Larkin, J Comerford; E Sheehy, R Coady, D Cody; N McQuillan, N Tyrrell (0-1); D McCormack (0-1), E McCormack (0-1), M Ruth (0-1); J McGrath, E Larkin (0-11, eight frees, one 65), D Walton. Subs: G Whelan for McGrath (31 mins), C McQuillan for Tyrrell (44 mins), S Campion for E McCormack (60 mins).
Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).
In the provincial semi-finals – scheduled for next weekend – Oulart-the-Ballagh will take on Clough/Ballacolla of Laois, while Ballyboden St Enda’s will meet Offaly champions Coolderry. Venues, times, to be announced
