DIVISION TWO table toppers, Wexford, were beaten by a rejuvenated Limerick in the torrential rain and gale force wind at Kilmallock yesterday.

Limerick had the benefit of the elements in the first half, and they turned on the style when building up a 1-10 to 0-2 half time lead.

The highlight of that opening half was a superb goal by Damian Quigley. A clearance out of defence by Sean O'Neill was gathered by Pidraig Tobin, who hand passed to Quigley, who blasted to the net.

That goal came a few seconds after a spectacular overhead point by Quigley.

The new-look Limerick mid-field, with Frankie Carroll partnering Mike Galligan. got on top from the start and paved the way for Limerick's dominance.

Wexford would surely have been closer had their free taker, Tom Kehoe been more accurate. He missed six easy chances, though he contributed half of his side's total.

TJ Ryan put Limerick in front with a point after four minutes and Kehoe levelled a minute later. After eight minutes, Mike Houlihan put Limerick in front, and they never looked like surrendering their advantage, as they put over a succession of points, mainly through the accuracy of Kirby from frees. He finished with five points to his credit.

Ryan again had the opening point of the second half, before Tom Dempsey had two points for Wexford. Kehoe had two more after Mark Foley had one for Limerick. That left the scores 1-12 to 0-6, and substitute Rory McCarthy had another point for Wexford after 13 minutes.

Surprisingly, there were only two points in the last 17 minutes, as both sides began to tire in the heavy conditions.

In defence, Limerick had excellent displays by Steve McDonagh, who missed the first half of the league, while Dave Clarke and O'Neill also did well.