Limerick 1-16 London 1-13
Limerick’s balance of youth and experience prevailed in an exciting finish to end London’s bid to cause an upset at the Gaelic Grounds.
One of the youngsters, Gearóid Hegarty, was Limerick’s hero and it was his goal that was crucial in the win.
Limerick led 0-11 to 0-6 at the interval after being 0-8 to 0-1 in front after 26 minutes.
London scored 1-3 without reply after the interval, the goal being touched home with the fist by Damian Dunleavy.
Hegarty’s goal had Limerick 1-13 to 1-11 in front but London points from Lorcan Mulvey and Tony Gaughan levelled the scores. Late points from Ian Ryan (two) and Brian Scanlon saw Limerick home.
LIMERICK: B Scanlon (0-2f); J McCarthy, S O'Dea, M O'Riordan; I Corbett, P Browne, P Ranahan; T Lee, J Galvin (0-1); S Buckley, G Collins (0-2), D Tracey; D Neville (0-1), K Phair (0-2), I Ryan (0-8, 3f). Subs: G Hegarty (1-0) for Buckley (16); M Brosnan for Treacy (43); E Hanrahan for Phair (48); S Lucey for Corbett (53); J O'Riordan for T Lee (58); J Lee for Neville (63).
LONDON: A Faherty (0-1f); B Collins, S Curran, D McCarthy; P Butler, S Mulligan, S Hannon; A Bradley, M Carroll; G Crowley, D Dunleavy (1-5), L Mulvey (0-1); M Miskelly (0-1), T Gaughan (0-1), J Feeney (0-2). Subs: M Gottsche (0-1) for Collins (24); B Mitchell for Feeney (55); S Kelly for Bradley (62); C O'Neill (0-1) for Crowley (68); C Carty for Hannon (71).
Referee: Pádraig O'Sullivan