Kildare survived a late Tipperary surge to maintain their 100 per cent record at Templemore yesterday.

Tipperary, who are pointless, outplayed their opponents in a lively first half, but Kildare's greater sharpness near goal yielded two goals by Noel Donlon and Padraic Brennan, in the ninth and 17th minute respectively, to give them a 2-3 to 0-6 lead at the interval. Declan Brown twice missed giltedged goal chances for Tipperary in this period when timely advances by Kildare goalkeeper Christie Byrne saved the Lilywhites.

A Brown goal for Tipperary in the eighth minute of the third quarter, following a great run by Derry Foley, put Tipperary ahead 1-9 to 24 and a shock was on the cards. Kildare steadied to hit five points without reply from the 10th to the 21st minute, opening a three-point lead. Tipperary came at them again and two more points from Brown left the minimum between the sides. Further Tipperary pressure yielded a Brendan Cummins 45 in injury time, but he failed to reach the target. Kildare's display was below par, but Noel Donlon, Adrian McAndrew , Glen Ryan, Declan Kerrigan and goalie Christy Byrne all did well.