UNDER-21 HURLING:Wexford 2-17 Carlow 2-13

WEXFORD, who led by 16 points at the interval, prevailed in a tense finish as they held off a late Carlow surge at Wexford Park yesterday evening.

Wexford dominated the first half as the forwards exploited the possession earned at midfield and looked to have secured their final passage but credit to Carlow for a stirring finish. With Eoin Moore pointing from midfield from frees and play, Wexford led 0-6 to 0-3 after nine minutes, the three Carlow points coming from Dwayne Kavanagh frees.

Wexford’s opening goal was fortuitous with James Gahan’s sideline ball sailing all the way to the net. As they continued to pick off points coupled with a second goal from Jamie Reck on 27 minutes, the home side went in leading 2-13 to 0-3 at the interval.

Carlow restarted with a Paudie Kehoe pointed free but Wexford led 2-15 to 0-8, at the end of the third quarter. Carlow were given a lifeline when Kehoe goaled from close range, but Wexford responded with points from Michael O’Regan and Liam Óg McGovern to lead 2-17 to 1-9 with eight minutes remaining.Carlow finished with 1-4 without reply, the goal coming in additional time from Alan McDonald.

WEXFORD:M Fanning; B McCormack, P Donnelly, E Doyle; S Murphy (0-1), Matthew O'Hanlon, Michael O'Hanlon; E Moore (0-8, four frees), H Kehoe (0-1); P Morris (0-3, two frees), J Leacy, E Kent; J Reck (1-1), J Gahan (1-0), L Óg McGovern (0-2). Subs: S Tomkins for Leacy; M O'Regan (0-1) for Donnelly; T O'Leary for Gahan; B Doyle for McGovern.

CARLOW:K Kehoe; G Kelly, D O'Brien, K McCabe (0-1); M Mullins, D Kavanagh (0-3, frees), A Corcoran (0-1); D Byrne, M Ryan; D English, E Byrne, D J Regan; P Kehoe (1-6, six frees), D Murphy (0-2, one free), A McDonald (1-0). Subs: M Clowry for Regan; A McKenzie for English; S Kelly for E Byrne.

Referee:D Connolly (Kilkenny).