Jack O’Connor, Wexford, and Robert Doyle, Tipperary, in Allianz Hurling League action. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Allianz Hurling League Division 1A
Tipperary 1-22 Wexford 0-19
By Noel Dundon at FBD Semple Stadium
Tipperary recorded their second victory of the Allianz National Hurling League at FBD Semple Stadium.
Liam Cahill’s men added two more points to their opening day tally and handed league debuts to a number of new players also ahead of their much anticipated clash with neighbours Limerick next weekend.
Tipperary gave experienced defender Seamus Kennedy his first start of the campaign having returned from a cruciate knee ligament injury – he slotted in at wing back in the place of Sam O’Farrell, who made an impressive debut in the opening round against Galway.
The Premier men led by 0-12 to 0-8 at the interval with five of those coming from the stick of Darragh McCarthy from placed balls, while the midfield pairing of Willie Connors (2) and Craig Morgan accounted for three points – full back Eoghan Connolly, half back Gavin O’Halloran and attacker Jason Forde getting one apiece.
Wexford were three points in arrears on a few occasions in the first half, but they battled back time and again with Cian Byrne keeping them in touch from placed balls. Jack Redmond had two for them while Conor Hearne, Darren Codd and Connal Flood were also on target in a game which had failed to spark in the first half.
The story was not much different in the second half as Tipperary continued to keep Wexford at arms length. However, a Darragh McCarthy penalty goal for Tipp in the 59th minute, after Craig Morgan was dragged back, extended the Premier advantage to eight points and from then onwards there was never a doubt about the result.
Tipp ended up with 12 scorers on the day while Wexford had nine – an indication of the pattern of the game. However, Wexford will be happy to have put in a decent showing on their travels having endured that difficult league opener against Cork and manager Keith Rossiter will take positives from the performance.
Scorers for Tipperary: Darragh McCarthy 1-7 (1-6 frees), Willie Connors 0-3, Jake Morris, Eoghan Connolly 0-2 each, Michael Breen, Gavin O’Halloran, Craig Morgan, Andrew Ormond, Jason Forde, John McGrath, Oisin O’Donoghue, Johnny Ryan 0-1 each.
Scorers for Wexford: Cian Byrne 0-7 (6fs), Jack Redmond 0-3 (1f), Darren Codd, Mark Fanning (frees) 0-2 each, Corey Byrne Dunbar, Richie Lawlor, Conor Hearne, Connal Flood, Simon Roche 0-1 each.
:
Tipperary: Rhys Shelly, Robert Doyle, Eoghan Connolly, Michael Breen, Seamus Kennedy, Brian McGrath, Gavin O’Halloran, Craig Morgan, Willie Connors, Josh Keller, Jake Morris, Alan Tynan, Andrew Ormond, Jason Forde, Darragh McCarthy.
Subs: Oisin O’Donoghue for Josh Keller (HT), John McGrath for Andrew Ormond (46), Conor Bowe for Jason Forde (52), Michael Corcoran for Seamus Kennedy (60), Johnny Ryan for Alan Tynan (65).
Wexford: Mark Fanning, Eoin Ryan, Simon Donohue, Niall Murphy, Charlie McGuckin, Conor Foley, Richie Lawlor, Conor Hearne, David Codd, Darren Codd, Jack Redmond, Tomas Kinsella, Cian Byrne, Seamus Casey, Connal Flood.
Subs: Jack O’Connor for Tomas Kinsella (33), Corey Byrne Dunbar for David Codd (39), Mikie Dwyer for Connal Flood (51), Simon Roche for David Casey (61), Cillian Byrne Cian Byrne for (64).
Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).
