Stephens make easy passage

Kilkenny SHC Semi-finals/ James Stephens 2-16 Graigue-Ballycallan 1-9: An 11th minute goal from David McCormack set James Stephens on their way to a surprisingly easy win over Graigue-Ballycallan, who trailed on the scoreboard from early on to the full-time whistle.

McCormack's fine strike gave Stephens, who were playing against the wind in that first-half, a 1-2 to 0-1 lead and things became easier for the Kikenny city side from there on in.

With senior county player Eoin Larkin shooting five points, Stephens slipped into a 1-8 to 0-9 lead by the half-time break.

Graigue had the opening point of the second half from James Young. Eoin Larkin replied, but when Tommy Dermody blasted a good chance of a goal for Graigue wide in the 33rd minute, they never really got another opportunity to get themselves back into the game.

The eventual losers weren't allowed to put two scores together during the closing-half. They did manage to score a consolation goal in the 63rd minute through Michael Hoyne, however.

Stephens ended the game on a high note as wing forward Gary Whelan struck for goal with the last puck of the game.

JAMES STEPHENS: F Cantwell; D Cody, M Phelan, D Grogan; J Tyrrell, P Larkin, P Barry; B McEvoy, P O'Brien (0-1); J Murray (0-2), E Larkin (0-9), G Whelan (1-0); E McCormack (0-2), R Hayes (0-1), D McCormack (1-1). Subs: S Egan for D McCormack, M Ruth for R Hayes, E Sheehy for Grogan.

GRAIGUE-BALLYCALLAN: A Ronan; J Butler, J Ryall, B Dalton; D Walton, M Hoyne (1-0), C Hoyne; J Young (0-2), D Byrne; K Cleere (0-3), J Hoyne (0-1), J Dunphy (0-1); E Brennan (0-2), T Dermody, P Kennedy. Subs: JJ Brennan for K Cleere (inj), N Millea for Kennedy, P Robinson for T Dermody.

Referee: C Connolly (Mooncoin).