Once a physically stronger Kilkenny team overcame an early show of Wexford dominance, they regained the Leinster Minor Hurling championship with considerable ease and made themselves favourites for the All-Ireland title into the bargain.
Wexford's flying start, with points from Des Mythen and Rory Jacob was crushed by lucky goal from a tentative Shane Hennessy midfield lob that Peter Walsh failed to collect under his own bar.
"We were not surprised by Wexford's start, you could say we were forewarned and forearmed for, of the four teams in the semi-finals they were the most impressive, beating the champions Offaly," said a delighted Kilkenny manager Nicky Cashin.
But even at this stage Cashin appears to have a well drilled and composed side capable of going the whole way.
Kilkenny had done enough to clinch the Leinster trophy well before full back John Phelan was sent to the line 10 minutes from time for a second bookable offence.
"Their first goal against the run of play ignited our problems and losing wing back Kevin Kavanagh proved a huge loss," said Wexford manager Larry Doyle.
No less than nine of the Kilkenny team scored, including half backs P J Delaney and wing back Tommy Walsh. Walsh, at half back, was a revelation and Michael Rice did well as a converted wing back.
Eight wides for Kilkenny against two for their opponents helped to keep Wexford in touch up to half time when they trailed by 2-7 to 1-6.
Peter Walsh may have been at fault for that early morale crushing goal but when called upon to save from Wille O'Dwyer and Robbie Dowling he showed real class.
Later the Faythe Hariers youth came upfield to take a penalty but was denied by his opposite number David Herity.
Wexford's bid to inject extra drive into their attack by pushing defenders John O'Connor and Tomas Hawkins forward never looked like upsetting the in groove Kilkenny defence.
Kilkenny - D Herity; P Holden J Phelan N Doheny; M Rice PJ Delaney (0-2, one 65) T Walsh (0-2); M Walsh S Hennessy(1-1); M Phelan(0-1) W O'Dwyer(0-1) R Dowling(0-4); C Phelan (0-4) E Kavanagh (1-0) B Dowling (1-1). Sub- K Cleere for O'Dwyer 60 mns.
Wexford - P Walsh; D Barden J O'Connor D Colfer; E Keeling T Hawkins K Kavanagh; C Dempsey l Goff; A Flynn (0-1) S Howard (0-2) D Browne; M Cash R Jacob (1-2) D Mythen (0-4 wo frees). Subs - M Kinsella for Kavanagh (16 mins) S Redmond for Cash (40 mins). Curley for Browne (52 mins).
Referee - J McGrath (Westmeath)
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