Kilkenny make a winning start to National Hurling League

A long trip North proved a worthwhile journey as the Kilkenny senior hurlers made a winning start to their National Hurling League campaign.

New manager Derek Lyng saw his side battle against the conditions and a stubborn Antrim side as they grabbed a solid win at Corrigan Park.

With four League newcomers in the side (Aidan Tallis, Niall Rowe, Billy Drennan and Paul Cody) Kilkenny showed their mettle as they withstood a Saffrons comeback and stretched the margin late on.

After an even start the Cats took a big step ahead when Billy Drennan raced on to a Walter Walsh layoff to finish to the net. Led by Conal Cunning's freetaking and good points from Niall McKenna and Neil McManus the home side fought their way back into the game, but a half where Kilkenny had seven men on the scoresheet - Aidan Tallis, Paddy Deegan, Paul Cody, Drennan, John Donnelly, Walsh and Martin Keoghan - ended with Lyng's men four points to the good (1-10 to 0-9).

Helped by Drennan's accuracy from frees, Kilkenny maintained that advantage for long spells in the second half. Two Conal Cunning frees cut the gap to two points just before the hour mark (1-13 to 0-14) but a strong rally from the Cats, who had Drennan (2), Billy Ryan and Martin Keoghan (2) on the mark ensured a winning start for Lyng's side.

Kilkenny will be hoping to make it two from two when they entertain Tipperary in round two at UPMC Nowlan Park next Sunday. 

See next week's People Sport for match report and reaction

SCORERS

Kilkenny: Billy Drennan (1-8, 0-7 frees); Martin Keoghan (0-3); Paul Cody (0-2); Walter Walsh, John Donnelly, Paddy Deegan, Billy Ryan, Aidan Tallis (0-1 each).

Antrim: Conal Cunning (0-8, frees); Niall McKenna (0-2); James McNaughton, Conall Bohill, Neil McManus, Paddy Burke, Keelan Molloy (0-1 each).