Kilkenny GAA- Thomastown and Bennettsbridge advance to senior semi-finals

Thomastown were the story of this weekend's St Canices Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Finals as they got the better of the Shamrocks in a top class encounter on Saturday afternoon.

In front of a big attendance, Noel Doherty's men were full value for their success with Robbie Donnelly providing 10 points in total and Stephen Donnelly's return from injury proving crucial as he nipped in with a few late scores.

The defending All-Ireland Intermediate champions led by two points at the break as they tied down many of the Shamrocks key men and by the 34th minute they had gone seven clear in a really classy display up to that point.

A flicked Colin Fennellly goal got the Ballyhale boys back within touching distance but Thomastown weren't for budging as they held on to secure a 0-21 to 1-16 victory and a place in the last four in their first year back at this level of hurling.

The second quarter-final on Saturday predictably went to the wire as Bennettsbridge required extra-time to get the better of Tullaroan in Castlecomer.

Led by a superb display by Mossy Keoghan and a first half penalty from Dylan Simpson, Tullaroan looked primed to make up for defeat to Bennettsberidge in last year's championship but a goal from substitute Jack Campion gave the Bridge a lifeline as they snatched a 1-19 apiece draw at the end of normal time.

That goal was a massive sucker punch to Tullaroan and Ken Coogan's side only scored four points in the following 20 minutes as the winners took control.

David Blanchfield led the charge from the back and while the Kilkenny star missed a penalty, his brother Liam got a goal for himself as Bennetsbridge ran out six point victors come the final whistle.

The remaining two quarter-finals scheduled for Sunday afternoon have been postponed and will now take place next weekend.

St Canices Credit Union SHC Quarter-Finals

Thomastown 0-21 Shamrocks 1-16

Bennettsbridge 2-26 Thomastown 1-23 (After Extrra-Time)

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