Analysis- TJ Reid return a big positive as Kilkenny finish league with Tipp draw

Main Man
TJ Reid (Kilkenny)
The Shamrocks man was making his first appearance of the season and it was like he was never away as he scored 1-8 in a superb individual display. An expertly taken lobbed goal was the highlight but even in general play, the 38 year-old stood tall.

Highlight
The match being a dead rubber may have added to it but it was a thoroughly enjoyable contest as both teams contributed to a thrilling end to end affair.

Lowlight
Kilkenny will be sweating on the fitness of a couple of players on the run up to their championship opener with Ivan Bolger, Tom Phelan and Luke Hogan all having to go off on Saturday evening. Ivan's looked the more serious as he hobbled off the field and the continued absence of Adrian Mullen, Mikey Carey, Fionan Mackessy and Eoin Murphy is also a worry.

Talking Point
All eyes were on what type of Kilkenny would show up to Semple Stadium after the limb defeat to Galway a couple of weeks ago but Derek Lyng would have been delighted with the application of his players and on another night, they could have came away with the full league points.

Read Next- Kilkenny and Tipp end league with high-scoring draw in Thurles

Turning Point
There was no real turning point as such with the two teams going full steam ahead from the start and there was no let up from either side till the full-time whistle.

Save of the Game
Kilkenny stopper Aidan Tallis produced a stunning double save to thwart Tipp in the second period.

What's Next
Kilkenny and Tipperary both have four weeks of preparation before they face Galway and Cork in the respective Leinster and Munster campaigns.

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