Hurlers remain on course for Division 1 hurling
Cian Boran bursts through a couple of challenges Photo: Michael Anderson
Kildare kept their promotion hopes alive with a convincing 12 point win over a Donegal side who had recorded a fine win over Kerry, their first over a Munster side a week earlier.
The meeting of last years Ring and Rackard Cup winners, and the fact they were both tied on four points, meant there was plenty at stake for both sides.
Kildare were out of the blocks with an unbelievable tempo and they quickly raced into a 2-3 to no score lead after only seven minutes. Darragh Melville and Gerry Keegan adding the opening goals on six and seven minutes. James Burke and James Dolan with two had given Kildare the perfect start. Donegal added points from Danny Cullen and a Gerard Gilmore free but two David Qualter white flags kept Kildare in control.
Two further Donegal frees from Gerard Gilmore and goalkeeper Liam Whitev gave them hope but after hitting 5-14 last week they found the Kildare defence alot meaner.
Kildare finished the half the stronger. Cathal McCabe and Qualter's fifth arrived either side of Kildare's third goal from James Dolan. Gerry Keegan had played in Jack Sheridan but while Liam White made a good save he couldn't prevent Dolan's follow up. Liam McKinney did have time for a late Donegal point but Kildare lead 3-12 to 0-6 after 35 minutes.
The tempo dropped considerably after the break and Donegal outscored Kildare by 1-12 to 0-9. Ronan McDermott's fine finish on 44 was just reward for the Donegal possession as they tried to get a foot hold in the game.
Kildare did see it out the win in a comfortable manner. David Qualter adding five pointed frees in that closing half and Muiris Curtin announced his return with a fine point from 40 metres.
Brian Dowling did get a chance to empty the bench and with nearly the last play of the game James Dolan capped a fine individual performance with his fourth point.
Kildare will return to Newbridge again next weekend for their penultimate round where Tyrone will be the visitors, and after today's win they can approach in confidence. With Meath due to visit Down, Kildare could get promoted next weekend and the team look to be heading in the right direction under Dowling
Paddy McKenna, Liam O'Reilly, Simon Leacy, Rian Boran, Daniel O'Meara, Cathal McCabe 0-1, Paul Dolan, Daire Guerin, Cian Boran, Darragh Melville 1-1, David Qualter 0-10 (7fs), Gerry Keegan 1-1, Jack Sheridan, James Burke 0-3, James Dolan (Celbridge) 1-4. SUBS Muiris Curtin 0-1 for Burke, 42; Evan O'Briain for Keegan, 49; Cormac Byrne for O'Meara, 55; Oisin Lynam for Melville, 59; James Dolan (EOCC) for R Boran, 65.
Liam White 0-2 (2 frees),Oisin Kelly,Jack O Loughlin, Michael Donaghue, Conor O'Grady, Stephen McBride, Ciaran Bradley, Gerard Gilmore 0-7 (6fs), Sean Ward, Brian McIntyre, Ronan McDermott 1-0, Danny Cullen 0-1, Conor Gartland 0-1, Liam McKinney 0-3, Peter Kelly. Subs: Ruairi Campbell for Bradley, 43; Declan Coulter 0-1 for Kelly, 48; Cormac Finn for Gartland, 64; Dean Harvey for O'Grady, 64; Padraig Doherty for McIntyre, 68.
N O Toole (Waterford)
