CHAMPIONS DETHRONED The Model have too much for Tribe after explosive finish
WEXFORD 1-23 GALWAY 0-23
NHL QUARTER-FINAL
But yesterday they turned in an explosive finish as two superb Conor Mcdonald points helped them secure a three point victory and dethrone the champions.
Within 30 seconds Johnny Coen had the visitors in front with a fine point, but Wexford pressed hard on the puck-out as Jack O’connor fetched a high ball only to be fouled, with Lee Chin bringing the sides level from the resulting free.
While it was a Joe Canning pointed free that restored the westerners’ lead, Chin was uncharacteristically wide with two 35 metre frees, before a great Kevin Foley point out of midfield brought the sides level, 0-2 each after nine minutes.
Diarmuid O’keeffe and Conor Whelan exchanged points, while Rory O’connor who had assumed the responsibility of the free-taking, struck over two fine points.
A huge O’keeffe point from out on the sideline then had the home side leading by 0-8 to 0-5 after 21 minutes.
Galway responded with four unanswered points through Johnny Coen, Conor Whelan, David Burke and Jack Coyne to go 0-9 to 0-8 in front.
Three minutes before the break O’connor surged through the centre but his effort for goal was brilliantly saved by James Skehill, only for the lurking Conor Mcdonald pulling the rebound low to the net. A Chin point and two Caning efforts, a free and a 65, left Wexford with the minimum lead, 1-9 0-8 at the interval.
Galway opened the second half with a point from Cathal Mannion and two more Canning frees but with Paudie Foley pointing two huge frees in response, Wexford regained the lead through a Foley point out of midfield.
Galway then received a real blow when forward Coyne was shown a straight red card following an off the ball incident.
Despite their numerical disadvantage Galway, through the accuracy of Canning and sub Jason Flynn were still level, 1-17 to 0-20, entering the closing ten minutes.
A Chin point and a Rory O’connor free had Wexford leading 1-19 to 0-20 before a Canning pointed free left the minimum separating the sides again.
Both teams were giving everything in a pulsating finish but it was Wexford who finished strongest with two Mcdonald (inset) points setting up a semi-final clash with neighbours Kilkenny next Saturday in Innovate Wexford Park.