The stuff of champions

WITH Galway hammering Waterford, Kilkenny kept their hopes of qualifying for the second stage of the Allianz League alive with this hard-fought win over Clare at storm-lashed Cusack Park yesterday.

Kilkenny 2-10 Clare 1-12

The three top teams are now each on six points, Kilkenny on four, so it all boils down to scoring-difference. After yesterday's results, both Waterford and Clare, who meet next week, are within reach for Kilkenny. Galway should beat Laois, putting them beyond the Cats, but, barring a draw in Cusack Park, the worse-case scenario for Kilkenny sees them needing to win by at least 15 points against Dublin in the final round. Achieve that, then regardless of who wins in Ennis or by how much, they will qualify. On yesterday's gritty display, who would wager against the reigning champions?