Kildare the winners despite draw

A DRAW in Newbridge, but Kildare were the undisputed winners after a result that sees them, and not Laois, progress to the semi-finals.

A bumper crowd of 14,000 filed into St Conleth’s Park anticipating a ding-dong derby and they weren’t disappointed by a riveting tussle that saw the teams level on 11 occasions.

All afternoon, the two mirrored each other’s footsteps. Where Laois kicked nine wides, Kildare kicked eight. While Laois picked up five yellows, Kildare earned four. Five of Laois’ starting forwards kicked at least one score. Kildare’s did the same.