Larkin grabs crucial goal as James Stephens have the final say

FAVOURITES James Stephens just about did enough in Nowlan Park yesterday to get back to the Kilkenny SHC final.

While gaining confidence from an early goal, scored by team captain Eoin Larkin, they were pushed all the way by an Erin’s Own team which came with a reputation for a fiery determination but which was over reliant on the free-taking of Martin Boran.

Ultimately, Larkin’s goal and a superb second one from Matthew Ruth in the 26th minute were to prove decisive.