Cats sharpen their claws

IT would happen, wouldn’t it? This being the opening game of the 2011 Allianz Hurling League and thus the first official appearance of Tipperary since their All-Ireland triumph last September, the draw drum was kind enough to pair the Premier men with Kilkenny – their victims in that match.

And so it was that the Cats would form the traditional guard-of-honour and applaud the champions as they burst onto the Semple Stadium pitch on Saturday night.

And for the first 22 minutes of what was becoming a fine contest it was Tipperary bursting into the game with real swagger. They had a 1-6 to 0-4 lead built up while Kilkenny – it seemed – were still in courtesy mode, strangely lethargic and standing back.