Jacob leads charge as champs Wexford tame Cork

URSULA JACOB led from the front to give champions Wexford their first victory in the second round of the All-Ireland senior camogie championship.

The Yellowbellies’ captain shot eight points, half of which came from play, to enable her side put last week’s loss to Galway behind them and claim victory over Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday (0-14 to 1-8).

Mags D’Arcy played a significant part too though, making a stunning save from Gemma O’Connor’s last minute penalty to deny the hosts a share of the spoils.

Denise Cronin’s goal kept Cork in touch, trailing by just a point at half-time, but given the amount of possession they had and the fact that they had played with the wind, it wasn’t looking good for them as they turned to face the elements.

They dug deep in the second-half though and it was nip and tuck after the resumption, with the sides level five times.

Wexford made the significant move late on when Jacob registered two points and Katrina Parrock slotted her second of the day. Suddenly the gap was three. O’Connor had a chance to grab a draw for the Leesiders but her powerful shot was deflected onto the underside of the crossbar and out by D’Arcy as Wexford survived.

Veronica Curtin repeated her heroics of last week from the bench, scoring 1-3 after being sprung in the 48th minute to rescue Galway and earn them a 1-10 to 1-7 victory in their clash against Clare.

Fiona Lafferty had been inspirational for the Banner side as they led by three points at the break. Lafferty pointed a sideline cut from a tight angle to inspire her side after the resumption and a goal from a Chloe Morey penalty had them in front entering the final quarter.

Noel Finn called on the 1995 All-Ireland winner and once again the move worked to perfection with Curtin ending a fine move with a blistering shot to the Clare net.

She followed up with three points, including two frees, to give the Tribeswomen their second win of the campaign.

Kilkenny had it much easier against Dublin, laying the foundation of their 2-12 to 1-2 success with a strong first-half effort.

All the goals came in the first-half with Aoife Neary and Áine Fahey scoring for Kilkenny, while Ciara Burgess’ long delivery flew all the way to the net to raise Dublin’s green flag. Neary, Fahey and Michelle Quilty added points as the Ann Downey’s crew maintained their 100% record.

Jill Horan was outstanding for Tipperary as they held off a determined Offaly to win by 3-14 to 1-14. Horan, Sarah Fryday and Noreen Flanagan were amongst the goals for the winners, while Linda Sullivan was quickest to a rebound after a stunning save by Rita Burke to net for the Faithful women.

Elaine Dermody was in tremendous form from placed balls for the visitors, finishing with nine points, but with Claire Grogan slotting six and Horan adding three points to her major, Tipp’s experience saw them through.