Thurles Sarsfields cut loose to sound title warning

TIPPERARY champions Thurles Sarsfields put their poor divisional form behind them as they hammered Knockavilla Kickhams 6-21 to 1-12 in the first round of the county senior hurling championship at The Ragg.

Though minus county panellist Michael Gleeson, Sarsfields carried far too much firepower for their opponents. Goals by Pa Bourke and ‘Redser’ O’Grady in the 14th and 15th minutes had them firmly in control.

Captain Lar Corbett added a third in the 27th minute but a Johnny Ryan goal from a 20 metre free in injury-time gave Kickhams some hope as they trailed 3-10 to 1-8 at the break.