Early Wexford goals decisive

TWO goals inside the opening 10 minutes gave Wexford the breathing space to deny a Jane Adams-inspired Antrim in a cracking All-Ireland intermediate camogie final.

Adams was an inspired figure for the Saffrons, contributing a whopping 13 points, while also providing a huge amount in open play. Her heroic efforts were in vain though as Wexford’s superior scoring threat was just about enough to get them over the line.

Wexford had a dream start when Ciara O’Connor beat two defenders before handpassing beyond Mairéad Graham in the eighth minute. Less than 60 seconds later, Wexford had a second major as Fiona Rochford capitalised on some poor defending to send a first-time ground shot to the net.

Adams’ side reduced the margin to three as their skipper added five points to leave them trailing 2-3 to 0-6 at half time.

But Wexford resumed in determined fashion to stretch their lead to seven, as Linda Bolger, Síona Nolan and Tracey Nolan all shot a brace of points.

Adams was instrumental in the comeback and, in a late attack, she was hauled down just outside the square. However her resulting free was blocked and cleared.

Scorers for Wexford: C O’Connor 1-3 (0-1f), F Rochford 1-1, S Nolan (pen), L Codd, L Bolger, T Nolan 0-2 each.

Scorers for Antrim: J Adams 0-13 (8fs, 2 45s), M Convery, C Hamill 0-1 each.

WEXFORD: H Jacob; C Atkinson, B Holohan, F Doran; L O’Leary, Á Codd, L Bolger; S Kehoe, S Nolan; L Codd, B Curran, S Redmond; C O’Connor, F Rochford, L Bolger. Subs: T Nolan for Curran (43); S Kehoe for L Codd (54).

ANTRIM: M Graham; C Carey, A Martin, A McCall; B Orchin, E Connolly, A Jackson; C Doherty, R Torney; M Convery, N McGuinness, C Hamill; K McAleese, J Adams, L McAleese. Subs: M McGourty for L McAleese (23); O O’Hara for K McAleese (36); L McMullan for McCall inj (46).

Referee: J Dolan (Clare).