Exiles get a helping Hand

London boss Eamonn Phelan hailed his side’s resilience after they booked their place in the Christy Ring Cup final.

For the second week running, Down mustered a late rally to force extra-time, but the Exiles responded positively and a goal from sub Luke Hand set up a Croke Park date with Wicklow.

“It took serious character to respond the way we did,” said Phelan. “We’re still a new team – there’s only three or four left from last year and the players need time to gel. But these lads are serious hurlers. A lot of our games have been away this year, and we said we weren’t going to lose it at home today. The players stood up.”