Galway lead Kilkenny kittens at break

Galway 1-7 Kilkenny 0-6

Sarsfields corner forward Kerril Wade has maintained his high scoring reputation against the wind, as Galway lead champions Kilkenny 1-7 to 0-6 at half time in today's All-Ireland Minor Hurling final.

Wade, who struck 1-9 against Cork and 1-10 against Antrim in previous rounds, already has 1-4 (2f) to his name at Croke Park.

He struck a great goal on 15 minutes, outpacing the Cats' rearguard, and hitting a high rising shot to the Kilkenny net as recovering half back Neil Prendergast slipped at the vital moment.

Gavin Nolan hit a good point on the run on 22 minutes to bring Kilkenny back within a goal at 0-3 to 1-3 down. But back came Wade and the Tribesmen. Barry Hanley's 26th minute point had them 1-7 to 0-3 in front.

To credit the Leinster champions, Maurice Nolan, Eoin Guinan and Nicholas Kenny hit the last three points of the half to keep them within touching distance of Mattie Murphy's Galway.

Scorers: Galway: K Wade 1-4 (2f), A Carey, J Canning, B Hanley 0-1 each

Kilkenny: P Hogan 0-2, G Nolan, M Nolan (1f), E Guinan, N Kenny 0-1 each