TJ Reid hits 1-18 as Kilkenny inflict heavy defeat on Wexford
Wexford's Rory O'Connor with Conor Browne and TJ Reid of Kilkenny. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Manager Brian Cody praised Kilkenny’s attitude after his side cruised to a 10-point victory over neighbours Wexford in the third round of the Allianz NHL Division 1 at UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday.
Ahead by 14-points at half-time, first half goals from Billy Ryan and TJ Reid were the catalyst. Ryan was a late addition to the starting lineout.
Reid was in sparkling form hitting 1-18 as they ran out ultimate 10-point winners to sit top of Group 1B with three wins from three.
“That is something we can never be accused of, of not having a good attitude for any match. That is something the lads do diligently and place a huge importance on it,” he said.
“Anyone who ever played hurling, the philosophy was that you always gave the ball to the man in the best position. That said, it could be a hand-pass of five yards of a 60 yard pass. You do what you do. There is huge reference being made to those sort of things now. I don’t see it as anything major to be honest about it.
“Momentum is important, it’s good to build momentum and winning is always important.
Whatever age they (players) are. I’ve always said we’d have great confidence in the panel we have and that’s as it is.
“Billy Ryan, it was great to see him back. Everyone knows we have talented players waiting to get back. He hadn’t done anything, hurling wise for months. He worked hard to get back. He played well and it was great to see that.”
The initial stages were even, but when Ryan rattled the net from a very tight angle in the sixth minute it served to deflate the opposition who went from the 11th to the 29th minute without a score.
Meanwhile, Kilkenny started to turn the screw as they reeled off six unanswered points. When Lee Chin eventually found the target from play, the hosts had opened up an eight point lead.
Further heartache followed for the visitors when Reid was on hand to fire Kilkenny’s second goal a minute later.
Full-forward Reid was immense all through, along with the goal he landed 10 placed balls in the opening half which also highlighted Wexford’s lack of discipline. His goal five minutes before half-time meant no way back for the visitors, after which Kilkenny led 2-15 to 0-7.
Wexford had more fight in them in the second-half - free-taker Chin reducing the deficit - yet, they still trailed 0-16 to 2-20 at the second water-break.
The green flag they badly needed never materialised, and this was due to a remarkable save by Eoin Murphy in the Kilkenny goal.
If Wexford were to defeat Laois, these sides could meet again in the Leinster championship. Cody is around long enough to know this will be a different ball game.
“Obviously this is the league and the championship is what everyone is thinking about and talking about. Probably in about five weeks time.
“Wexford play Laois. We have a straight run into the Leinster semi-final. We will play our two league matches and we will prepare for the championship.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
