'For spells, they were the better team,' says Derek Lyng as Kilkenny overcome Antrim

Despite starting well, Kilkenny trailed at the break and it was only when Martin Keoghan punished an error in the 51st minute to slam home his team's first goal was when Antrim's resistance was finally broken.

Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng and Antrim manager Davy Fitzgerald shake hands. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile.

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, Round Two: Antrim 2-12 Kilkenny 2-30

THE 18-point margin of victory perhaps masks how Kilkenny were tested at Corrigan Park on Sunday, but when push came to shove, Derek Lyng's men grabbed control and stormed home in the second period.