The League Champions and the All-Ireland Champions met in the National Hurling League at Páirc Uí Choaimh yesterday but it was Tipperary who emerged victorious beating the home side 2-11 to 1-12 in a lively affair. Nicky English's young team produced a good display and with experienced players like John Leahy and Declan Ryan yet to come into the starting line-up, Cork manager Jimmy Barry Murphy paid testimony to the challenge they will pose in summer. As for his own side, the champions have now lost three games in a row, and all by narrow margins, to effectively finish their interest in the league. Waterford made it five wins out of five in Division 1B when they beat Laois by 2 points, 2-13 to 1-14 and now lead the table by two points from Kilkenny, who easily beat Derry, 3-12 to 1-9.
Limerick are looking good for a semi-final place League after an 11 point win over Dublin yesterday, 0-21 to 2-4. Eamonn Cregan's side had much to thank the uneasy Dublin defence for facile victory. Mark Keane scored eight points for the victors. Limerick now have full points from their four matches in Division 1A, as do Galway, who did not play yesterday. Elsewhere, Antrim beat Kerry by 0-15 to 2-6 at Casement Park while Offaly defeated Clare 2-14 to 2-12 at Birr.
