Wexford produced a thrilling comeback to ensure a replay against Tipperary following a 3-10 to 1-16 draw in the Guinness All-Ireland hurling semi-final at Croke Park this afternoon. In an action-packed and enthralling encounter, it looked at one time that Tipperary would advance to the All-Ireland final with ease, before Wexford staged a spirited fightback in the second-half.
The opening stages of the game were fiercely fought, with the teams exchanging points to leave the score at five points apiece after twenty-two minutes. Nicky English's men then began to gain the upper hand, with a point from Mark O'Leary and two frees by Eoin Kelly putting daylight between the two sides.
Five minutes before half-time things got worse for Wexford when Tipperary centre-forward John Carroll smashed the ball home after a high ball into the Wexford square. With the Tipperary defence snuffing out the Wexford threat, Tipperary extended their lead with a Mark O'Leary point on the stroke of half-time. Wexford's Paul Codd then sent a free wide to leave Tipperary well in command at the break, leading by 1-09 to 0-05.
On the restart Tipperary soon extended the lead by 1-12 to 0-06 before Wexford introduced veteran forward Martin Storey to a rapturous reception. It seemed to work as only two minutes later Wexford were celebrating a goal by Larry O'Gorman. Mark O'Leary replied with a point for Tipp before a mix-up in defence let Rory McCarthy in for a second Wexford goal to leave the game finely poised at 1-13 to 2-06.
Wexford inched closer with points by Adrian Fenlon and Mitch Jordan before Tipperary steadied the ship with points from Eoin Kelly, Mark O'Leary and Tommy Dunne. With the score now standing at 1-16 to 2-08 with only five minutes to go, it looked like favourites Tipperary had weathered the Wexford storm and were sailing towards the Final.
A minute later, however, the complexion of the game had changed yet again after another high ball into the Tipperary square resulted in a second Larry O'Gorman goal to leave just two points separating the teams.
An Adrian Fenlon point a minute later ensured a frantic finale as the match entered added time. Wexford, however, were not to be denied a second attempt as a Mitch Jordan point in the 73rd minute ensured these two teams will fight out again next Saturday for a place in the All-Ireland final.
Earlier, Galway beat Tipperary by 3-13 to 1-07 in the minor hurling semi-final.
Filed by Tom Grealis
