Forde focus helps Tipperary to big win in Kilkenny

Jason Forde gave an exhibition of score taking when Tipperary put in a hugely impressive performance when roaring to their second win in the National Hurling League at UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday afternoon.

The winners threatened to over-run great rivals Kilkenny at times and although they came under a bit of pressure around the hour mark, they were full value for a victory that must have pleased new manager, Liam Cahill.

Perhaps the one down side of the Tipperary performance was the fact they ran up a hefty 19 wides. However, there was too much good about the winners general hurling and attitude that that aspect of play can be forgiven.

It told another story - Tipp were creative, very creative and inventive.

They were well on the way to victory when they ran up a commanding lead of 2-13 to 0-07 by the break, with the deadly Forde leading the way. The crowd of 10,458 must have been wondering how Kilkenny were going to get back into the match.

The home side gave a strong chase after the rest. With the help of a 57th minute goal from Martin Keoghan and two quick pointed frees from Billy Drennan, the Cats were there with a shout when the gap was back to 2-20 to 1-19 on 61 minutes.

Then up popped Forde to bag three points in a dazzling two-minute spell to take the heat off again and steer Tipp towards their second success.

Things appeared to be going against Tipperary early on when they lost midfielder Paddy Cadell and defender Cathal Barrett to injury. Moments after Barrett departed in the 11th minute, Kilkenny drew level at 0-02 each with a point from a free by Billy Drennan.

That was as good as it was to get for the Cats. Tipp simply drove on, their quick, incisive hurling, neatness of touch and speed on the counter attack had the