The Rebels Defeat The Cats

Allianz Hurling League Division IA: Cork 1-17 Kilkenny 1-15

Cork took a major step in their bid to claim a semi-final spot in this year's Allianz Hurling League by beating old rivals Kilkenny in a gripping game on Sunday.

It was a first competitive defeat in 2012 for Brian Cody's Kilkenny, who looked to be in control of the game when they led by 1-10 to 1-8 at the break and then built on their advantage at the start of the second half.

However, Cork showed great character and battling qualities to fight back, and when the prolific Patrick Horgan sent over a free in the 56th minute, the home side had levelled the game at 1-13 apiece.

The final quarter was a thrilling spectacle which was hugely appreciated by the 7,864 supporters at sun-drenched Pairc Uí Chaoimh, and was a real throw-back to the halcyon days of the Cork-Kilkenny rivalry.

Horgan nudged Cork clear for the first time since the opening minute on 63 minutes, while Richie Power, who finished with a remarkable haul of 1-11, responded for the Cats. It was all to play for in the closing stages, but Kilkenny's cause was not helped when Power was shown a straight red card.

Cork didn't need a second invitation and they scored the final two points of the game, with Horgan sealing the victory with his seventh of the game in added time.

Kilkenny dominated the early stages, with Power showing great poise to hit five of Kilkenny's first six scores as the Cats raced into a 0-6 to 0-2 lead.

Horgan, who scored Cork's first three points, kept the Rebels in contact as they cut the gap to 0-8 to 0-7, before Kilkenny were given a gilt-edged chance for an opening goal on 29 minutes, as Power converted from the penalty spot after he had been fouled.

Cork responded three minutes later, Paudie O'Sulivan hitting the back of the net after a fine ball from Lorcán McLoughlin, making up for en effort Kilkenny goalkeeper David Herity had saved earlier.

Jimmy Barry-Murphy's side trailed by two at the break and the gap was back to the minimum when Conor Lehane opened the second half scoring.

It was then that Kilkenny took control, but Cork fought back with points from Jamie Coughlan and William Egan, before stealing the win in a grandstand finish that leaves them just ahead of the Cats at the top of the table.