A promising opening twenty minutes against a strong wind augured well for Carlow U21 hurlers in their Leinster U21HC joust with Dublin in Dr Cullen Park tonight.

Displaying great grit and confidence they looked to be more than a match for the metropolitans.

The concession of a goal, the last score of the half provided Dublin with the platform and the boost they needed for the second half.

Carlow started smartly - Daryl Roberts pulled a fast one on his marker just as a Carlow line ball was about to be taken close to the Dublin end line. Roberts stepped off the pitch to swap hurls and jumped back on as the Dublin defence were caught flat footed and pointed sweetly for the opening score.

Unfortunately it was only one of three scores from play for Carlow - and matches at this level aren't won with that type of return.

Coming up to the break Carlow's Conor Lawler almost snatched a goal that would have provided the injection Carlow needed as heads began to drop.

Despite the margin of defeat Carlow never let Dublin run away with the game - the concession of three second half goals proved crucial especially a soft third goal which came about after a short puck out.

That was the nail in the coffin.

Looking at the Carlow line out on the programme, it looked to carry a physical threat down the middle; Dublin though were even more physical and on the wings too.

Ultimately Carlow found it hard to get their hands on the ball from puck outs at either end such was the physical advantage of the Dubs and Dublin bossed the exchanges.

No question the better side won, but Carlow can look at the opening half where they matched them for twenty minutes with many of their stronger players not on their ‘A' game.

It has to be a learning curve for this team - Carlow have plenty of skill to build on. There was a marked difference in conditioning. Any team can improve that aspect of performance. We have to do that at all levels if we are to be serious and achieve anything.

Best for Carlow were defenders Seamus Kelly (until injured), David English and James Doyle, midfielder Paul Coady was excellent from placed balls and worked hard all through, up front Eddie Byrne won a lot of primary possession but lacked support, Daryl Roberts opened well but the supply dried up while Conor Lawlor tried hard. 

Team: Nicky Roberts; Seamus Kelly, Gary Kelly, Thomas Nolan; David English (0-1f), Johnny Corcoran, James Doyle; Paul Coady (0-0-8, 7f), Paul McElligott; John Doyle, Eddie Byrne (0-1), Denis Murphy; Daryl Roberts (0-1), Conor Lawor, Paudie Kehoe. Subs: Gary Bennett for McElligott (inj), Alan McDonald for John Doyle, John Hughes for Seamus Kelly (inj).