Coill Dubh regained the Kildare senior hurling title with a narrow win at the end of a closely contested championship final at Newbridge yesterday.

The victory is Coill Dubh's third success in four years and was due to an impressive first half performance.

Points by Tom Carew got the winners off to a good start, and they dominated the half to lead by 0-10 to 0-7 at the break. Coill Dubh consolidated their advantage early in the second half, but Ardclough rallied in the third quarter and the winners needed a late free by Colin Byrne to secure the win.

Scorers - Coill Dubh: T Carew 0-8, A McAndrew 1-3, J Byrne, C Byrne, N Casey 0-2 each. Ardclough: C Buggy 1-8, B McMahon 11, T Spain 0-2, J Coulston, A Finnerty 0-1 each. Referee: T O'Sullivan (Celbridge).