LOOKING a little worse for wear after the hectic and prolonged post All Ireland celebrations, Wexford came crashing to earth at muddy Nowlan Park yesterday when they were soundly beaten in a Waterford Crystal South East Hurling League clash.

Wexford held their own during the opening half, but faded badly in the second and Kilkenny won at their ease before an attendance of 1,500.

Within six minutes of the start DJ Carey (2), Ken O'Shea and Brian McEvoy had all posted points for Kilkenny. Wexford, with nine of their All Ireland team, got their game together and by the 11th minute had levelled.

Ken O'Shea put Kilkenny back into the lead in the 12th minute, and they stayed there until the finish. Damien Cleere had the crucial score of the first half when he goaled in the 20th minute. New Kilkenny captain, DJ Carey created the score, blocking down an attempted clearance. That score helped Kilkenny into a 1-10 to 0-9 interval lead.

The goal which finished off Wexford came from promising newcomer, Niall Moloney in the 45th minute, when he scooped the ball to the net from five yards.