Kildare champions Sarsfields, held out to win an entertaining tie at Newbridge yesterday.

Sarsfields took charge early and led 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time, with the Carlow visitors having only scored one point from play. O'Hanrahan's improved in the second half and drew level within three minutes. Niall Buckley, who was sent off after 38 minutes, edged Sarsfields ahead, but O'Hanrahan's levelled.

The turning point arrived when David Earley sent the ball to the net for the only goal of the afternoon. O'Hanrahan's continued to rally and were in contention until the end.

Sarsfields: K Nolan; J O'Malley, T Gorman, M McIntyre; N Hedderman, L Sex, B Moylan (0-2); Dermot Earley, J Whelan (0-1); P Brennan (0-3), N Buckley (0-4), E Donoghue; K Horgan, David Earley (1-1), L Brennan.

O'Hanrahan's: J Brennan; D Walker (0-1), A Corden, B English; B Hannon, N English, K Kavanagh; P Nolan, K Walker; G Walker, P Kavanagh (0-4), M Carpenter (0-2); D Bermingham (0-2), A Kavanagh (0-4), B Walker. Sub: W Kinsella for G Walker.

Referee: P McGann (Westmeath).