Second-half goals from Paul Morris and Rory Jacob were key to the Wexford hurlers opening their National League campaign with a nervy 2-15 to 0-16 Division 1B win away to the 13-men of neighbours Carlow on Sunday.

Newly-promoted Carlow stormed out of the traps to lead by 0-7 to 0-3 after 15 minutes. But the excellent striking of Gary Moore helped Wexford turn the tables by 0-9 to 0-8 at half-time, just before which both sides were reduced to 14-men.

While Morris netted for Wexford shortly after the restart, Carlow battled back to lead 0-15 to 1-11 with 13 minutes remaining. But Wexford capitalised upon Carlow being reduced to 13-men as Gary Moore (3) and Harry Kehoe hit a sequence of unanswered points before Rory Jacob’s late goal ensured Wexford travel to Offaly on Sunday week with points on the board.

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