The Bord Gais Energy Leinster Under 21 Championship has provided some fantastic games in recent seasons and that trend should continue this Wednesday evening, when Kilkenny and Wexford meet at Nowlan Park.

Just like the Minor grade, Kilkenny are way ahead on the Roll of Honour, with the most recent of their 26 titles won in 2012. Since then, Wexford completed a three-in-a-row between 2012 and 2015, with Dublin defeating Offaly in last year’s decider.

Kilkenny had home advantage for their quarter-final against Dublin, and came through by 0-21 to 0-16. They followed up with a ten point victory over Westmeath – 1-21 to 1-11 – though they were pushed all the way in TEG Cusack Park.

The sides were on level terms ten minutes into the second half, but Kilkenny dominated from then on and made sure of victory with a late goal from top-scorer Alan Murphy.

Meanwhile, at Innovate Wexford Park, a hat-trick of goals from Cathal Dunbar inspired the Model County to see off a spirited display by Carlow in the other semi-final.

Dunbar, who came on in the Leinster SHC final on Sunday, fired home goals in the 10^th, 28^th and 45^th minutes, the first two of which helped Wexford to build up a 2-6 to 0-5 interval lead. The Slaney-siders had previously disposed of Offaly by 4-21 to 2-9.

2017 BORD GAIS ENERGY LEINSTER U-21 H.C.

24th May – Westmeath (2-20) Meath (0-12)

31st May – Westmeath (1-21) Laois (0-21) AET

31st May – Carlow (1-21) Kildare (2-14)

31st May – Wexford (4-21) Offaly (2-9)

31st May – Kilkenny (0-21) Dublin (0-16)

21st June – Kilkenny (1-21) Westmeath (1-11)

21st June – Wexford (3-16) Carlow (1-12)