For the second year in a row, there was extra-time heartbreak for the Waterford Under-20 hurlers who bowed out of the Munster Championship last night...
Tipperary goaled after just 10 seconds as Paddy Creedon's delivery deceived Waterford goalkeeper Dean Beecher and ended up in the net. The Premier added a further point to move four clear before Waterford began to settle mainly thanks to the free taking of Kevin Mahoney, Rueben Halloran and Paddy Leevy also on target for the Deise.
They were hit by a sucker punch before half time when Sean Hayes netted Tipp's second goal as they went in 2-5 to 6 points in front at the interval
Waterford upped the ante at the start of the second half; Kevin Mahony with a couple of pointed frees while Micheal Kiely got a brilliant solo goal - the senior star rattling the net in the 35th minute to boost Waterford's confidence.
The Premier were still four points clear going into injury time, but Waterford kept on going Rueben Halloran with a neat point- before Sean Walsh the super sub scored a late goal to tie up proceedings and force extra time.
The first period of extra time was dominated by the visitors Michael Kiely with a couple of points, Reuben Halloran from a free and substitute Johny Burke scoring to push wateford four points clear and Waterford looked on course for for victory
But Tipp had the final say with their super sub Jack Leamy netting an extra time goal - their third of the evening and a point from substitute Devon Ryan levelled for Tipp after both sides began to tire after absorbing 80 minutes of hurling at Semple Stadium
It's Tipperary who march through to face defending champions Cork in the Semi-Final.
A brave and battling performance for Waterford but its extra time heartbreak yet again for Stephen's Gough charges.
Final score Tipperary 3-24, Waterford 2-21
Scorers for Waterford: K Mahony (0-7, 0-5 frees, 0-1 ‘65); M Kiely (1-3); R Halloran (0-5, 0-2 frees, 0-1’ 65); S Walsh (1-1); J Burke (0-2); G Fives, P Leevy, T Flynn (0-1 each).
Waterford: D Beecher (Tallow); C Daly (Lismore), M Fitzgerald (Passage), S Fitzgerald (Clashmore/Kinsalebeg); R Power (Ballygunner), G Fives (Tourin), R Furlong (Roanmore); C Wadding (Roanmore), P Leevy (Ballygunner); J Booth (Colligan), M Kiely (Abbeyside), K Mahony (Ballygunner); J Power (Clonea), T Flynn (Ballyduff Upper), R Halloran (De La Salle)
Subs: J Burke (Dungarvan) for Booth (43); J Foley (Ballygunner) for Flynn (50); R Tierney (Ferrybank) for Power (58); S Walsh (Fourmilewater) for Leevy (60); S Burke (Roanmore) for Fives (77); PJ Fanning (Mount Sion) for S Fitzgerald (80).
