Dspite today's narrow defeat to Tipperary, Waterford are through to the Quarter-Finals of the Allianz National hurling league.
It was a lively opening half in Semple Stadium as Tipp edged out a battling Waterford who will take plenty of positives from the game.
Waterford’s Austin Gleeson was the first one to go in the 30th minute after he picked up two yellow cards for two strong challenges in what was undoubtedly a blow for the Deise.
Down 0-13 points to 1-6 as the half neared its close things got worse for the away side just two minutes later, this time it was Kevin Moran who was given his marching orders to reduce Waterford to 13 men.
Moran appeared to dig at Jason Forde who went to ground however replays showed that the decision to send him off looked to initially be a harsh one.
The drama of the half didn’t end there though as, in stoppage time, an off-the-ball clash between Cathal Barrett and Dessie Hutchinson resulted in the Tipperary man becoming the third player in the space of just seven minutes to see red in this game.
The first half ended with Tipperary’s 14 men leading Waterford’s 13 by 0-14 to 1-8.
A Stephen Bennett goal at the start of the second half was an ideal start for the visitors who took to the game to the home side, and managed the keep the potent Tipperary forward line goalless.
Dillon Quirke was on fire for the Tipp forwards as he hit 0-4 from play.
It in the end, a brave and battling performance from Waterford came up just short as Tipp prevailed by 0-24 to 2-16 to pick up their second win of the campaign.
Tá an cluiche buaite ag @TipperaryGAA 🤩
Mí-ádh ar @WaterfordGAA
What a match! The final score 0-24 to 2-16!@Allianz @GAA_BEO @TG4TV #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/4J1jvVXPUz— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 1, 2020
Meanwhile, the Waterford footballers played out an exciting draw with Carlow in Fraher Field in Division 4 of the Allianz National football league.
Dermot Ryan and Sean O' Donovan netted goals either side of half-time for Benji Whelan's charges, as it ended 2-14 apiece.
Waterford are next in action in two weeks time with another home tie against London.