Waterford will play in Division 1B of the Allianz NHL next season following this afternoon's three point defeat to South East neighbours Wexford at an overcast Walsh Park (2-23 to 1-23).
A lapse in the third quarter proved costly once again for the home side as the Slaneysiders outscored the Dèise by 1-9 to 0-4 in that period to claim their first win of the campaign.
Davy Fitzgerald's side were quick out of the blocks racing into a 0-5 to 0-0 score lead with Paddy Leavey landing two long range frees with Michael Kiely, Jack Prendergast and Shane Bennett (free) on target. The impressive Seamus Casey opened Wexford's account in the 10th minute as they played against the wind in that opening half.
Despite doing a lot of the hurling in the opening period Waterford held just a three point lead at the interval (0-16 to 1-10) with Conor Hearne knifing his way through for a 20th minute goal for the visitors. Shane Bennett, Jack Prendergast, Callum Lyons and the returning Jamie Barron (who looked sharp) all worked the scoreboard.
Wexford however bossed the majority of the 2nd-half as they upped the pace, Seamus Casey and Callum Lyons exchanged early points upon the resumption. The lively Kevin Foley levelled up proceedings in the 47th minute (1-16 to 0-19) and from here Wexford never looked back, they received another tonic on 52 minutes when defender Simon Donohoe flicked to the net to give them a six point lead.
Waterford were given a lifeline when Paudie Fitzgerald pounced on an error in the Wexford defence before flashing the sliotar past Mark Fanning to reduce the deficit to four.
Dessie Hutchinson (who was introduced in the 2nd-half), Paudie Fitzgerald (free) and Jamie Barron hit points before Wexford rounded off the scoring to move them onto five points on the league table. Thirteen wides also proved costly for the home side who haven't won since their opening round victory away to Offaly in Tullamore.
Waterford are back in action next weekend and it's another South East battle with Kilkenny who come to Walsh Park next Saturday for the final round (3pm throw-in).
WATERFORD scorers; Shane Bennett 0-5 (3 frees), Paudie Fitzgerald 1-2, Jamie Barron 0-4, Callum Lyons and Jack Prendergast 0-3 each, Paddy Leavey 0-2 (frees), Ml. Kiely, Billy Nolan, Neil Montgomery and Dessie Hutchinson 0-1each.
Reiteòir: Colm Lyons (Corcaigh)
