Waterford enjoyed a 20 point win over Offaly in the first round of the All Ireland Camogie Championship on a sun drenched Saturday evening in Banagher (2-26 to 1-9).
Ten different players were on the scoresheet for Sean Power's side. Three-time All Star Beth Carton led the way with eleven points (nine frees). Annie Fitzgerald shot 1-3 from play in the first half while Mairead O'Brien finished on 1-2. Orla Hickey hit three from midfield while Keeley Corbett Barry and Clodagh Carroll were outstanding in defence.
Annie Fitzgerald rattled the Offaly net after just 15 seconds. Beth Carton fired the ball into the Gailltir attacker and she did the rest. Niamh Rockett added a point. Becky Bryant hit back with three Offaly points (two from frees).
In the ninth minute, Abby Flynn supplied Mairead O'Brien who found the bottom corner (2-3 to 0-3). Points from Fitzgerald, Carton, Orla Hickey and Abby Flynn opened up a double digit lead for the visitors. Bryant got one back for the Faithful.
Fitzgerald tormented the Offaly defence and finished the half with 1-3 from play. Niamh Rockett saw her goal bound effort blocked by goalkeeper Leah Gallagher. An injury time single from Carton, her sixth, left the Déise fifteen points up at the break (2-14 to 0-5).
Carton added five more to her tally in the second period. Róisín Kirwan, Anne Corcoran and Lorraine Bray also raised white flags as the leaders emptied the bench.
Sarah Harding drilled a close range free to the Waterford net six minutes from time. Bryant was Offaly's top scorer with six points.
Next up for Waterford is a trip to Limerick on June 17.
