Ballygunner got their defence of the News & Star Cup off to a blistering start with a facile 21 point win over Ballyduff Upper in the Fraher Field sunshine (1-31 to 1-10).
County star Dessie Hutchinson hit 1-6 (1-4 from play) before he was substituted on 42 minutes while Harry Ruddle got seven points. Eleven different players were on the scoresheet.
The champions took the field without Pauric and Philip Mahony, Ian Kenny and Tim O'Sullivan due to injury but it made no difference. The Gunners are now 39 games unbeaten in Waterford.
Hutchinson rattled the net after 60 seconds when his shot deflected in off Ballyduff corner back Jamie Hannon. The Gunners were nine points to good after eight minutes (1-6 to 0-0). Mikey Kearney got Ballyduff on the scoreboard in the ninth minute. Darragh O'Sullivan's side led 1-9 to 0-2 at the first water break with all six forwards on target. Hutchinson was on 1-4 by the break as the champions opened up a fifteen point gap (1-16 to 0-4).
Billy O'Keeffe, Paddy Leavey and Conor Sheahan added their names to the scoresheet in the third quarter. Gunners defender Philip Mahony got a run for the last 15 minutes and contributed a late point. The winners could afford to shoot 12 wides.
Sean Hickey netted a consolation goal for Ballyduff Upper on 47 minutes after Mikey Kearney took a quick free. Kearney ended up with seven points.
