Waterford hurlers got their Division 1(B) National League campaign off a winning start with a facile 27 points win over a disappointing Offaly outfit at a bitterly cold Semple Stadium this afternoon.
Ballysaggart attacker Stephen Bennett hit sixteen points as the Déise crusied past a hapless Faithful county outfit.
Despite playing against the breeze in the opening half, Waterford held a 0-12 to 0-5 advantage at the break.
Stephen Bennett chipped in with seven points in the opening half as Paraic Fanning's charges dominated against a poor Offaly side who stuggled to make headway.
DJ Foran and Mikey Kearney also chipped in with brace of points each in the opening period.
The games opening goal arrived ninety seconds after the re-start as DJ Foran finished to the net.
It was shooting practice for the Déise from this point onwards, as they shot scores at ease agaianst a lacklustre Offaly side.
Stephen Bennett continued to sparkle up front with some excellent individual scores, with Tommy Ryan, Mark O' Brien, Kevin Moran and Tadhg Dé Burca also on target.
Debutant Jack Prendergast netted Waterford's second goal following a pass from Colin Dunford as Waterford crusied to a comprehensive 2-28 to 0-7 win.
Déise boss Paraic Fanning was pleased to get off to a winning start.
Paraic says the forwards showed well for the ball and created some good opportunities.
Paraic says the messages were postive at half-time despite missing some goal chances.
Man of the match Stephen Bennett scored sixteen points (ten frees and six from play) and was delighted to get off to such a good start.
Stephen says it was pleasing to create plenty of goal scoring opportunities in the opening half.
FT | A great win for @WaterfordGAA at Semple Stadium. It finished 2-28 to 0-07 against Offaly in Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League @LiveGAAResults pic.twitter.com/fY7018nXNS
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) January 27, 2019
It's a trip to O' Moore Park next Sunday as the Déise take on Laois.
Kilkenny have started the defence of their National Hurling League title with a win against Cork.
Billy Ryan and Richie Leahy both found the back of the net in a 2-18 to 17 points in Nowlan Park.
Reigning All-Ireland champions Limerick also got their Division 1A campaign off to a winning start.
They beat Wexford 1-17 to 2-11 at Innovate Wexford Park.
Meanwhile, Galway claimed a 1-27 to 2-15 win over Laois in the early throw-in at Pearse Stadium.
