Full-time Score: Ballygunner 1-27 De La Salle 0-14.
Ballygunner are through to the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship final after a commanding second-half performance saw them pull clear of De La Salle in the county semi-final at the Azurri Welsh Park.
The defending champions led by just three points at half-time, 0-11 to 0-8, but turned the screw after the restart to secure a comprehensive victory.
The game had been closely contested during the opening half, although Ballygunner generally looked the more assured side.
Eoin Cuddy, Adam Farrell, Kevin Mahony, Conor Tobin and Jake Foley were among those on the scoresheet during an entertaining opening period, with De La Salle remaining within touching distance thanks to scores from Farrell, Jack Twomey and others.
Ballygunner’s ability to rotate possession and create space was causing problems for De La Salle, while their defensive work-rate was also a feature of the opening half.
De La Salle did have a major opportunity to change the complexion of the contest when Jack Fagan got onto a dangerous ball inside, but he was unable to get a clean connection with the goal at his mercy.
The half-time score left De La Salle with plenty of hope, but Ballygunner produced the perfect response after the interval.
Just 30 seconds into the second half, Conor Tobin burst through and finished brilliantly to the net, giving Ballygunner the decisive start they wanted.
The goal opened up the game, and Ballygunner quickly began to take control.
Pauric Mahony then made his introduction from the bench and immediately made an impact, adding scores from play and frees as the champions extended their advantage.
De La Salle continued to battle, with Jack Twomey producing some outstanding individual scores, while Shane Power also made an impact after coming on.
However, Ballygunner’s control of possession and their ability to punish mistakes ultimately proved decisive.
The champions’ lead continued to grow as the second half progressed, with Kevin Mahony, Ronan Power and Pádraig Mahony among those adding to their tally.
Conor Tobin was one of the standout performers, making a major impact in attack and providing a constant threat after his impressive opening half.
Ballygunner also demonstrated the depth within their squad, with several younger players stepping up despite the absence of established county players from the starting lineup.
The defending champions were eventually able to see out the contest comfortably and book their place in another Waterford senior hurling final.
The result continues Ballygunner’s extraordinary record in the championship, with the club now just one game away from another county title.
For De La Salle, it was a disappointing afternoon after they had remained competitive during the opening 30 minutes. Their second-half performance, however, was ultimately unable to match the intensity and efficiency of the champions.
Ballygunner’s second-half surge tells the story of the contest. From an 11-8 half-time lead, they produced a dominant performance after the restart to put the game beyond De La Salle.
The champions now turn their attention to the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship final as they continue their pursuit of another county crown.
The performance also underlined the remarkable strength in depth within the Ballygunner panel, with young players taking their opportunities and experienced campaigners providing the platform for another impressive championship victory.
Our Big Match is brought to you by George Corbett Motors SKODA
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
