Full-time: Kilkenny 1-21 Waterford 1-20. The match was broadcast live on WLR, thanks to George Corbett Cupra.

Waterford pushed Kilkenny all the way at Nowlan Park but lost out in the final moments.

The Déise trailed by six in the first half. They fought back with pace and purpose. They edged in front late on and looked set to close it out. Kilkenny had other ideas.

The Cats wiped out a two-point deficit in the closing minutes. Cian Kenny converted the decisive free. Kilkenny claimed the win by the minimum.

Waterford showed real character throughout. Sean Mackey came on and drove at the Kilkenny defence. He struck three vital points, including a late equaliser. Mark Fitzgerald burst from deep and split the posts with a superb long-range effort.

Stephen Bennett led the charge and finished with 7 points, six from placed balls. Shane Bennett added two points and kept the scoreboard ticking. Sean Walsh struck a brilliant goal from a tight angle and added two points. Jamie Barron dominated the middle third and chipped in with two fine scores.

Waterford’s scorers: Stephen Bennett (0-7, 0-6f),  Sean Walsh (1-2), Sean Mackey (0-3), Shane Bennett (0-2) Jamie Barron (0-2), Mark Fitzgerald (0-1), Mikey Kiely (0-1), Charlie Treen (0-1) and Reuben Halloran (0-1).

Kilkenny’s scorers: Cian Kenny (0-7, 0-6f), Mossy Keoghan (1-2), John Donnelly (0-2), Eoin Cody (0-2), David Blanchfield (0-2), Liam Moore (0-2), Darragh Corcoran (0-1), Mikey Butler (0-1), Paddy Deegan (0-1) and Timmy Clifford (0-1).

Waterford matched Kilkenny for fight and quality. They just couldn’t land the final blow.