Rathgormack progressed to the semi finals of the Waterford SFC for the sixth year in a row thanks to a 2-8 to 1-7 win against Abbeyside-Ballinacourty at Fraher Field on Sunday. Jason and Stephen Curry raised green flags in either half for the defending champions.
Manager Kenny Hassett said that there were harsh words spoken at the break. "We all knew our first half performance wasn't acceptable," he told WLR Sport. "We lifted it in the second half. The players realised it themselves. They were the ones who spoke and produced in the second half in fairness to them."
Conor Prunty missed out for Ballinacourty after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury recently. A 27th minute penalty from Jason Curry left Rathgormack 1-2 to 0-4 up after a forgettable first half.
Michael Kiely netted for Courty three minutes into the second period. Willie Hahessy entered the fray and Rathgormack responded with four unanswered points via Francis Roche, Jason Curry and James Power (1-6 to 1-4). Veteran forward Patrick Hurney got Ballinacourty back on level terms.
Twelve minutes from time, James Power found Michael Curry with a pinpoint kick pass. The number nine laid the ball off to Stephen Curry who finished to the net. A Jason Gleeson point off a counter attack confirmed top spot in Group B and a place in the semi finals. Second placed Ballinacourty can plan for the quarters.
