Eleven Jason Curry points fired the Waterford footballers to a 1-19 to 2-11 victory over London in Division 4 at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field.
The Rathgormack man shot nine second half points, including two orange flags, and claimed two terrific marks to inspire a rare success. It’s the Déise’s first league win in 728 days.
Aidan McLoughlin and Daire Rooney fisted in second half goals for London to make it nervy for the locals. An injury time strike from substitute Dylan Guiry wrapped it up for Paul Shankey’s side and brought a big roar from the home crowd.
The Déise’s early dominance at midfield, through Tholom Guiry and Rory Furlong, yielded a 4-1 lead after seven minutes. Dermot Ryan raised an orange flag for the hosts following singles from Willie Beresford and James Power.
Shankey’s men monopolised possession in the opening half but sent nine balls wide and another short. Alan Dunwoody also saw a penalty shout waved away. Two Jason Curry frees and a Conor Murray point from play made it 7-4 by the 27th minute.
London were much more efficient in front of goal. A Daniel Clarke point and Shay Rafter’s second of the half narrowed the gap to one at the break.
The Exiles threatened a goal off the restart but Waterford netminder Paudie Hunt got down low to save from Aidan McLoughlin. Four Curry frees and a Dunwoody effort from play extended the Déise’s advantage to five by the end of the third quarter (0-13 to 0-8).
With thirteen minutes left, London got a lifeline when Aidan McLoughlin fisted to the net. Curry caught the subsequent kickout however and then fired a priceless two pointer (0-16 to 1-10). Shay Rafter sent over his sixth point from a free but another Curry curler resulted in another orange flag.
Daire Rooney punched in a second London goal on 68 minutes to leave just two between them. Rafter then pulled a left free left and wide. Three minutes into injury time, Murray supplied Dylan Guiry who blasted home.
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