De La Salle have booked their place in the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals after edging out neighbours Mount Sion by 21 points to 20 at Azzurri Walsh Park.

De La Salle held a narrow 12-11 advantage at half-time in a closely fought contest, with Cormac Dawson proving particularly influential in the opening period. He finished the first half with seven points, including six from frees and one from play.

Jack Fagan and Conor Keane also contributed two points apiece for De La Salle, while Mount Sion had scores from John Kennedy, Martin O’Neill, Adam Regan, Stephen Roche, Jamie Gleeson, PJ Fanning and Austin Gleeson.

There was a lengthy stoppage in the first half following an injury to Mount Sion’s Tommy Kennedy after a collision with the boards. Jamie Meaney came on as his replacement, with six minutes of additional time played.

Austin Gleeson had to wait until the 34th minute for his first score, while Martin O’Neill kept Mount Sion in touch from placed balls.

De La Salle increased their advantage after the break, with Conor Power opening the scoring before his brother Shane Power made an impact after being introduced from the bench. Shane hit two points, while Jack Toomey added three and Jack Fagan also found the target.

Mount Sion refused to go away, with PJ Fanning getting them off the mark early in the second half before Jamie Gleeson produced an impressive six-point haul, five from frees and one from play. Austin Gleeson also added a free.

The game went right down to the wire, with De La Salle leading by just a point in the closing stages.

Mount Sion had a chance to level matters when Austin Gleeson attempted a difficult effort over his shoulder, but the ball drifted narrowly wide of Shaun O’Brien’s goal.

That proved to be Mount Sion’s final opportunity, as De La Salle held on for a 21-20 victory and a place in the last four.

They now face Ballygunner in the semi-final, while Roanmore will meet Fourmilewater in the other last-four tie.

For Mount Sion, it was a case of what might have been after pushing De La Salle all the way in a dramatic finish at Azzurri Walsh Park.

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