New Waterford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald was treated to a cracking contest in Fraher Field this afternoon as fourteen man Abbeyside beat Tallow 2-20 to 3-14.
This win secured second place in Group B and the Division 2 trophy. Mark Ferncombe fired 1-12 (eleven frees) for the Villagers and set up a goal for Willie Beresford. County man Michael Kiely and Michael O'Halloran sent over three points each while second half sub Patrick Hurney hit two.
Former Waterford attacker Tommy Ryan scored 2-11 for Tallow (eleven frees) while Ryan Grey also raised a green flag. Ryan's second goal left just two between them with five minutes left. Late points from Ferncombe and Hurney sealed victory.
The winners lost captain Darragh McGrath to two yellow cards on 38 minutes and manager Pat Curran was pleased with how they dug it out. "The lads showed a good bit of grit and determination. They didn't lie down, they kept at it."
He was delighted with Ferncombe's display. "Mark is like wine, he's getting better with age!" He also praised the impact of former Cork hurler Kieran 'Fraggy' Murphy who is involved as coach with the Villagers. "His training is very match based. He is very honest; he calls a spade a spade. He is good to rectify a problem and put it into practice. He tells us that it's the Cork style but we don't care what style it is as long as it works!"
Scorers for Abbeyside: Mark Ferncombe 1-12 (11fs), Willie Beresford 1-0, Michael Kiely, Michael O'Halloran 0-3 each, Patrick Hurney 0-2.
Scorers for Tallow: Tommy Ryan 2-11 (11fs), Ryan Grey 1-1, Ian Beecher, Mark O'Brien 0-1 each.
Abbeyside: Aaron Beresford; Colin Foley, Conor Prunty, Daire Slevin; Brian Looby, Darragh McGrath, Tom Looby; Sean Whelan Barrett, John Elsted, Jack McGrath, Michael O'Halloran, Neil Montgomery; Michael Kiely, Mark Ferncombe, Willie Beresford.
Subs: Patrick Hurney for Jack McGrath (HT), Shane Ahern for Slevin (60).
Tallow: Dean Beecher; Mark O'Brien, Robbie Geary, Kenneth Kearney; Tommy Daly, Eoin McGrath, Jake Beecher; Kieran Geary, Ian Beecher; Darragh Mulcahy, Tommy Ryan, Mark Stewart; Eoin Condon, Ryan Grey, Darah Buckley.
Subs: Jordan Henley for Stewart (HT), Shane Martin for Condon (50).
Referee: Nicky O'Toole
