Fourmilewater can provide Ballygunner with one of their toughest challenges in recent years when the sides meet in Sunday’s Waterford Senior Hurling Championship final.

Ballygunner are bidding for a remarkable 13th consecutive county title, while Fourmilewater are appearing in their first-ever Waterford senior hurling county final.

The final also comes in Fourmilewater’s centenary year, adding further significance to what is already a historic occasion for the club.

Former Ballygunner and Waterford hurler Andy Maloney believes the two sides are the best teams in the championship based on their form this year.

Moloney said Fourmilewater have shown throughout the campaign that they can offer Ballygunner a different type of challenge.

“I think going on form, all you can do is look at the form of the teams that were left in it.”

He added that Fourmilewater’s aerial ability, physicality and fitness could cause problems for the defending champions.

“They’re a different type of opposition to what Ballygunner are used to in terms of the aerial ability they bring to the game,” Maloney explained.

“They’re very fit, they’re very physical. I saw it last weekend myself against Roanmore, and Roanmore are a very physical side.

“They outworked Roanmore in the second half, which is no mean feat in itself, and they came out on the right side of that result.”

Fourmilewater overcame Roanmore in their semi-final to book their place in Sunday’s showpiece, while Ballygunner continue their pursuit of an extraordinary 13th title in succession.

Moloney feels Ballygunner’s experience of reaching county finals could ultimately prove crucial, however.

The Ballygunner side have dominated Waterford hurling for more than a decade, but Maloney believes Fourmilewater have one advantage in that they are accustomed to playing in county finals through football.

“They’re very used to our field, they’re very used to being in county finals, preparing for county finals,” he said.

Fourmilewater are also celebrating their centenary this year, with the occasion having already brought plenty of attention to the club.

Moloney believes the management team will have to ensure that the celebrations do not become a distraction for the players.

“The whole thing about 100 years and the celebrations and Jarlath Burns coming down, that’s something that the Fourmilewater management team are going to have to try and circle off themselves,” he said.

“They can’t let that get in on the players and the players themselves can’t let that get in on them.”

Ballygunner’s middle third key

Moloney believes the battle in the middle third of the field could ultimately decide Sunday’s final.

Ballygunner possess considerable strength in that area, with the likes of Peter Hogan and Mikey Mahony providing huge work-rate, while their midfield options also offer a strong platform for their attack.

“The middle third is serious,” Moloney said.

“It’s a serious middle third for Ballygunner and then, I suppose, from a Fourmilewater point of view, they’re going to have to try and break that down.

“I think that’s where the game is going to hinge on Sunday. Whichever team comes out on top in that middle third, wins those rucks and moves the ball quickly into the forward line.”

Ballygunner have also had to manage injuries and absences in their attack, with Moloney pointing to the importance of their experienced players in a county final.

He believes the defending champions may need to call upon that experience as they look to deal with the challenge posed by Fourmilewater.

For Fourmilewater, meanwhile, Sunday’s final represents an historic opportunity to claim the first Waterford Senior Hurling Championship title in the club’s history.

The sides meet in the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship final at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field on Sunday, with throw-in at 2.30pm.

WLR’s live coverage begins from 2.15pm, with Kieran O’Connor and former Waterford Hurler of the Year and All-Star Dan Shanahan on commentary, thanks to George Corbett Skoda.

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