The Waterford minor footballers went down to Tipperary by 3-20 to 2-3 at Leamybrien tonight.
Goals from Paddy O'Keeffe, Conall Grogan and Daithi Hogan saw the Premier progress to the Phase 1 final of the Munster championship. This was Waterford's second heavy defeat of the campaign. Billy Byrne and Liam Kiersey netted for the home side.
"A little bit better than last Thursday," manager Michael Flynn told WLR Sport. "In the first half, we competed well and our defensive structure was good. We got 1-1 on the board but then, in the last seven or eight minutes, we collapsed and went back to the old ways."
Waterford host Limerick next Thursday night. "These lads are good lads. They're hurting inside. These are genuine lads, they want to play football for their county and they're willing to learn. Hopefully, we can get a performance next Thursday night."
At the picturesque Leamybrien venue, in the shadow of the Comeragh mountains, the Déise led 1-1 to 0-3 after 12 minutes. Byrne billowed the top corner with an unstoppable strike before Cathal Sweeney edged them ahead. Michael Flynn's side missed three chances to add to their tally.
Tipp outscored the hosts 1-7 to 0-1 for the rest of the half. Paddy O'Keeffe struck the post on 17 minutes but found the bottom corner of the Waterford cobwebs off the next attack. Charlie King cut through for two points as Tipp led 1-10 to 1-2 at the break.
The second half was one way traffic. Conall Grogan netted on 37 minutes with the help of the upright. Daithi Hogan thumped home Tipp's third goal three minutes later.
Kyle Moloney kicked Waterford's only second half point from 40 metres. Six minutes from time, sub Liam Kiersey soloed along the end line and fired low past Oisin O'Donoghue for a fine consolation goal.
