A first half goal from Orlaith Cahalane saw Cork scrape past Waterford in a cagey league encounter at the SETU Arena this afternoon (1-6 to 0-6).
In a much closer contest than the All Ireland final last August, both sides only managed a point apiece during the second half. Clodagh Carroll was immense at full back for the Déise as she picked up Katrina Mackey and Amy O'Connor. Six second half wides and two missed goal chances proved costly for Jerry Wallace's side. Beth Carton converted three frees while Lorraine Bray, Laoise Forrest and Sarah Lacey split the posts from play.
Cork goalkeeper Amy Lee and corner back Meabh Cahalane denied Waterford second half goals. A point from midfielder Laura Hayes in the third quarter saw the ladies in red secure back to back wins.
The away team won the toss but elected to play against the breeze towards the dressing rooms.
From the throw in, the Déise All Stars combined as Beth Carton set up Lorraine Bray for a point after just fifteen seconds of play. Cork All Star Katrina Mackey replied at the other end. Saoirse McCarthy and Aisling Thompson also raised white flags. In the tenth minute, Mackey's goal bound effort was blocked but Orlaith Cahalane whipped home the rebound (1-3 to 0-1).
Waterford clawed their way back with four of the next five points. Carton put over three frees and Laoise Forrest added another point when a Brianna O'Regan dead ball broke favourably. An injury time free from Katrina Mackey free made 1-5 to 0-5 at the break.
With sweepers in operation at both ends, scores proved scarce in the second period. Waterford defender Bevin Bowdren saw her shot blocked by Meabh Cahalane before Mairead O'Brien's effort was taken off the line by Cork netminder Amy Lee. Laura Hayes extended the lead to four enterting the last quarter.
With eight minutes left, Orla Hickey was denied by Lee and O'Brien sent the rebound left and wide. Waterford sub Sarah Lacey left only a goal between them with a late point. The hosts were guilty of six wides however and came up short by a puck of a ball.
