Rathgormack have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Senior Football Championship after defeating Abbeyside-Ballinacourty 2-15 to 1-11 at Fraher Field.

The reigning champions made a strong start, with Francis Roche getting the first score of the game before Jason Curry added a two-pointer for Rathgormack.

Abbeyside responded through Charlie Treen, who scored a two-pointer, while Sean Whelan Barrett also got on the scoresheet.

Rathgormack continued to build their lead, with Curry adding another point before teenager Thomas Skehan found the net on 15 minutes.

Skehan, who had been introduced to the Rathgormack team last week, showed well at full forward and made a major impact, scoring 1-1.

Curry added another free, while Glen Power and Conor Murray also got on the scoresheet. Aaron Burseford added a point for Abbeyside as Rathgormack went into the break leading 1-10 to 0-7.

Adam Murray then struck Rathgormack’s second goal on 35 minutes to extend their advantage.

Abbeyside responded immediately through Willie Beresford, who scored a two-pointer, but Rathgormack hit back with another two-pointer from Francis Roche, his second of the game.

Curry added another free before Abbeyside goalkeeper Pawty Hunt was beaten by Daithi Brunnock, who rattled the ball into the top corner to give Abbeyside renewed hope.

Conor Murray responded with a point for Rathgormack, with his decision-making a feature of his performance, before Willie Beresford added another two-pointer for Abbeyside on 48 minutes.

James Curry then added another point late on to seal the victory for Rathgormack.

Francis Roche was prominent in Rathgormack’s attack, carrying the ball well, while Michael Curry also put in a strong work rate. Overall, it was a good team performance from the reigning champions.

Abbeyside improved as the game went on, having started slowly, and increased the tempo with around 20 minutes remaining.

Willie Beresford brought plenty of aggression to Abbeyside’s final quarter, while Daithi Brunnock showed well for the ball in the full-forward line.

The final score was Rathgormack 2-15, Abbeyside-Ballinacourty 1-11.

The victory sees the reigning Waterford senior football champions through to the quarter-finals.