WATERFORD 2-25 CORK 1-25
A winning start to the Munster SHC in the Walsh Park sunshine as Waterford had a deserving three point win over Cork in front of over 11,000 spectators.
The Big Match on WLR is brought to you by George Corbett Motors.
There was a real buzz and energy from the home team right from the throw-in and man of the match Jamie Barron raced through the heart of the Cork defence to rattle the net after 4 minutes, the ideal start. The Fourmilewater dynamo ended with 1-3 on his 100th appearance in a Dèise jersey.
Dessie Hutchinson took over the free taking duties and excelled nailing 0-10 (9 coming from placed balls). Waterford held a four point lead at the interval (1-11 to 0-10) with Darragh Fitzgibbon and Patrick Horgan keeping Cork in touch.
The 2nd-half saw both teams up the tempo and the crowd were playing their part as well, Waterford, Waterford was the chant as Davy Fitzgerald's charges produced a display full of determination and no little skill. The Rebels hit the first three scores of the second period courtesy of Mark Coleman, Shane Barrett and the busy Darragh Fitzgibbon. A 43rd minute pointed free from Horgan levelled proceedings for the first time. The hosts responded well though with quick fire points from the hard working Neil Montgomery, Calum Lyons and Dessie Hutchinson.
Waterford were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute as Michael Kiely was hauled down which saw Ciaràn Joyce Black carded. No nonsense from the penalty effort which was brilliant dispatched by Stephen Bennett who caused havoc for the Cork reguard throughout. Points from Dessie Hutchinson and Calum Lyons saw the Dèise go five clear before Cork were reduced to 13 players as Damien Cahalane picked up a second yellow card. The Rebels continued to fight and were rewarded when Alan Connolly goaled in the 68th minute to make it a two point game.
However the home team were never going to lose this one as substitute Patrick Curran and Dessie Hutchinson fired over scores to seal victory. A huge boost for Waterford and one the fans enjoyed too, overall a brilliant occasion on a prestine surface, hard to beat Munster Championship Sunday's!
Waterford have a bye next weekend before returning to Walsh Park for a clash against Tipperary on Saturday week (May 4th) @ 6pm, a game that'll be broadcast live on WLR thanks to George Corbett Skoda.
Thanks to our Big Match sponsors, George Corbett Skoda.
Scorers for Waterford: Dessie Hutchinson 0-10 (9fs), Jamie Barron, Stephen Bennett (1-0 penalty, 1f) 1-3 each, Calum Lyons 0-3, Patrick Curran, Jack Prendergast 0-2 each. Neil Montgomery, Michael Kiely 0-1 each.
Reiteòir: Ml. Kennedy (Tiobraid Àrann)
