Leading by a point at halftime in their semi-final, Ballygunner would go on to stretch their legs and show what champions are made of in the second half at Walsh Park yesterday.
Darragh O' Sullivan's side outscored Roanmore 1.12 to 0.5 in a blistering display of senior hurling and placed themselves back in the driving seat on their way a potential nine-in-a-row.
Springing Patrick Fitzgerald from the bench in the first half proved to be a decisive move from O'Sullivan and his backroom team with the young contender notching 1.02 to match county star Dessie Hutchinson.
Pauric Mahony was at his usual high standard striking 8 points (6 frees) while Kevin O' Mahony and Conor Sheehan both raised two white flags, and Tim O' Sullivan picking up a single.
While the Gunners are now aiming for a ninth county title on the spin, they are hoping to equal the record of some of the great teams of the past. Both Mount Sion and Erin's Own top the roll of honour with nine-in-a-rows of their own, feats which were ticked off in the 1950's & 60's for Sion, with Erin's Own managing it in the 20's & 30's.
The Gunners meanwhile remain on course for a defense of their Munster and All-Ireland crowns.
The first-half display from the Gunners was not up the standard that we have come to expect, with the manager saying they hadn't worked hard enough to earn a comfortable lead.
"We'll look back on the stats on the first half, but they weren't good. You have to be happy winning a semi-final by 9 or 10 points, so look, overall we're happy."
Patrick Fitzgerald has been long seen as a coming force for Waterford hurling. His well-taken goal in the 45th minute was immediately followed by a quick-fire point which heralded the end of the game as a contest. O' Sullivan remarked that aside from the obvious talent, he would like to see people avoid building up to much chat around the young attacker.
"He's still learning. He's a very young lad and I wouldn't like too much pressure coming from every angle - whether it be from us or the media. We need to be very, very careful how we deal with talents like Patrick".
While the first half was plain sailing, the defending champions did not have it their own way in the opening 30 minutes. Roanmore went man-on-man, but the Gunners did not wilt to the challenge. While there have been few games of late where they have been properly pushed, the manager was happy to see their experience shine through.
"That comes with experience. The lads have been tested at the top level in fairness to them and they didn't panic. The lads stuck to their process in the second half and that's why we had the performance that we did."
This Sunday, the Gunners will line out against old foes Mount Sion for the News & Star Cup.
A win on Sunday will put them jointly at the top of the table in terms of consecutive wins, but the reality is that it's hard to see when the run will come to an end.
We could well be looking at two, three, four or more county titles before the Balyyguner's charge is halted.
Mount Sion will be hoping to be the fly in the Gunner's ointment. They won't want to see their record equaled - whatever the cost.
WLR will be bringing you the senior final live this Sunday thanks to George Corbett Skoda.
Michael Ryan will be joining Kieran O'Connor in the commentary box with throw-in at 2.30 pm.
