Cork never troubled by Waterford
Cork 0-27 Waterford 0-18 The eagerly awaited meeting of Cork and Waterford in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship never lived up to pre match expectations at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday last, when the Rebels ran out very easy winners against a disappointing Waterford outfit.
The previous weekend, Waterford pushed Limerick all the way in the opening round and it was felt they could trouble Cork, who were making their debut in this year’s championship. However on Sunday, the Waterford challenge never ignited and they now face a daunting task to keep their season alive, having to win their last two games against Clare and Tipperary.
Despite Stephen Bennett getting the scoring underway for Waterford with a free in the opening minute, it was Cork, playing with the aid of a stiff breeze, that dictated matters for long periods of the opening half. Darragh Fitzgibbon, who missed the entire league due to injury, was outstanding around the middle of the field as Cork, with a good blend of youth and experience, made all the running. Patrick Horgan levelled matters with a well taken point, before three long range efforts from Darragh Fitzgibbon edged Cork 0-4 to 0-1 clear by the eighth minute.
Waterford were finding it hard to make headway as Cork continued to drive forward. The Rebels won most of the breaks in key positions ensuring their forwards were in constant supply. Declan Dalton landed a huge free from his own half backline, before a good pass by Tommy O’Connell set up Conor Lehane for a point, who made it 0-6 to 0-1 by the 14th minute. Further pressure by the hosts saw Patrick Horgan (2), Conor Lehane, Shane Barrett, Rob Downey and Luke Meade score some marvellous points as Cork raced into a 0-11 to 0-2 lead by the 25th minute.
In Cork’s next attack, they came close to scoring a goal. A good solo run by Patrick Horgan found the inrushing Brian Roche. His attempt at goal was denied by a very good save from the Waterford keeper, Billy Nolan, with the rebound falling to the Bride Rovers clubman, who sent over from close range.
Waterford had to wait till the 27th minute to register their first score from play, courtesy of Dessie Hutchinson. The resultant puckout by Patrick Collins was gathered by Declan Dalton and he pointed from long range to make it 0-13 to 0-3.
In the closing moments, Waterford improved slightly. A vital interception by Cork’s Niall O’Leary prevented a goal scoring opportunity. Stephen Bennett with two frees in quick succession, narrowed the deficit to seven points. Cork moved Robert Downey to the half backline and in the 32nd minute he scored a huge point from his own half backline. Just before the halftime whistle, Stephen Bennett and Seamus Harnedy swapped points, as Cork held a commanding 0-15 to 0-6 lead at the interval.
BACK IN CONTENTION
On the changeover, Waterford needed a fast start to have any chance. Austin Gleeson, Peter Hogan and Patrick Fitzgerald were introduced as substitutes in attempt to keep their season alive. They hit the ground running early on and straight from the throw in, Peter Hogan set up Stephen Bennett for a well taken point. In their next attack Stephen Bennett’s effort for a point dropped short where an alert Cork keeper Patrick Collins made a vital save off his goal line. Nevertheless, a point each by Stephen Bennett and Jamie Barron narrowed the deficit to 0-15 to 0-9.
Just when Waterford seemed right back in the game, it was Cork that upped their efforts once again. In the 38th minute a pin-point puckout by Patrick Collins released Darragh Fitzgibbon to send over. Patrick Horgan and Shane Barrett added points for Cork, who certainly quenched any notions of a Waterford revival as the Rebels moved double scores in front (0-18 to 0-9).
Waterford created another goal scoring opportunity soon after when Peter Hogan was denied by a great save from the Cork keeper, Patrick Collins and they also came close in the 51st minute when Patrick Fitzgerald’s effort was brilliantly saved by the Cork keeper at the expense of a ‘65’. However, the better balanced Cork outfit were finding scores much easier to come by with Darragh Fitzgibbon and Brian Roche - who was later named ‘man of the match’ - heavily involved in the key midfield sector.
Robbie O’Flynn, who sustained a nasty injury during the league encounter against Limerick, was also introduced midway through this half where he made an immediate impact when scoring two trademark points from difficult angles. Patrick Horgan (3), Seamus Harnedy (2), Calum Lyons (2), Patrick Fitzgerald, Declan Dalton, Neil Montgomery and Robbie O’Flynn had points, as Cork moved 0-25 to 0-13 clear by the 57th minute.
Waterford continued to battle away and were denied another goal scoring opportunity five minutes later when Austin Gleeson set up Dessie Hutchinson, he was denied by a good save from the Cork keeper Patrick Collins, with the rebound falling to the well placed Stephen Bennett whose shot at goal was deflected off Rob Downey out for a ‘65’. There was no denying Cork the manner of their victory and from here, Patrick Horgan and Robbie O’Flynn added a point each before the final whistle, while Waterford tagged on points by Stephen Bennett and the impressive Padraig Fitzgerald (2).
Cork meet Tipperary in their next game on Saturday evening, while Waterford play Clare and Tipperary over the next couple of weekends where they will have to win both games if they are to keep their season alive.
Cork: Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig), Niall O’Leary (Castlelyons), Robert Downey (Glen Rovers – 0-2), Damian Cahalane (St Finbarr’s), Tommy O’Connell (Midleton), Ciaran Joyce (Castlemartyr), Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neills), Brian Roche (Bride Rovers – 0-1), Luke Meade (Newcestown – 0-1), Declan Dalton (Fr O’Neill’s - 0-3, 0-2f), Darragh Fitzgibbon (Charleville – 0-4), Shane Barrett (Blarney – 0-1), Conor Lehane (Midleton – 0-2), Patrick Horgan (Glen Rovers - 0-8, 0-6f), Seamus Harnedy (St Ita’s – 0-3). Subs: Robbie O’Flynn (Erins Own – 0-2) for Declan Dalton, Padraig Power (Blarney) for Seamus Harnedy, Shane Kingston (Douglas) for Conor Lehane, Conor Cahalane (St Finbarr’s) for Luke Meade, Cormac O’Brien (Newtownshandrum) for Ger Millerick.
Waterford: Billy Nolan (Roanmore), Conor Gleeson (Fourmilewater), Conor Prunty (Abbeyside), Mark Fitzgerald (Passage), Jack Fagan (De La Salle), Darragh Lyons (Dungarvan), Calum Lyons (Ballyduff Lower – 0-2), Tom Barron (Fourmilewater), Jamie Barron (do – 0-1), Neil Montgomery (Abbeyside – 0-1), Colin Dunford (Colligan), Stephen Bennett (Ballysaggart - 0-9, 0-7f, 0-1 ‘65’), Jack Prendergast ( Lismore), Dessie Hutchinson (Ballygunner – 0-1), Michael Kiely (Abbeyside). Subs: Austin Gleeson (Mount Sion – 0-1) for Michael Kiely, Patrick Fitzgerald (Ballygunner – 0-1) for Tom Barron, Peter Hogan (Ballygunner) for Colin Dunford, Conor Ryan (Roanmore) for Conor Gleeson, Padraig Fitzgerald (Kilrossanty – 0-2) for Neil Montgomery.
Referee was James Owens (Wexford).