PADDY RYAN Cork North hold out for victory

Cork North 0-20 Waterford 1-12

This Celtic Challenge U17 hurling championship was very entertaining at Banteer on Saturday.

Cork North got off to a good start with early points by Colin Ruby, Sean Byrne (free) and Conor O'Brien. Waterford opened their account by Cillian English (free) Thomas Skehan soloed through and pointed. Ben Noonan had a shot well saved by Ben Power with the rebound going out for a '65 that Sean Byrne converted. Cillian English and Ben Noonan exchanged a free. Further Cork pressure led to points by Conor O'Brien and Ben Noonan. Conor Haley replied for Waterford in the 21st minute. Waterford had their goal by Darragh O'Brien after a three man attack that levelled matters.

The rest of the half was very close. Good play by Charlie Finn led to a Donncha Waters point. Liam O'Mahony made it 0-9 to 1-4. Waterford hit back with Cillian English and Conor Haley having points. Good play for Cork North by

Michael Delee and Donncha Waters led to a good point from Ben Noonan. In the 29th minute, Sean Byrne pointed a long range free as Cork North led at half-time 0-11 to 1-6.

On the resumption, Waterford had the aid of the stiff breeze. They had a few wides. Cork North introduced Niall Feaheny who did very well. Good play by Thomas Skehan led to a fine point from Ben Waters. Niall Feaheny had a great point after good play by Ben Jordan Reidy.

The Deise side followed with a Tom Shanahan point. They were unable to get on level terms, Waterford keeper Ben Power made some great saves all through. Good play by Liam O'Mahony led to a Niall Feaheny point. In the 39th minute Cillian English with a free got the lead, 0-13 to 1-9.

A foul on Ryan O'Leary led to another pointed free by Noonan. Conor O'Brien added a point for Cork North. Waterford made a great late rally and Cork held a slender 0-15 to 1-11 advantage, before Byrne with a free opened up a two point lead. Waterford had another point to come within a single point. In the closing moments Ben Noonan (2), Sean Byrne and Niall Feaheny edged Cork North for a close win.

The winner’s fullback line and Harry Bates in goal, did well when the pressure came on.

Cork North now meet Derry this Saturday in Dublin.

TEAMS & SCORERS

Scorers for Cork North: Ben Noonan 0-7 (0-5f), Sean Byrne 0-5 (0-4f. 0-1 '65), Niall Feaheny 0-3, Conor O'Brien 0-2, Donncha Waters 0-1, Liam O'Mahony 0-1, Colin Ruby 0-1. Waterford: Cillian English 0-7 (0-4f), Darragh O'Brien 1-0, Conor Haley 0-2, Thomas Skehan 0-1, Tony Shanahan 0-1 Ben Waters 0-1.

Cork: Harry Bates (Fermoy), David Kingston (Mallow), Denis O'Riordan (Kilworth/Araglin), Darragh Fleming (Mallow), Ryan O'Leary (Croke Rovers), Sean Byrne (capt) (Ballyhea), Evan Keating ('Shandrum), Donncha Waters (Charleville), Charlie Finn ('Shandrum), Colin Ruby (Kilshannig), Conor O'Brien (Buttevant), Ben Jordan Reidy ('Shandrum), Michael Delee (Liscarroll/ Churchtown Gaels), Liam O'Mahony ('Shandrum), Ben Noonan (Mallow). Subs Niall Feaheny (Killavullen) for Michael Delee, Pat Daly (Ballyhea) for

Colm Ruby, Killian Watts (Kilworth/ Araglin) for Ryan O'Leary, Senan Ahern (Ballycastle Gaels) for Ben Jordan Reidy.

Waterford: Ben Power ( Ballygunner), Brandon Dillon (Roanmore), Sean Adeyini (Ferrybank), Adam Dawson (Ballygunner), Donncha Hamilton (Dungarvan), Harry Flanagan (Ferrybank), Charlie O'Callaghan (De La Salle), Thomas Skehan (Clonea), Ben Waters (An Rinn), Tom Shanahan (Ballygunner), Conor Haley (Ferrybank), Darragh O'Brien (Lismore), Kayden Drennan (Roanmore), Cillian English (Ballyduff), Oisín Power (De La Salle). Subs - Aidan Murphy (Tallow) for Donncha Hamilton, Cathal O'Brien (Passage) for Tom Shanahan, Benji Meistiene (Roanmore) for Darragh O'Brien, Oisín Power (AbbeysideBallinacourty) for Kayden Drennan.

Referee: Peter Carroll (Tipperary).