Despite its status as the secondary competition, a National League title or even a final appearance for Waterford is proven to enhance their credentials come championship time. The 12/1 price currently offered however is a reflection of the likelihood of adding to their Crystal Cup title attained last weekend.
In the last decade Waterford reached two league finals in 2004 and 2007 and both years subsequently resulted in Munster titles. Arguably 2007 also presented Waterford’s best opportunity to claim the elusive Liam McCarthy Cup. A league final appearance in 1998 also reinvigorated hurling in the county and provided the base for the unforgettable years to follow. The reluctance to attack the league this year with the stated ambition of winning it and Davy Fitzgerald’s preference to rest experienced players to peak later in the year, leaves the impression that stability will suffice. In last year’s league Waterford won three games, drew two and lost two. That left them just outside the league final spots but in little relegation danger. A similar situation seems plausible this time around with Dublin first up on Sunday and a game not to be taken lightly.
After all three times in the last decade Waterford have suffered at the hands of the capital side in league action. The first of those bolts from the blue came on a Bank Holiday Monday in March 2002 at Parnell Park when Dublin emerged with a 1-19 to 1-14 win against Justin McCarthy’s side. Twelve months later Dublin repeated the dose this time at Fraher Field in Dungarvan. The away side played with a strong wind in the opening half and returned to the dressing room with a remarkable fifteen point lead (2-12 to 0-3). Goals from Ken McGrath and Dave Bennett in the second period couldn’t prevent another shock result this time by two points. Then in 2009, the day after Davy brought his team to see Bernard Dunne becoming world champion, Alan McCrabbe fired the winner in a 0-15 to 1-11 defeat.
Despite an injury pile up Davy will field close to half of the team that claimed last year’s Munster crown. That provides enough experience to guide Darragh Fives, Jerome Maher and Pauric Mahony who all earn starting places after effective showings in the Crystal Cup. Noel Connors, Shane Fives and Philip Mahony also return from Fitzgibbon duty to give a further injection to the team. Richie Foley who scored 2-39 in pre season will remain on free taking duty. Davy needs to defeat his former Clare team mate Anthony Daly and also defeat Wexford the following weekend to harbour realistic ambitions of a league final. Dates with Kilkenny, Tipperary, Cork and Galway follow thereafter so a positive start is essential.
Dublin fell flat in last year’s league and that subsequently led to a disappointing qualifier exit to Antrim. Daly will aim to hit the ground running similar to the 2009 campaign because confidence in a county looking to make a breakthrough can bring them over the line on big days. Momentum is already gathering pace from the Walsh Cup campaign and they will face Kilkenny in a final that was postponed last weekend. Missing from the cast on the Dublin side for Sunday are forwards David Treacy, Ryan O’Dwyer and 2009 All Star Alan McCrabbe. Despite this Conal Keaney has returned to the fold and with Ballyboden sharp shooter Paul Ryan, Simon Lambert who is part of the LIT Fitzgibbon set-up, Shane Ryan and David O’Callaghan the Dubs still possess threatening forwards. Daly can also pick a strong defence backed up by goalkeeper Gary Maguire who picked up Dublin club hurler of the year in 2010.
Dublin are always likely to cause at least one surprise result in the National League. Last year they caught Tipperary on the hop at Parnell Park. On Sunday however, the injury list on the Dublin team could affect them more than the home side and with Walsh Park also a difficult place to garner two points a Waterford win by a narrow margin looks the likely outcome.
National Hurling League Division 1
Waterford v Dublin 13/2/11
Throw in 2.30 at Walsh Park
Referee: Diarmuid Kirwan (Cork)
No comments:
Post a Comment