Waterford v Galway scoring stats

Waterford

Scores for: 3-60 (Average 17.25 points per game)

Scores against: 4-60 (Average 18 points per game)

Scorers:
Pauric Mahony 0-18 (16f)
Jake Dillon 1-10 (3f, 1 s-l)
Brian O’Halloran 0-8
Seamus Prendergast 1-4
Brian O’Sullivan 0-4
Martin O’Neill 0-4 (4f)
Jamie Barron 1-1
Shane O’Sullivan 0-3
Stephen O’Keeffe 0-2 (2f)
Kevin Moran 0-2
Maurice Shanahan 0-2
Darragh Fives 0-1
Shane Walsh 0-1

Galway

Scores for: 7-56 (Average 19.25 points per game)

Scores against: 6-69 (Average 21.75 points per game)

Scorers:
Joe Canning 2-35 (2-27f, 1 65’, 1 s-l)
Davy Glennon 2-4
Damien Hayes 1-3
Aidan Harte 0-5
Niall Healy 1-2
Cyril Donnellan 1-2
Andy Smyth 0-1
Niall Donoghue 0-1
Iarla Tannian 0-1
Joseph Cooney 0-1
David Collins 0-1

Apt approach play central to new brand – Waterford v Galway preview

 

As Super Sunday approaches at the end of a lively league, many eyes will be fixed on the outcome at Walsh Park. These two have defied expectations in different ways. Minus Mullane and Molumphy, Waterford started as relegation favourites while Galway were expected to kick on after last September. It’s a role reversal worth exploring.

Given the experience deficit up front, the Waterford management required a framework for a bunch of young forwards to bloom. Immediately after the final whistle last weekend, Michael Ryan told WLR FM about the tactical approach they are implementing. “We are playing a really good brand of hurling. We sat down at the start of the year, Ray, Sean and myself, and we identified a panel of players and we decided that we would set out our stall as regards a brand of possession hurling that we wanted to play up front. We didn’t want to be lofting too many high balls; we felt we hadn’t the physique but we had the brains and the legs and we are working to that.”

There was an acceptance at an early stage that they would struggle to plough through teams. The only option available was to find a way around that problem. This means precision passes to the inside forwards who use their pace instead of power to gain possession. And if they don’t, a savage work rate has been instilled to force turnovers like the one that resulted in Jamie Barron’s three pointer last Sunday. This game plan requires sharp movement and it also helps to have a couple of steady long range shooters. When it doesn’t go to plan and options are limited, ambitious shots either fall short (this happened on four occasions against Tipp) or go astray. The major downfall to this ploy is that it reduces goal scoring opportunities. Clare are also experiencing problems in this department with a not too dissimilar style. Despite topping table, Waterford are the lowest scorers in the division with 3-60. This is an average of 17.25 points per game and that scoring rate needs to increase as the ground firms up. Some refinements are necessary to the tactics board. Missing straightforward placed balls remains an issue as is returning possession to the opposing goalkeeper from promising positions. There is also a gap in terms of a free taker that can rifle home a free to the net from close range in the mould of Paul Flynn or Eoin Kelly. Who can step up and strike fear into an opposing defence over a dead ball?

Galway remain an unpredictable beast. After burying three goals past Kilkenny in front of a healthy home crowd, they have only collected one point from the last six available. They are yet again leaning heavily on Joe Canning for scores. He has accounted for over fifty per cent of their total thus far. Davy Glennon and Niall Healy have shown flashes but nothing to lessen the load on their ace attacker. They will certainly welcome back the St Thomas’ contingent with welcome arms. Conor Cooney’s form with club and college is an encouraging sign and he may well take the weight off Canning. With an easy passage to the Leinster final, a solid league run was required to keep them active during the spring and maintain the progress made last summer. Instead, they have slackened and the question again crops up about what Galway team will turn up. The positioning of Joe Canning offers an intriguing tactical puzzle for Anthony Cunningham. Will they keep him on the edge of the square for his goal threat or try to unsettle the Brick by picking him at number 11?

Galway’s league record against the Déise is far healthier than their winless championship run. They came away victorious from Fraher Field in 2009 and blasted home five goals in a clinical rout back in 2004 at Walsh Park. In tight run affairs however, Waterford hold the edge. Pauric Mahony struck a last minute free to win at Walsh Park in 2011 and last year Waterford travelled to sunny Salthill to take the spoils by two. Doubts surround the consistency and character of Galway and while they are well capable of turning things around like the flick of a switch, Ryan’s resilient force have momentum behind them. There’s suddenly a weight of expectation on their shoulders but they will be eager to finish the job after producing four solid performances. If they can cope with Canning and edge closer to the twenty point mark, the league semi finals beckon.

Waterford: I O’Regan, S Fives, L Lawlor, S Daniels, J Nagle, M Walsh, D Fives, S O’Sullivan, K Moran, B O’Halloran, S Prendergast, M Shanahan, R Barry, J Dillon, J Barron.

Galway: C Callanan, J Coen, K Hynes, F Moore, N Donoghue, D Collins, J Cooney, I Tannian, A Smyth, A Harte, J Glynn, D Glennon, C Donnelan, J Canning, D Hayes.

National Hurling League Division 1A
Waterford v Galway
Throw in 3.00 at Walsh Park
Referee: Anthony Stapleton

Betting:
Waterford 6/4 Draw 10/1 Galway 4/6

Pieces beginning to fit - Waterford 1-14 Tipperary 0-16

 

Two quick observations. This time last year, Michael Walsh was lining out at centre forward in an experiment that never took off. Another head scratcher is that Jamie Barron has spent almost all of his underage inter county career as a corner back. These two are poles apart in terms of inter county experience but on Sunday, back in their rightful spots, Barron and the Brick chipped in to topple Tipp for the first time in nine attempts.

Waterford’s revival had hit a bump in the road before Barron struck sweetly from an acute angle with a minute of normal time remaining. He clearly had the upper hand over Donagh Maher all afternoon and his contribution of 1-1 was significant on a day considering that only 1-6 of the final total came from play. And the Brick? Well, he was the voice of reason and a calming influence when it was required. Eamonn O’Shea’s side led by three points on three occasions in the first half and then by five in the second. Walsh led a patient recovery mission each time and put up a barrier in front of the confident Seamus Callanan.

When Kevin Moran’s screamer swung inside the post and he raised his fist in jubilation, the crowd stood in delight and disbelief. A connection had been restored. A seed was sown when the team dug in for a draw against Cork and the home crowd sensed that this comeback was on. Afterwards, some shook hands with Michael Ryan and many others entered the field to let it all sink in. Doubts were left to lie and belief was back. Taking the scalp of Tipp puts plenty of credit in the bank.

This league of fine margins has, by in large, been played out in cold, wet and windy conditions. In such circumstances, the scoring rate dips and the team with the greater intensity, higher tackle count and lower error count generally prevails. Tipp dropped their guard and their discipline in the final furlong and Waterford pegged them back point by point. Michael Ryan put his finger on it afterwards. “The last five or six minutes epitomised the way this team has worked all year, with their character, their guts, their commitment and their fight and it’s all about the fight.” Almost twelve months ago, Tipp trounced a disorganised Déise and accumulated 31 points in the process. The difference between now and then is not just about the fight but another F word: fitness. Nicking a one point win in Ennis, retrieving a two point deficit against Cork and reeling in the runaway leaders on Sunday shows their stamina. They are certainly sticking the pace and the Fitzgibbon Cup has been a help rather than a hindrance. Waterford’s late fadeouts were a consistent theme running through the league and championship of 2012 so it’s welcome reversal of that trend.

A notable feature of this game was how both teams dealt with playing into the breeze. Jamie Barron’s goal benefitted Waterford twofold. Firstly, it helped them settle after a rocky opening and it also kept them in touch when Tipp threaten to build up a cushion. The elements didn’t deter the visitors either and on the restart, they won four frees in quick succession. The home side were much the happier at half time but it was the Premier that powered on.

Seamus Callanan has hardly produced a more rounded performance in the blue and gold than last Sunday. He scored five points in the first half and another five in the second. He scored five from play and five from placed balls. After picking off some early points, he was up and running. With his confidence flowing, Waterford couldn’t get a handle on him.  The dominance of the half back line offered a shield and prevented the Drom and Inch man from going deep into double figures as Tipp wilted. This was surprising given the strength of their bench but their lack of ball winners came back to cost them.

Waterford battered down the door in the last ten minutes. They were almost left to rue a couple of chances that went awry as Jake Dillon and Pauric Mahony were off target. Seamus Prendergast switched to the square, created a bit of a stir and won a free off Paul Curran. They were still two points short before Barron and Dillon stepped in. Lar Corbett’s effort then fell short before Moran tried his luck. “There was a big wind with us and it was a bit of a hit and hope. It was lucky enough I suppose but we’ll take it.” They had earned that slice of good fortune and they are raising expectations with each passing week as the positivity in the camp transfers to the terraces.

A case of green flag fever? - Waterford v Tipperary preview

Tipperary’s seven goals in three games compared with two for Waterford is a standout statistic as we enter the penultimate round of the league. Containing a confident Tipp team that is starting to hit its stride will be a tall order after striking 4-22 in Salthill six days previous. And even if Corbett and company can be restricted, punching a few holes at the other end has proven difficult over the last two outings. Waterford have stood up in three different environments to date but some tweaks are necessary to turn performances into points.

On 2-46, Waterford are the lowest scorers in Division 1A and these measly totals continue to hold them back. An absence of penetration has resulted in back to back blanks in the goals column. With recognised goal poacher Shane Walsh making a gradual return to match sharpness, genuine goal chances have been scarce commodities. Anthony Nash was only troubled once in a late flurry and Eoin Murphy didn’t have a save to make. The attack is brimming with pace but lacks the capability to break tackles and this significantly decreases the likelihood of creating the openings. And when forwards do cut through, they need support runners to offer further options. Tipp’s movement up front is at a more advanced stage at this moment in time and their ability to raise green flags with regularity may again prove the decisive factor here.

The last line of the Waterford defence also needs to stamp its authority to prevent the floodgates opening. The full back line came under a sustained period of pressure in the second half of Monday’s contest and some alarming gaps appeared. They must keep their shape and their discipline to limit the damage against a potentially lethal trio of Shane Bourke, Seamus Callanan and Lar Corbett. The half backs may also drop a bit deeper to offer extra protection on Sunday and condense the space available.

The visitors have reversed their fortunes following their total systems failure in Pairc Ui Rinn. They are suddenly within touching distance of the semi finals and yet, Eamonn O’Shea still felt the urge to chop and change. Even last week’s man of the match John O’Dwyer wasn’t spared. Brendan Cummins returns to the side and for once is under pressure for his place come championship as Darren Gleeson’s development continues. Regulars Paddy Stapleton, Conor O’Mahony and Brendan Maher also lose out as Donagh Maher and Conor O’Brien get a chance to impress in defence. Brian O’Meara and Noel McGrath both have points to prove alongside newcomer Adrian Ryan in the half forward line.

Michael Ryan also made a couple of curious alterations during the week. Whether the omission of Stephen O’Keeffe was pre planned or otherwise, the Ballygunner stopper would have liked the opportunity to get last Monday out of his system. Ian O’Regan’s puckout strategy will certainly be monitored with interest. After three substitute appearances, Jamie Barron takes the place of Brian O’Sullivan who had a quiet afternoon in Nowlan Park. The Fourmilewater flyer should look to stretch Donagh Maher if he gets the ball in space. Meanwhile, the return of Maurice Shanahan sees Pauric Mahony surprisingly make way. With 0-14 to his credit in three games and given a strong showing in the second half against Kilkenny, where many others struggled around him, he may feel hard done by. In Mahony’s absence, Jake Dillon may well assume the free taking responsibilities.

The return of Shanahan should boost Waterford’s attacking ambitions however. He can turn the Tipp defence on their heels and offers a genuine goal threat if he gets to run directly at his marker. In two cameo roles, he has looked sharp and eager for the fray. Jake Dillon and Brian O’Halloran have contributed 1-15 between them but the challenge for both is to maintain high performance levels over the seventy minutes and not fade from view.

Despite O’Shea’s reshuffle, the forward six selected for the Premier are versatile and will attempt to create confusion for the Waterford backs by drifting into different areas. Confidence is also flowing again for Lar Corbett with 2-4 banked from play and a cheeky finish to cap a resounding win over Galway. Waterford will pin their hopes on a rejuvenated Shanahan to ignite their attack but Tipp possess a more cohesive offensive threat and that should tee up their third win on the trot.

Waterford: I O’Regan, S Fives, L Lawlor, S Daniels, J Nagle, M Walsh, K Moran, S O’Sullivan, P Prendergast, B O’Halloran, S Prendergast, M Shanahan, J Dillon, S Walsh, J Barron.

Tipperary: B Cummins, D Maher, P Curran, M Cahill, C O’Brien, T Stapleton, P Maher, J Woodlock, S McGrath, B O’Meara, N McGrath, A Ryan, S Bourke, S Callanan, L Corbett.

National Hurling League Division 1A
Waterford v Tipperary
Throw in 2.30 at Walsh Park
Referee: Cathal McAllister

Betting:
Waterford 9/4 Draw 10/1 Tipperary 4/9

Method and madness - Kilkenny 2-15 Waterford 0-16

Is it overly simplistic to suggest that Kilkenny coped with the conditions better? While Waterford’s short game established a tidy lead, once the rain started to fall, the visitors never changed tack and stuck rigidly to the plan. The short puckouts in particular put the defenders under unnecessary pressure to clear the ball as the game progressed. The Cats wised up, squeezed up and pinned Waterford back.

An innovative approach was laudable however and few could quibble with it by the end of the third quarter. Michael Ryan explained the rationale behind the short ball tactics. “There’s no point in dropping high puckouts on top of the Kilkenny half back line because they have been gobbling them up for years. We decided that we would diversify a little bit from that and unfortunately the wet and greasy conditions didn’t help us.”

The game was mistake ridden and untidy at times. The conditions contributed to that but it never caught the imagination of the 6,887 in attendance. The timing of Kilkenny’s first goal always kept them in the wing mirrors of the pace setters. By the tail end of the first period, the hosts were without a score in 16 minutes and struggling to locate the posts. With each passing minute, the Waterford youngsters grew a bit taller and belief began to build. Instead of a Kilkenny blitzkrieg, the Déise snipers were picking off their points from distance. After Richie Hogan landed a few early blows, the half back line settled down and stifled any threats. Shane O’Sullivan lorded the midfield proceedings and aside from his two points, he always seemed to pick out the right pass. Cody nullified his influence at half time by bringing Padraig Walsh out around the centre.

Then came the moment when Stephen O’Keeffe’s quick delivery didn’t reach its intended target. He tried it four times in the first half and although O’Sullivan scored a point from one of them, the risky puck out policy came back to bite. Ger Aylward still had work to do and Kevin Moran did his upmost to take him to the ground. The finish was emphatic and Kilkenny had something to cling to. And still, Waterford responded. They sent over two points within a minute of the goal and while they departed with a few regrets, they were in good shape and at the head of affairs. In truth, it could and should have been more. Apart from the giveaway goal, five balls fell short into Eoin Murphy’s grateful arms and the wide count also stood at four.

The Kilkenny reshuffle still didn’t spark a response. A brief flurry from Aidan Fogarty put them ahead but their play remained patchy. They continued to shoot wildly and a tally of 13 wides reflects that lack of composure. Meanwhile, Pauric Mahony was striking sweetly and four in a row from the Ballygunner put a healthy look on the scoreboard after 51 minutes.

Then Kilkenny got their act together. They started launching direct ball into the full forward line and cracks started to appear in the Déise defence. Ger Aylward and Colin Fennelly spurned sitters but the pressure kept building. Waterford continued to make life difficult by trying to pinpoint their deliveries. As conditions deteriorated, they needed to refine the plan. Their forwards were suffocated as JJ Delaney, Tommy Walsh and company made up for the absence of Paul Murphy and Jackie Tyrell. Waterford could only muster five second half points and went 16 minutes without a score down the stretch. The Cats didn’t exactly eat into the lead but took small nibbles before another free meal arrived. Matthew Ruth’s scruffy finish summed up an unconvincing Kilkenny performance overall.

Kilkenny were vulnerable but remained streetwise when Waterford tried to capitalise on a nervy performance. They scored 1-6 in the final quarter with only a point in reply.The Cats stayed cool and accomplished their mission but this was another step in the right direction for the gallant losers. They stood toe to toe with the All Ireland champions and players like Paudie Prendergast, Brian O’Halloran, Jake Dillon and Pauric Mahony will all derive confidence from productive periods during Sunday’s encounter. That half back line again kept the team driving forward. Michael Walsh in particular showed off all the fine arts of defending in an absorbing battle with Richie Hogan. He made a sharp block on the Danesfort forward in the first half and neatly hooked Matthew Ruth when a goal looked like a certainty. Jamie Nagle is also benefitting from a consistent run of games. Another blank in the goals column and the lack of natural ball winners remain outstanding issues for this team but they have shown so far that they don’t look out of place in this company. Putting the result and the performance together will be challenge when Tipperary and Galway show up in Walsh Park.

Waterford’s hurling league record at Nowlan Park 2000-2013

2011

Kilkenny 2-16 Waterford 1-13

2010
Kilkenny 1-20 Waterford 2-12

2008
Kilkenny 0-25 Waterford 0-14

2004
Waterford 0-15 Kilkenny 1-10

2002
Kilkenny 1-12 Waterford 0-12

2000
Waterford 1-15 Kilkenny 1-13

Braced for a backlash? – Kilkenny v Waterford preview

 

Waterford could have timed their trip to the Marble City a bit better. In their first league game on home turf, Kilkenny will be keen to make up some lost ground. Beware of the wounded Cat.

They have experimented here and there against Galway and Tipperary but Brian Cody rarely derives satisfaction from unsuccessful trials. They collated some information from those defeats and will seek to implement their findings here. High on that priority list will be the concession of goals. Five green flags against is a statistic they will find hard to swallow. Galway sliced through their rearguard with alarming regularity in Salthill and this left Eoin Murphy unusually exposed for a Kilkenny custodian. Tipperary’s opener last Sunday owed much to good fortune but they will be disappointed that Lar Corbett snuck in unnoticed for the second major. There was plenty of robust challenges in that game and although it is only the league, Cody couldn’t hide his dismay afterwards. He named nine of the team that started last September’s All Ireland replay win for this Bank Holiday Monday meeting. This includes all six backs in the exact same slots. Lester Ryan and Paddy Hogan form an unfamiliar midfield pairing but in attack Ger Aylward is the only one without championship pedigree. Kilkenny’s intentions are clear and selector Martin Fogarty outlined during the week to the Irish Daily Mail that they are prepared to play hard but fair. “The game is physical and that’s the way it should be. You always want your team to play on the edge but within the laws of the game. To get yourself up, to be able to get yourself up to the best – that is the edge you are looking for. That is the line. If you don’t get that, the other team will beat you.”

Clare put the cat amongst the pigeons in Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday night and that result applies further pressure to Michael Ryan’s men. Despite making an unbeaten start, they still face a steep climb. An unchanged fifteen was selected on Friday night but a couple of different names may take the field depending on fitness tests. Waterford’s chances of survival on Monday rely heavily on how much of a grip the half back line can get on proceedings. They have raised their game to meet all the challenges put in front of them so far but this time around, the strongest line in Michael Ryan’s team face an All Star cast. Richie Hogan, Richie Power and Eoin Larkin are not only predatory finishers but also well able to win primary possession. If they line out as selected, a fascinating duel is set to unfold.

If the Déise trio do manage to break even, how will the forwards fare? Apart from Seamus Prendergast and Shane Walsh, the Waterford forward line looks lightweight in comparison to the juggernauts they face in that Kilkenny defensive unit. It will be hard to make headway when Tommy Walsh, Brian Hogan and Kieran Joyce form the first line of resistance. What they lack in size, they make up for with speed however and the men in maroon have proven that a mixture of clever movement and precise passes can make the Cats uncomfortable. So while Waterford will look to Prendergast and Walsh for leadership, the other four forwards must take a stab at running directly at their markers and putting a few doubts in their minds. The free taking of Pauric Mahony again comes under the microscope here, given the high level of security in front of the Kilkenny goals and he can ill afford to squander chances like the one last Sunday.

Kilkenny have been operating at a higher intensity in recent weeks and that steely defence will put up a firm barrier and try to outmuscle their direct opponents. Waterford will also look to batten down the hatches at the back and make the most of the limited opportunities they receive at the other end. They gritted their teeth and emerged from two tight corners against Clare and Cork but the bar will be raised on Monday by a manager with only one thing on his mind.

Kilkenny: E Murphy, P Murphy, JJ Delaney, J Tyrell, T Walsh, B Hogan, K Joyce, L Ryan, P Hogan, R Hogan, R Power, E Larkin, G Aylward, C Fennelly, A Fogarty.

Waterford: S O’Keeffe, S Fives, L Lawlor, S Daniels, J Nagle, M Walsh, K Moran, S O’Sullivan, D Fives, B O’Halloran, S Prendergast, J Dillon, B O’Sullivan, S Walsh, P Mahony.

National Hurling League Division 1A
Kilkenny v Waterford
Throw in 2.00 at Nowlan Park
Referee: James McGrath

Betting:
Kilkenny 1/6 Draw 14/1 Waterford 5/1

Sodden conditions can’t dampen positive vibes - Waterford 0-15 Cork 1-12

Make no mistake about it, Sunday’s game was lucky to get the green light. A walk across the field afterwards towards the dressing rooms was a feat in itself. It proved difficult to hold your footing as the sod sank deeper with each step

The going was heavy but the hurling was exciting all the same. At the end of it all, both sides could take something from it. Cork proved that they have depth to their fresh faced panel. Waterford meanwhile, withstood another test of character and fought their way out of a tight corner.

Both sides enjoyed their purple patches. Waterford probably should have made more of their period of dominance as they hit seven wides and dropped three more short. Their forward play was slick considering the unfavourable conditions as they used the crossfield ball to switch the point of attack. They also kept their width and hit the corners. Brian O’Halloran buzzed around in that first half with the wind in his sails from a recent rich vein of form. The entire forward division hassled and harried to put Cork on the backfoot. Brian O’Sullivan tagged on three points to another performance of hard graft. The value of Seamus Prendergast’s rugged presence was again underlined but 1-4 in two outings offers evidence that he has added a sharper edge to his shooting. The warrior in the red helmet led the charge as Waterford knocked on the door late on,

Cork had gone 25 minutes without a score before Stephen Moylan’s thunderbolt revived their challenge. On the tacky surface, the strength of the respective benches came into play. Jimmy Barry Murphy sent on all five substitutes including William Egan, Conor Lehanne and Tom Kenny. Lehane made an instant impact and the introduction of the Midleton man along with Horgan’s clockwork shooting, kept Cork ticking over. Waterford paid a price for their early exertions and they began to tire. Pauric Mahony missed a gilt edged free to put them two clear and in a low scoring game, it almost proved fatal. Horgan, Lehane and Peter O’Brien tacked on points in quick succession as Cork kicked for home.

Facing the gale, the rain and a two point deficit, Waterford found a second wind from somewhere and then Brian O’Sullivan ended a sixteen minute wait for a score. Then came the late dramatics and a stunning stop from Anthony Nash before Seamus Prendergast brought a bit of order.

So it could have been better and could have been worse but three points is a healthy tally with Kilkenny, Tipperary and Galway to come. Injury wise, there are a couple of doubts hanging over the Bank Holiday Monday meeting with the winless Cats. Darragh Fives departed after 26 minutes with a tight hamstring, Noel Connors is ruled out and Stephen Daniels is also uncertain to start. Meanwhile, Richie Foley’s rotten run of luck with injury continues. In more encouraging news, Maurice Shanahan entered the fray for the closing stages on Sunday after his hip surgery and Shane Walsh dusted off the cobwebs over 44 minutes.

Michael Ryan’s troops have shown backbone and resilience so far; other qualities will be assessed soon. Surviving a war of attrition is one thing but keeping pace on firmer ground is another. A solid start will be tested when they step up in class and take on arguably the top three teams in the land. There is certainly plenty of vibrancy up front and with Jamie Barron and Shanahan coming on to play their part on Sunday, competition is hotting up. And don’t forget either that Martin O’Neill is also waiting in the wings. Apart from a few creaks, defensively things are bedding down and the half back line in particular already looks like a championship combination. Looking at the big picture, Shane O’Sullivan’s evaluation hits the right note. “It’s positive without getting too carried away.”

One swallow doesn’t make a spring – Waterford v Cork preview

A Waterford v Cork match with a fresh and even unpredictable flavour. Rewind fifteen years and the circumstances are astonishingly similar to Sunday’s league clash.

On March 22 1998, Waterford and Cork met in round 2 of the Church & General hurling league at Fraher Field after coming off the back of impressive opening day wins over Tipperary and Kilkenny respectively. Gerald McCarthy and Jimmy Barry Murphy were in the process of moulding teams that could handle long hot summers. Approximately 6,000 souls crammed into Dungarvan on a scorching day out of curiosity and they were eager to find out if they could buy into the early hype. Cork eased to 1-12 to 1-5 victory over fourteen man Waterford but in the long run, that league campaign offered a solid indicator for what was to follow. Later that spring, the two sides met once more in the league decider. Despite losing by that seven point margin again, Waterford benefitted from mixing it at the top table and advanced to the All Ireland semi finals. Clare extinguished the Rebel rising that summer but Barry Murphy continued to invest in youth and it paid off in September of 1999. Does the same bright future lie in store for the 2013 vintage?

A sizeable attendance will again look on to make up their minds about whether promising opening round wins were a sign of good things to come or just an illusion. There’s no reason for either side to get carried away just yet. Tipperary were miles off the pace and only offered token resistance when Cork began to pick off their points. Meanwhile, the game at Cusack Park was hardly played at breath neck speed and the second half was broken up by frees and injuries. Seventy minutes may well reveal what course the season will take for these two. By around half past three, the winners can start looking towards the semis while the defeated will be looking a little nervously over their shoulder.

In the bookmaker’s view, Cork are slightly fancied after an uplifting victory dispelled any rumours of unrest. Even on Leeside, nobody saw that performance coming. They played a high tempo game and never allowed Tipperary to settle. Backs and forwards applied ferocious pressure on the players in possession and from an early stage, their opponents looked rattled. The ball zipped from one end to the other and before Tipp knew it, they were chasing shadows. A confident Anthony Nash conducted in the manner of his predecessor and sprayed around pinpoint deliveries. Christopher Joyce commanded the centre back slot and the defence overall, never appeared overly troubled. A lively forward line moved sharply for this time of the year and none more so than Patrick Horgan. The prolific corner forward has been there or thereabouts in the All Star shake-up and he laid down an early marker by shooting thirteen points. Their long range accuracy also punished a couple of sloppy Tipperary clearances. Considering the cohesiveness of this new look team a fortnight ago, it came as a surprise that Jimmy Barry decided to disrupt a winning formula. William Egan, Conor Lehane and Luke O’Farrell are in fantastic form with club and college but management clearly feel that they require a rest at this juncture.

Michael Ryan took a different approach to selecting his starting fifteen. Seven players featured in the Fitzgibbon last weekend but all of those players start on Sunday. The high intensity of that competition has helped Waterford to get up to speed. It certainly hasn't done the forwards any harm. Jake Dillon, Brian O’Halloran and Brian O’Sullivan backed up their performances on the third level circuit by leading the line up in Ennis. Pauric Mahony’s ability to win primary possession was also encouraging in the first half. Down the centre, Seamus Prendergast continued his renaissance with 1-1 last time out and Shane Walsh returns to the full forward berth where he will renew acquaintances with Stephen McDonnell. The fitness of the Fourmilewater man will be closely monitored but he scored five points in this fixture two years ago and holds the upper hand against McDonnell in recent tussles.

In terms of the key battles this weekend, the Waterford half back line will look to take charge against an unproven trio. In an area where Cork have struggled in recent times, Cian McCarthy, Paudie O’Sullivan and Seamus Harnedy make up the half forward unit this time around. Even during the spell of routinely contesting All Irelands in the last decade, Cork struggled to unearth natural ball winners and Niall McCarthy’s absence doesn’t help that situation. They face up to a tried and trusted combination. Jamie Nagle hit plenty of ball in a busy display against Clare, Michael Walsh was named man of the match for Munster last weekend and Kevin Moran has now assumed the captaincy after an All Star summer. Don’t be surprised either if Darragh Fives and Moran swap positions. Fives has recovered from an injury hit 2012 to put in an authoritative Fitzgibbon campaign at number six with UCC. Taking care of Patrick Horgan will be another priority for the defence. Noel Connors usually takes up the responsibility but with the Passage man on the injured list, Stephen Daniels may be asked to keep tabs on the Glen Rovers man. At midfield, Patrick Cronin returns after producing his best season in a red shirt during 2012. The speedster Daniel Kearney partners him and this will be another crucial sector considering Shane O’Sullivan’s strong start to the campaign.

Cork will look to pile on the pressure and bring the game to their hosts like they did against Tipperary. The Waterford forwards in particular must settle down early doors and convert the placed balls that went astray in round one. The strange selections made by the visitors during the week may give Waterford the edge in key areas and if that experienced rearguard can hold Horgan to a manageable total, they can squeeze past the Rebels and give the home crowd further grounds for optimism.

Waterford: S O’Keeffe, S Fives, L Lawlor, S Daniels, J Nagle, M Walsh, K Moran, S O’Sullivan, D Fives, B O’Halloran, S Prendergast, J Dillon, B O’Sullivan, S Walsh, P Mahony.

Cork: A Nash, S O’Neill, S McDonnell, C O’Sullivan, S White, L McLoughlin, C Joyce, P Cronin, D Kearney, C McCarthy, P O’Sullivan, S Harnedy, S Moylan, P O’Brien, P Horgan.

National Hurling League Division 1A
Waterford v Cork
Throw in 2.00 at Fraher Field
Referee: Alan Kelly

Betting:
Waterford 15/8 Draw 10/1 Cork 8/15

More info

Waterford’s hurling league record at Fraher Field 1998-2013

2012:

Waterford 0-17 Dublin 0-13

2011:
Waterford 0-18 Cork 0-17

2010:
Waterford 2-20 Limerick 2-10

2009:
Galway 1-21 Waterford 2-12

2008:
Waterford 3-29 Antrim 3-10

2007:
Waterford 4-27 Down 1-17

2006:
Waterford 1-13 Wexford 0-14

2005:
Clare 3-14 Waterford 2-10

2003:
Dublin 2-13 Waterford 2-11

2002:
Waterford 4-12 Meath 1-5

2001:
Waterford 3-14 Laois 1-6

1999:
Waterford 5-14 Down 0-4

1998:
Cork 1-12 Waterford 1-5

Slip-up should focus the minds of footballers

If last Saturday’s limp surrender to Limerick doesn’t awaken the Waterford footballers from their slumber ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Ruislip, maybe consulting Chapter 9 of Working on a Dream by Damian Lawlor will do the trick.

It outlines the excruciating detail of the Déise’s downfall to the Exiles back in March of 2009. Lawlor watched on as the day quickly unravelled. “On the way to Ruislip the bus gets lost. Thankfully we have some time in hand, but the driver, not from these parts, is totally innocent as to the location of the stadium. He finds Ruislip Road and thinks he’s on the right track, but that’s like hitting Limerick Junction and thinking you’re in Limerick.” That set the tone for a disorganised afternoon as Waterford lost by nine points to eight. “Utter, unmitigated, sickening disaster” is how Lawlor puts it.

Niall Carew will put the right preparations in place to prevent a repeat. He will also look for a response after a lacklustre showing in front of an expectant home crowd last weekend. One passage of play summed up what was a dreary top of table clash. Another shot was drifting wide off the boot of a Waterford player but just as the umpire was about to wave his arms, somehow the ball was kept within the white lines. The forward swung at it with little conviction however and the umpire at the other side was called into action to issue another negative assessment.

A malaise gripped forwards from both sides last Saturday night but the disease was more contagious among Carew’s sextet. Twelve wides, two scorers from play and 26 minutes without a score in the first half are the three statistics that jump out. All over the field, Waterford weren’t moving as well as in previous weeks. Passes went astray, kicks were aimlessly directed and the defence looked vulnerable to Limerick’s pacy inside line. And still, they came within a whisker of winning while playing below par. They could be thankful to Gary Hurney for keeping them in the hunt as those around him crumbled in front of goal. Although Ian Ryan kept them on their toes, the defence never looked in danger of conceding a goal and kept their third straight clean sheet of the campaign. Only one other team (Galway) in the four divisions can say the same.

Limerick didn’t succumb to the pressure however and kept one step ahead in a drab contest. Although they only registered eight points, five different players contributed. They took wild swipes at goal but those misses didn’t shake their confidence. Waterford’s back-up options also couldn’t match those at Maurice Horan’s disposal. He could call on a player like Seanie Buckley in the final quarter and he delivered a vital point. Paul Whyte could consider himself hard done by to exit the field after a mere 20 minutes and Gavin Nugent was also called ashore despite the fact that he had managed to raise a flag. The lack of strength in depth up front is of concern. 2012 panelists Cillian O'Keeffe, Joey Veale, Mark Ferncombe, Sean Fleming and JJ Hutchinson are five forwards who are not yet part of the plans for 2013.

From now on, there is no room for error. Captain Gary Hurney admitted as much after the game. “We have to go and win all our games from now on. That’s the way it is in Division 4; it’s very tough. I’m sure results will go our way in Division 4, Limerick will find it hard with a few teams that they have to play yet. We’ve had two wins over Tipperary and Clare and there will be a backlash from the two of them yet.”

A trip to Ruislip on Saturday is by no means a gimme. Carlow escaped with a one point win recently and London emerged with a draw from Fraher Field last year. If they do manage to chisel out a win, games against Leitrim and Offaly present a path to promotion. They remain poised in joint second spot, level with Clare and Carlow on four points. Limerick gave them a reality check and if they heed the lessons from that, Niall Carew can still make his debut season one to remember.

O’Halloran resurfaces to bat away the Banner - Waterford 2-15 Clare 1-17

 

Out of the blue, Brian O’Halloran hit the big time back in 2010. He had only graduated from minor and he was thrown into the furnace of a Munster final. Cork led by two points when he was sent on in place of Seamus Prendergast.

Almost immediately, he was offered a straightforward point opportunity and he composed himself before slotting it over. In a low scoring final, every point was precious and although O’Halloran was called ashore during extra time, he had freshened up the attack. His searing speed subsequently lit up the training ground and Davy felt he was ready for another showpiece occasion. He was catapulted into the starting fifteen for the All Ireland semi final but lasted a mere 22 minutes.

O’Halloran was never offered a chance of immediate redemption. The following year he sparkled during the Waterford Crystal campaign from centre forward but cruelly limped out of the final against Cork at Pairc Ui Rinn. A string of injuries saw him go off the radar and tumble down the pecking order. The Clashmore man had to wait until last Sunday to make his first league start. He showed signs of recovery last year in the intermediate championship and Mary I’s unexpected run to the Fitzgibbon weekend did him no harm whatsoever.

He made sixteen plays at Cusack Park and each of them was a telling contribution. He slotted two first half points but also supplied the delivery for Jake Dillon’s goal and set up Seamus Prendergast for a white flag. He added two more points shortly after the restart, one off his right followed by one off his left. Although his snappy shooting caught the eye, the man in the white helmet also distributed the ball unselfishly. He kept his head up and picked out the right pass. He also wasn’t afraid to put the head down at times and test out the Clare defence.  Also in that frantic four minutes of injury time, he made a vital block. In a forward line with low mileage clocked up, O’Halloran took the driver’s seat with Jake Dillon alongside him. The De La Salle flyer nailed five second half points (after a poacher’s goal in the opening half), earned two frees and also laid on two points for O’Halloran. The Ballygunner pair of Pauric Mahony (who picked up possession twelve times in the first half) and Brian O’Sullivan put in industrious shifts. Seamus Prendergast had a good tussle with Patrick Donnellan but still grabbed 1-1, won two frees and set up a point.

Clare’s forward line didn’t pack as much of a punch. Colin Ryan carried the torch throughout and struck three fine points from play. Tony Kelly gave them traction around the middle and he also helped out in the scoring stakes. Some glaring misses among twelve wides and a general lack of direction up front undermined their best efforts however. The Waterford screen also limited the damage and two last ditch tackles from Michael Walsh and Stephen Daniels prevented certain goals. In his new Irish Independent column, John Mullane identified the stand-in full back as a player on an upward curve. “Shane Fives has returned to the fold looking a lot leaner than I’ve seen him. He’s put himself forward for a regular position on the team on that performance.” Another player returning to form is Jamie Nagle who pushed O’Halloran all the way in the man of the match stakes. On 22 plays, he was the most active Waterford player on view. He cleaned up under the high ball and also offered the launch pad for raids into Clare territory. Many of those clearances were carefully directed into the forward line and it was the Dungarvan man who delivered the telling pass to the unmarked Shane O’Sullivan at the death.

The game was played at a moderate pace and only caught fire in fits and starts. The unpredictable officiating of John Sexton also broke the rhythm at times and he cut down on any robust challenges that may have ignited the contest. He flashed four yellows to Waterford players and many of those calls were puzzling to say the least. He could also have added a couple more minutes of injury time to allow for the stoppages in the second half. A stop start thirty five minutes turned into a see saw battle with the teams almost taking it in turns to swap scores. The game was settled by the calmer and more assured outfit. The visitors shot six wides in the first half but were far more economical thereafter. As the clock struck 72:20, Shane Fives bounded out to win the race for possession. Noel Connors received the sliotar and picked out Kevin Moran. Despite the fact that the captain’s pass was a bit aimless, Darragh Fives recovered possession and found Jamie Nagle. This patient build up paid off as Nagle looked up and spotted O’Sullivan who won the vital free.

Michael Ryan took a nibble at the pundits and critics within the county in his post match comments on WLR FM. “There were a lot stories going around outside our camp that things weren’t going well. We knew ourselves that training was going magnificently well, everybody was working really hard. We had a fantastic team meeting last night; everybody was buzzing. We are not one bit surprised by this. We knew this morning that we could win this match. I’m thrilled with the performance of the players, they were absolutely outstanding. Clare took the lead with about ten minutes to go on their home patch but we battled back, Brian O’Halloran got some fantastic points and we deserved the victory.” Strong words certainly and it indicates the significance that Ryan attached to this fixture.

They are not out of the woods yet however. Even with two points on the board and three home games to follow, the bookmakers are still offering odds as short as 6/4 for Ryan’s charges to take the plunge. There is a long road to travel yet before Waterford can feel comfortable in Division 1A but Sunday’s win gives them momentum ahead of a top of the table clash with Cork. For now at least, a weight has lifted.