Waterford are rated as 1/8 to collect another win against the Midlands men. Derek McGrath is wary of a backlash however following the results from round one. “We have a massive game particularly given the fact that Offaly have won. Amongst themselves, Laois would have said that they underperformed against us in Walsh Park. It’s my honest view that there is nothing between any of the teams in 1B.”
The performance and the result in the Gaelic Grounds puts their name in the hat for promotion. They could have won it but nearly lost it. McGrath’s side looked purposeful in possession last weekend and tailored their deliveries to suit the type of forwards inside. Their accuracy from distance was a striking feature of the seventy. They also had a lean and mean appearance when contesting possession. Management want to see no surrender in their demeanour this year and they didn’t throw in the towel when faced with adversity last Saturday. “We just want to continue to work hard and get the people of Waterford behind us,” McGrath explained. “Someone said to me that there is a bit of apathy out there for Waterford hurling at the moment. I can assure you that these lads, the 34 or 35 that are on the panel, are working hard for Waterford, for each other, for their families and clubs. We are playing and fighting for each other and fighting for the jersey on our backs. That might sound old school but that’s what we are doing every time we go out on the field.”
The fact that WIT didn’t tog out this week will work in their favour with five panel members tied up with the Fitzgibbon Cup. Although Waterford have announced an unchanged line-up, Paudie Prendergast and Shane Bennett must be pushing hard for inclusion. DJ Foran also scored 3-1 for the under 21s in midweek with McGrath and Dan Shanahan in attendance. Philip Mahony will also undergo a late fitness test after he received a bang on the knee against Limerick. An expectant crowd will hope for a green flag after only two half chances were created last weekend. The shape of the team didn’t allow the opportunity for many line breaks although the Bennetts and Brian O’Halloran look capable of making a breakthrough. The Clashmore man had the Limerick backs in all kinds of bother. Will the Waterford midfield and half forward line retreat so deep this time?
Laois will emerge as a hungry outfit this weekend. After the four point derby loss to Offaly, Seamus Plunkett stated his disappointment with how they fought for breaking ball early on and also their concession of frees. Shane Dooley punished them with 1-10 from dead balls. They were unfortunate that Zane Keenan saw two penalty attempts thwarted.
When asked about what improvements needed to made for the Waterford fixture, Plunkett responded: “Quickness in our hurling, quickness into the breaking ball and quickness into winning the primary possession. We were a small bit off the pace in that tonight and that makes a huge difference.”
If Waterford display the same attitude and efficiency as last Saturday, they should avert any shock result here. They have a clear idea about what management are looking for and seemed fitter than many teams at this time of the season. A six point win and a couple of goals would be the ideal way to head into the break.
Last Ten League Encounters
2005 at O’Moore Park
Waterford 1-19 Laois 0-14
2004 at Walsh Park
Waterford 0-25 Laois 3-11
2003 at O’Moore Park
Waterford 1-16 Laois 2-10
2001 at Fraher Field
Waterford 3-15 Laois 1-6
2000 at O’Moore Park
Waterford 2-13 Laois 1-14
1999 at Walsh Park
Waterford 2-12 Laois 0-6
1998 at O’Moore Park
Waterford 4-11 Laois 1-9
1989 at O'Moore Park
Waterford 1-19 Laois 3-7
1986 at O’Moore Park
Waterford 4-15 Laois 3-9
1984 at Dr Cullen Park
Laois 1-12 Waterford 1-3
No comments:
Post a Comment