Waterford Finally Relinquish Grip On Title After Defeat To Tipp

National Hurling League - Quarterfinals
Tipperary 1-16
Waterford 0-14

By Dermot Kavanagh

Waterford's grip on the National League title was finally relinquished at Nowlan Park on Sunday.

Despite a decidedly unimpressive league campaign Waterford were given an ideal opportunity advance into the semi-finals, one that they were afraid to take as they tamely handed that slot to the Tipp men.

On a bitterly cold day for hurling this was a game of conflicting standards.

At times the game reached championship levels, at others it resembled a practice match.

Tipperary played with the benefit of a strong wind in the first half and except for the last two minutes of the half made very little use of it.

Waterford, without over stretching themselves seemed well able to match whatever Tipperary came up with.

Then on the stroke of half time Tipperary scored a goal and a point to take a 4 point lead in at the break (1.8 to 0.7)

The opening period of the second half saw the teams exchange points as the quality of the game improved.

Then midway through the half Waterford almost effortlessly reduced the lead to a single point.

Then when it seemed that they would coast home, Waterford fell asleep. Full credit therefore to Tipperary.

They sensed that Waterford lacked that urgency to go on to win the game.

They moved themselves sufficiently to score 4 points without reply to comfortably take that semi final place.

Waterford, for whom Ken McGrath was outstanding at centre back had no attacking threat through the game.

Big names like Dan Shanahan and John Mullane were totally out of sorts and contributed nothing.

If Waterford are to be a threat in the championship both of these players must realize the past achievements count for nothing.

Waterford also need Paul Flynn and Eoin Kelly to make immediate recovery from their injuries.

Cork 0-13
Limerick 0-8

At half time of this quarter final at Limerick, the home side looked to have had the hard work done.

Despite playing into a very strong cold wind Limerick went into the break leading by 1 point. (0.6 to 0.5) the largely Limerick dominated attendance just couldn't wait for the second half.

However when hostilities were resumed it appeared as if some sort of paralysis had overtaken Limerick.

Despite the benefit of the elements Limerick managed to score only two points. (one from play and that from a midfielder) in that half.

Cork just overpowered Limerick in all departments, none more so than in how to play the possession game.

Cork looked slick and skillful while every Limerick player particularly the forwards looked ill at ease with their hurleys.

After their delayed start to the season Cork will be pleased with themselves to have made the semi finals .

Limerick looked as poor as they did this time last year. If they are to repeat the heroics of 2007 a vast improvements in all aspects of their play will be required.

Semi Finals

Tipperary v Kilkenny
Cork v Galway

Both Games are fixed for next Sunday at venues to be announced.