Waterford maintains winning ways
The opening round of the Allianz National Football League saw Waterford continue their winning ways with a 0-14 to 0-10 win over Wicklow in Fraher Field Dungarvan on Saturday evening. Fresh from their McGrath Cup victory the Deise were well aware that Wicklow would prove a tough obstacle as the men from the Garden County had shown some good form in their O'Byrne Cup outings earlier in the month. In recent times Waterford have shown an inconsistency but their form so far has been full of encouragement. Wicklow have always been a difficult assignmant for Waterford and Ballymun Kickhams clubman Johnny McGee was sure to have the Leinster representatives in prime condition. Two point at stake for both teams but just as important for Waterford was to continue their good run of form.
Conditions were bitterly cold for the four hundred souls who made their way to the Old Boro venue.
The home side opened brightly with points from Liam Lawlor, Michael Curry, Michael O'Halloran and Podge Hurney. On the other side dangerman Dean Odlum kicked a couple for the visitors and was a lively threat to the Waterford defence. Shane Ahearne added three more to the Waterford tally of points with Podge Hurney and Gavin Nugent also converting. Odlum continued to be the most dangerous attacker for Wicklow and contributed three of the total seven first half points for his team. That was not enough as Waterford went into the break 0-9 to 0-7 ahead.
The opening six minutes of the second half saw the home side stretch the lead thanks to points from Tadgh O'hUallachain and Michael O'Halloran. The Wicklow management realising their plight had brought in established Kiltegan clubman Seanie Furlong in an effort to get vital scores. It just was not happening for the visitors. Shane Ahearne and Mark Ferncombe, in for an injured Liam Lawlor just before the break, added another brace and Wicklow saw themselves six points in arrears. A magnificent point, his fourth, by centre forward Michael O'Halloran saw Waterford increase their lead. Wicklow had not scored for some thirty minutes. They did however finish with a bit of a flurry with full forward Conor McGraynor adding two pointed frees and one from Dean Odlum in the dying minutes. Too little too late for the Johnny McGrr team and Waterford held on for a comfortable win. Manager McGlinchy will be delighted with the win but also the fact that he got game time into outstanding forward Paul Whyte who had been carying an injury.
Waterford travel to the Midlands this weekend to cross swords with Offaly the only other winning team from the division and that will surely be another challenge that the Deise lads will be looking forward to. Hopefully Liam Lawlor will be available as the he was forced off during the course of the game and the Nire man carries a lot of experience and influence on the field.
HURLERS BEAT TIPPERARY
Waterford Senior Hurlers played a challenge game against neighbours Tipperary on Friday evening in Dungarvan and came out at the right side of a 2-14 to 0-17 scoreline. Derek McGrath made two changes to his starting lineup before the game with Jamie Barron and Daithi Breathnach replacing Martin O'Neill and Paudie Mahony. Tipperary who are also preparing for the National league came with a very strong opening fifteen including the Mahers and Shane McGrath so a win was certainly on their minds. Waterford were quickly in attack mode two points from Jamie Barron and one from Brian O'Halloran sending them on their way to a 0-9 to 0-6 halftime lead. The decisive scores of this encounter came through a Cormac Curran goal in the 40th minute (1-9 to 0-8) and another from Shane Bennett in the 58th minute (2-10 to 0-13). Tipperary could never peg back the few points and Waterford were well worth their win. The preparations are well under way for the opening game against Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday 14th.
COACHING AND GAMES
Waterford C & GD are organising a number of Coaching Workshops in the coming months which will benefit coaches in clubs. To book a place on any of the workshops please contact one of the GDA's as listed below.
Under 11 Under 12 Mentor Workshop
Monday 9th March. Lawlors Hotel 7.30 pm Free
Wednesday 11th March. Carriganore 7.30pm Free.
Club/School Coach Workshop (Pat Flanagan Peak Fitness)
Thursday 26th Feb. Ballinameela Centre 3.30pm Cost E5.00
Thursday 26th Feb. Rainbow Hall, Kilmacthomas 8pm. Cost E5.00
Contacts; John Quinn 087-7656158/David Robinson 086-2384950/Michelle Power 086-6076226
