McGrath and Maher impress as Tipp edge Waterford

SECOND-HALF goals from substitutes Noel McGrath and Patrick Maher proved decisive as Tipperary defeated Munster finalists Waterford by five points in a keenly-contested senior hurling challenge at Semple Stadium last night.

At the midway point, Tipperary led by 0-15 to 0-13 as all six of the home side’s starting forwards, both midfielders and impressive right half-back David Young scored first-half points from play.

Waterford were reliant on the free-taking and general play of Eoin Kelly while Seamus Prendergast and Richie Foley chipped in with a brace of points each in the opening half.