St Saviours, Ballinameelabook places

Two years ago, St Saviours and Ballinameela faced off in a battle to avoid the drop from top flight football but this weekend both booked their places in the Waterford SFC quarter-finals.

On Saturday night, St Saviours snatched the last quarter-final place in Group 1 with a 1-16 to 2-5 win over Ardmore in Carraiganore. The winners raced into a four points lead after a quarter hour but Clinton Hennessy’s penalty left Ardmore just one point adrift (0-7 to 1-3) at the interval. A John Gartland goal early in the second half levelled matters before Ardmore goalkeeper Sean Barron saved Adam Brophy’s penalty and two subsequent attempts were also blocked. Brian Power finally found a way past Barron with 15 minutes remaining to settle the contest. The city side have stayed afloat in the top flight via a relegation play-off for the last three seasons but took a giant leap forward with this result.

Gaultier were plunged into the relegation decider on scoring difference after losing to Clashmore in Kill (1-11 to 2-7). JJ Hutchinson stole the show with 1-4 but he missed a free in second minute of injury time that would have guaranteed their survival. Hutchinson’s first half penalty handed Gaultier a 1-2 to 0-4 lead after an error ridden 30 minutes. Clashmore showed more invention on the turnover and John Prendergast planted a superb strike in the top corner on 37 minutes. Gaultier regained the lead when Ian Power palmed to the net after 44 minutes but a composed Clashmore seized control and three points from Aidan Trihy guided them home.