Waterford outclassed by Kerry

Waterford 0-4 Kerry 2-15

All-Ireland champions Kerry had an easier than expected start to their 2007 championship campaign this afternoon with a facile win in Dungarvan.

The result was effectively assured by half-time as Pat O'Shea's Kingdom side turned around with a 2-9 to 0-1 buffer. Midfielder Mick Ahearne was Waterford's only scorer in the entire first half and that point came after all of 30 minutes.

By that time, Kerry were well on course to book their spot in the Munster final on July 1.

O'Shea's charges moved menacingly into a 2-6 to 0-0 lead with Colm Cooper, Mike Frank Russell and Paul Galvin scooping over points and Dr Crokes clubman Eoin Brosnan slamming home a brace of goals after 19 and 26 minutes.

While Ahearne lifted Deise spirits with a point, Kerry ended the half with three successive overs from Cooper (0-2) and Marc O'Sé.

Ahearne doubled his and the home side's tally on the resumption, but Kerry were relentless with Cooper, Brosnan and Russell in fine form. Target man Kieran Donaghy was busy throughout but was kept scoreless as Thomas O'Gorman performed a solid man-marking job on the 2006 Footballer of the Year.

Brian Wall and Andy Hubbard kept Waterford, who beat Clare last time out for their first championship win for 19 years, ticking on the scoreboard.

John Kiely's men almost got in for a goal, but they were twice thwarted by the woodwork and Kerry eased home with late points from Paul O'Connor and Tomas O'Sé.