Galway move up the table after victory in Waterford

Waterford 2-12 Galway 1-21

Galway moved up to fourth in the Allianz NHL Division 1 standings as they got the better of Waterford in a wet Dungarvan.

Upwards of 4,000 spectators watched on as Joe Canning’s nine-point tally edged this well-contested tie in Galway’s favour.

The Deise hit three early wides but efforts from Shane O’Sullivan and Eoin Kelly (0-2) had them level at 0-3 after 10 minutes.

David Tierney, Niall Healy and Canning, with a 60-metre free, strung together Galway’s opening points and the Tribesmen had the better of the early play, despite playing into a stiff wind.

Galway kept their foot on the gas with two more Canning points, the second a superb free from 78 metres outs.

Kelly (0-3) and O’Sullivan (0-2) had the gap down to a single point but a bullet-like finish from centre-forward Cyril Donnellan registered Galway’s only goal, seven minutes before the break.

That goal was the difference between the sides at half-time with the men from the west leading 1-8 to 0-8. Richie Foley and Kelly traded points with David Tierney and Andy Smith as the half came to a close.

Waterford veteran Tony Browe was brought on for James Murray on the half-hour and another former Hurler of the Year, Dan Shanahan, saw second half action but Galway were able to strengthen their lead on the restart.

Niall Healy hit the opener and Canning converted two mores 65s as John McIntyre’s side went 1-11 to 0-9 ahead, with Kelly notching Waterford’s only response.

Kelly’s seventh point of the afternoon was swamped by further scores from Canning, Smith and Aonghus Callinan.

Kelly boosted his tally and gave Waterford some much-needed inspiration in the closing stages when he collected two relatively soft goals.

A defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Colm Callanan and full-back Eugene McEntee saw Kelly net in the 61st-minute and he then sent a ‘65’ directly to the net as the long-time leaders wobbled.

Shane Walsh almost picked off a third Waterford goal but Callanan produced a solid save and late points from Canning and Donnellan copper-fastened the away win.