Waterford Crystal Cup round-up

The Cork hurlers beat a student side for the second week running, overcoming the challenge of a well-organised UL outfit at Pairc Ui Rinn.

The Rebels ran out 1-18 to 2-12 winners over the Fitzgibbon Cup hopefuls, with a 65th minute goal from wing forward Conor Lehane, who finished with 1-3, sealing the victory.

Thankfully, the hip injury sustained by Cork full-back Cian Fogarty, which saw him stretchered off during a 12-minute stoppage, is not as serious as first feared.

Full-forward Eoin Murphy scored five of his eight points in a first half which ended 0-11 to 1-7 in favour of Denis Walsh’s experimental side.

Clare’s Andrew Quinn found the net before half-time for UL and added some excellent points to keep the visitors in touch.

The Cork defence was also breached for a last-minute goal in the second half – Paddy Murphy from Tipperary claimed UL’s second major – but Walsh’s charges had done enough to reach the final.

Youghal clubman Bill Cooper, who lined out at centre-forward, landed three points from play to seal Cork’s progress through to next Sunday’s decider.

Waterford will provide the opposition next weekend after they outlasted Clare for a 2-19 to 2-18 semi-final triumph at Sixmilebridge.

The Banner men looked in full control as goals from Cathal McInerney and Fergal Lynch powered them into a 2-12 to 0-7 half-time lead.

But Waterford, who lost Eoin McGrath to a first half ankle injury, fought back impressively.

Richie Filey goaled from a free and Shane Casey (1-3) also rippled the hosts’ net, despite the best efforts of Clare goalkeeper Philip Brennan who pulled off some fine second half saves.