Cork dig deep to see off Waterford in Munster minor opener

A disciplined defensive display and key second-half scores helped Cork overcome testing conditions against Waterford 

Hard-working midfielder Tadhg Murphy scored 0-2 for Cork in their Munster Minor Hurling Championship opener against Waterford. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

Munster MHC: Waterford 0-9 Cork 0-12 

A strong defence was the foundation as Cork got off to a winning start in the Electric Ireland Munster MHC with victory over Waterford at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field on Friday night. 

In treacherous conditions, the visitors led for almost all of the game – while an early three-point lead was cancelled out, they finished the half with four on the trot and never had a cushion of less than two after that. It was a triumph founded on workrate from front to back, with Jack Batterbury, Howard O’Donovan and Nathan Coffey manning a full-back line that never looked like allowing Waterford the goal that looked ever more necessary in the closing stages.

Having finished the first half with four straight points, Cork were 0-7 to 0-3 ahead at half-time and a lovely Cormac Murphy point extended the advantage on the restart. However, it was the apex of their advantage as Waterford fought back well.#

A free from their primary scoring threat Dylan Murphy was followed by a lovely effort from Donncha Flannery just after his introduction, perfectly judging the crosswind.

Cork were not able to make as much headway as before but, when a Waterford throw was punished, hardworking midfielder Tadhg Murphy scored a superb free for a 0-9 to 0-5 advantage on the 41st minute.

It was a vital score as Waterford, who beat Limerick in their opener, came back again, wing-back Emmet Walsh influential, and two Murphy frees – the latter a tricky effort into the teeth of the gale – to leave just two in it with a quarter remaining.

When Cork needed inspiration, it was Tadhg McCarthy – stand-in captain in the absence of Eoin Considine – who provided it with a wonderful point and then, on 56, good defensive work from Batterbury led to a move that ended with sub Ryan Cagney firing over to make it 0-11 to 0-7.

Waterford’s Cian Delaney did have two late points but they were separated by one for Cork courtesy of Sam McCarthy, son of Timmy, ensuring they got off the mark.

Cork had made the early running as they adapted well to the conditions, with good work from Liam O’Regan allowing Dave Nolan to open the scoring before the impressive Stephen McHugh added another.

With Waterford struggling in front of goal, Cork moved 0-3 to 0-0 ahead as Sam Ring converted a free having been fouled, but the hosts responded well as Dylan Murphy set up Walsh for their opener and Murphy then added two of his own, one a free.

They were unable to forge ahead, though, and Cork finished the half well. Tom Huggins’ fine point had them back in front and the resultant puckout was brilliantly broken by Finn Cahill, allowing McCarthy to fire over.

In injury time, they were three in front again as McCarthy, Alfie Hennessy, Huggins and Cormac Murphy recycled possession well – eschewing low-percentage efforts – and worked it to McHugh for his second.

They retired with a four-point lead thanks to a Tadhg Murphy free and a battling second-half display ensured that it was never eroded to any considerable degree.

Scorers for Waterford: Dylan Murphy 0-5 (0-4 f), C Delaney 0-2 (0-1 f), E Walsh, D Flannery 0-1 each.

Scorers for Cork: T Murphy (0-2 f), T McCarthy, S McHugh 0-2 each, S McCarthy, C Murphy, T Huggins, S Ring (0-1 f), R Cagney, D Nolan 0-1 each.

WATERFORD: M Ware (Geraldines); L Fitzgerald (Passage), Darragh Murphy (St Mary’s East), D Sullivan (Abbeyside/Ballinacourty); E Walsh (Stradbally), A Power (Ballygunner), J Walsh (Mount Sion); S Coffey (Sliabh gCua/St Mary’s), A Cummins (Lismore); J Mullally (De La Salle), Dylan Murphy (Roanmore), F Geoghegan (St Molleran’s); L Mac Fhlannchadha (An Rinn), C Delaney (Butlerstown), R Molumphy (Ballyduff).

Subs: D Flannery (Mount Sion) for Molumphy (36), M Moloney (Ballygunner) for Mac Fhlannchadha (49), C Crowley (Ballygunner) for Coffey (58).

CORK: M Walsh (Youghal); J Batterbury (Castletownroche), H O’Donovan (Kilbree), N Coffey (Na Piarsaigh); F Cahill (Midleton), S Riordan (Kilworth), D Nolan (Erin’s Own); T Murphy (Cloughduv), A Hennessy (Midleton); T McCarthy (Watergrasshill), S McHugh (Newtownshandrum), L O’Regan (St Finbarr’s); C Murphy (Ballinora), T Huggins (Sarsfields), S Ring (Carrigtwohill).

Subs: R Cagney (Mallow) for C Murphy (45), B Power (Ballincollig) for Ring (49), C Barry (Bride Rovers) for Hennessy (58), C Ronayne (Dungourney) for O’Donovan (60+1).

Referee: K Guina (Limerick).