Munster Express Online

Waterford 3-9 Roscommon 1-8

Waterford bounced back from their Munster Final defeat with a thrilling performance to beat Roscommon in the All-Ireland U16B Shield Semi-Finals in Portarlington on Saturday. Roscommon were first on the scoreboard with a point after three minutes. An Aoife Hannon point on eight minutes and a goal of the highest quality from the same player a minute later put Waterford in the driving seat. A total of 2-2 from Hannon and two Fiona Morrissey points saw Waterford 2-5 to 0-6 up at the break.

Roscommon started the second half in whirlwind fashion, scoring 1-2 to level. The turning point came on 40 minutes when Waterford’s captain and centre back, Karen McGrath, won a ball in the back line and initiated an attack which she finished herself with a sublime shot to the roof of the net.

Waterford’s defence was outstanding thereafter to secure victory. The Deise will now play Fermanagh in two weeks time in the All Ireland Final, hoping to retain the title they won last year.

Waterford: A Keane, C Hearn, C Whyte, C Ryan, K McGrath, C Hallahan, S Dunford, F Morrissey, C Walsh, A Hannon, A Landers, K Whyte, D Hallahan, S Gleeson, R Cahillane, A Cahillane, S Ferncombe.