Munster Express Online

Waterford 2-8 Offaly 0-1

The Waterford Minor camogie team took to the field at Mount Bolus in the first round of the All-Ireland U18 ‘B’ Championship on Saturday against last year’s Minor B champions Offaly.

The Deise girls had two points to prove as Offaly beat them in the first round of the championship last year at the same venue and also in the All Ireland final in Athy in September.

From the off both teams attacked and it was Offaly who got the first break when they were awarded a 45m free which was converted by Shauna Flynn. Waterford full-forward Deirdre Fahy grabbed the ball from the resultant puck-out and ran through to score a well-taken point, and minutes later the speedy forward repeated the trick.

Offaly centre-forward Ailsa Hughes scored the next two points, followed by a Shauna Flynn score. Waterford corner-forward Kate Rockett replied in fine style with a goal to put the visitors a point ahead.

Offaly’s Ailsa Hughs levelled the game before Trish Jackman pointed for Portlairge. A scramble in the Offaly goal-mouth resulted in Katie Hannon pulling the ball to the back of the Offaly net, followed by a Caithriona McGlone point.

Offaly’s Shauna Flynn scored the final point of the half from a free, leaving the score at the break: 2-4, Offaly 0-6.

Waterford came out with all guns blazing, driving forward, with Trish Jackman scoring the first two points of the half, the second from a 45m free.

Offaly held Waterford scoreless for the next 12 minutes during which time they reeled off four points, leaving just two between the teams with 10 minutes to go.

Trish Jackman knocked over another 45m free as the tiring Deise side dug deep. From a Jackman hand-pass Marie Russell slotted the ball over the bar to score Waterford’s insurance point, with Offaly’s Shauna Flynn adding a free before the finish.

The result gives Waterford great confidence going into the next round on July 12th a home against either Derry or Meath.

Panel: T. Kiely, S. Smith, L. Behan, M.C Dunphy, J. McCarthy, S. Kiernan, S. Fenton, M. Russell, J. Gleeson, K. Hannon, P. Jackman, R. Whelan, K. Rockett, D. Fahy, C. McGlone, C. Fitzgearld, E.Heneghan, N.Rockett, N.Prendergast, R.Geoghegan, M.Tobin, D.Nugent, A.Flood.