Munster Express Online

National Camogie League Division One

Derry 2-9
Waterford 3-12

Waterford made the long journey north to face Derry on Sunday in the final round of Irish Daily Star League and came away with an historic first win in the senior grade.

In a windswept Owenbeg, Waterford delivered their most complete 60 minutes performance of the year so far and fully merited their hard fought win.
The effort given by the group was truly outstanding considering six of the starting team had played the Minor championship game against Wexford the previous day and Jenny Simpson, one of the team’s stalwarts, was lost through injury just before start of the match.
Special mention also for the three young players Brianna O’Regan, Ciara Jackman and Aoife Shanahan who made their senior debuts in what were very testing conditions and came through in fine style.
Waterford lost the toss and Derry opted to play with a very stiff breeze in the first half. Derry were first off the blocks with a point in the first minute of the game. Waterford responded with a great point from Beth Carton.
Fourteen minutes in, Lorraine Bray scored a fantastic goal putting Waterford ahead for the first time, with the Deise leading by 2-5 to 1-4 at the break.
Building on the first half defensive effort, Waterford delivered a second half performance of attacking verve and penetration, scoring 2-8 in the process, with the goals coming from Beth Carton and Lorraine Bray, restricting Derry to just four points in the second half. This was testament to the defence who were rock solid right throughout.
Sibeal Harney was outstanding in the second half, driving at the Derry defence at every opportunity, especially when she moved to centre forward to replace the injured Niamh Rockett for the final quarter.
The team built on the progress shown in the previous three round games, playing at a pace and skill level Derry struggled to cope with.
Waterford’s central spine anchored the team with Brianna O’Regan, Fiona Morrissey,Kate McMahon, Lorraine Bray, Trish Jackman, Niamh Rockett and Beth Carton prominent throughout the game.
Claire Whyte and Mairead Power were rock solid in the corner back positions, particularly in the first half when facing the elements.
Overall a very uplifting win for the team and its management, meaning they will face the forthcoming Munster and All Ireland competitions with great encouragement and enthusiasm. The next match for the seniors is the Munster Championship clash against Limerick on May 8th.

Waterford: Brianna O’Regan; Mairead Power, Fiona Morrissey, Claire Whyte, Charlotte Raher; Kate McMahon, Becky Kavanagh Lorrraine Bray, Trish Jackman; Sibeal Harney, Niamh Rockett, Beth Carton; Aisling Power, Ciara Jackman, Zoe O’Donoghue

Scorers: Lorraine Bray (2-1) Beth Carton (1-2), Zoe O’Donoghue (0-3), Aisling Power and Niamh Rockett (0-2 each), Trish Jackman and Ciara Jackman (0-1 each).

Substitute: Aoife Shanahan for Niamh Rockett (52 mins).