Waterford 5-25 Antrim 1-8

Bord Gais Energy All Ireland Under 21 Hurling Semi-Final

Waterford 5-25 Antrim 1-8

By Cian O'Connell at Semple Stadium

There was never any sign of a shock as a star studded Waterford cruised to a convincing win in Thurles.

Antrim were spirited throughout, but Waterford, with Patrick Curran effective, had sufficient character and class registering a comfortable triumph.

Despite playing into the teeth of a strong breeze Waterford quickly seized control reeling off 2-5 without reply.

Austin Gleeson was splendid at centre back, drilling a brilliant point which was followed by scores from Patrick Curran and Stephen Bennett.

Tom Devine pounced for a 12th minute goal for a dominant Waterford, who were dictating the agenda early on.

In the 16th minute Waterford bagged a second major when Antrim corner back Eoin McManus, under duress from Stephen Bennett, put the sliotar into his own net.

Saul McCaughan eventually ended an 18th minute search for an Antrim score and the Saffrons rallied briefly.

Austin Gleeson scored two points for Waterford.

Waterford, though, weren’t overly concerned as Patrick Curran batted a third goal following a Ryan Elliott save from a Stephen Bennett shot.

When the interval eventually rolled around Sean Power’s immensely promising Waterford side led by 3-10 to 0-6.

McCaughan drilled a goal for Antrim within 90  seconds of the restart, but Waterford responded once more.

Gleeson’s 44th minute pass was gathered by Curran and his cute pass released Stephen Bennett, who rattled the Antrim net.

From then until the bitter end Antrim battled, but Waterford closed out the deal with the minimum of fuss.

Scorers for Waterford: P Curran 2-7 (4fs), T Devine 1-2, Stephen Bennett 1-1, DJ Foran 0-4, M Kearney 0-4 (1 sideline), E McManus 1-0 (OG), A Gleeson 0-2, Shane Bennett 0-1, M O’Brien 0-1, A Farrell 0-1, P Hogan 0-1, J Fagan 0-1.

Scorers for Antrim: S McCaughan 1-4 (3fs), M Connolly 0-2 (1f), D Nugent 0-1, D McMullan 0-1 (f).

Waterford: G Power; W Hahessy, C Gleeson, D Lyons; M Harney, A Gleeson, C Prunty; C Roche, Shane Bennett; Stephen Bennett, T Devine, M O’Brien; M Kearney, DJ Foran, P Curran.

Subs: P Hogan for Shane Bennett (17 mins), A Farrell for Roche (39 mins), B O’Keefe for Lyons (42 mins), J Fagan for Devine (44 mins), D Ryan for Gleeson (50 mins).

Antrim: R Elliott; G Walsh, T Burns, E McManus; D McMullan, P Burke, R McCambridge; C Ross, A Delargy; M Connolly, D Nugent, J O’Connell; S McCaughan, TT Butler, R McKee.

Subs: J Connolly for Ross (25 mins), R Gillan for Walsh (40 mins), C McNaughton for Nugent (43 mins), C McAllister for O’Connell (47 mins), R Delargy for McManus (52 mins)

Referee:  D Hughes (Carlow).