Tipperary hurlers extended their unbeaten run to eight matches under manager Nicky English when they defeated holders Waterford in a pulsating Waterford Crystal South East League final before an attendance of 6,000 at Walsh Park yesterday. Waterford got off to a good start and a kicked goal by big Dan Shanahan gave them a 1-2 to 0-1 lead after 12 minutes.

But then Brian O'Meara opened his shoulders at full forward for Tipperary and the introduction of Tommy Dunne added further bite to an attack in which classy dual star Declan Browne was the top performer.

All three contributed towards bringing Tipperary level before John Leahy, on the stroke of halftime, landed a 100-metre free to edge Tipperary a point ahead, 0-9 to 1-5, at the break.

Two smart points by Dave Bennett and another from Anton Lannon restored Waterford's lead early in the second half, but a Browne goal after 41 minutes set the visitors on the road to victory.

Despite stubborn resistance from Waterford and the introduction of hurler-of-the-year Tony Browne, Tipperary dominated the final 20 minutes and with substitute Willie Maher showing up well, they tacked on seven points to a solitary reply from the losers, a great goal by veteran Billy O'Sullivan.

Tipperary: B Cummins; H Flannery, E Corcoran, G Frend; R Ryan (0-1), D Kennedy, J Leahy (0-1); E Enright, L Sheedy; P Ormond, E Tucker, M O'Leary (0-2); L Cahill, B O'Meara (0-2), D Browne 1-3. Subs: T Dunne (0-3), for Cahill; C Gleeson for Ryan; W Maher (0-3) for Frend; G Maguire (0-1) for Enright; E O'Neill for O'Meara.

Waterford: B Landers; T Feeney, S Cullinane, B Flannery; S Frampton, K McGrath (0-2), B Green; F Hartley, P Walsh; D Shanahan (1-1), A Kirwan, B O'Sullivan (1-1); A Lannon (0-1), P Queally, D Bennett (0-3). Subs: T Browne for Hartley; P Flynn for Kirwan.

Referee: P O'Connor (Limerick).

Garda College had to withstand a late rally before dismissing UUJ, 1-9 to 1-8, from the Sigerson Cup.