Limerick IT1-13 Waterford IT 0-13

CLARE SENIOR Bernard Gaffney was Limerick’s saviour in a game in which the biting cold wind played a major part and which finished in highly exciting manner.

Backed by the gale, Limerick led 1-9 to 0-3 at the interval. Waterford scored the first two points through Fintan O’Leary and Ray McLoughney but they had to wait until the last stroke of the half for their third point, a free by their top scorer Timmy Hammersley who finished with 0-7, five frees, one 65 and one from play.

The accuracy of Gaffney, from frees, and Willie Hyland and Seán Tobin from play gave Limerick what seemed a comfortable lead and Paudie O’Brien added the first point of the second half.

But gradually Waterford clawed their way back and with four minutes remaining only two points separated the sides before the outstanding Hyland had the insurance point for Limerick.

Tipperary’s All Ireland winning forward Séamus Callinan had to retire with a shoulder injury after only six minutes which will prove a worry for the county management ahead of the National League.

Waterford’s Enda Barrett was sent off late on for a second yellow card.

LIMERICK IT: M Ryan; E Glynn, C Cowan, C Cooney; P Donnellan, J McInerney, J O’Keeffe (0-1); P Browne, P O’Brien (0-1); S Collins (0-1), W Hyland (0-4). S Callinan; S Lambert, B Gaffney (1-4, all frees), S Tobin 0-2. Sub: D Reale for Callinan (6 mins).

WATERFORD IT: L Tierney; B Kenny, S Fives, N Connors; W Hutchinson, D Langton, E Barrett (0-1); M Molloy, L Harney; F O’Leary (0-3), J Mulhall, PJ Roe; R McLoughney (0-2), B O’Meara, T Hammersley 0-7 (0-5 frees, 0-1 65). Sub: J Dowling for Molloy (40). Referee: A Kelly (Galway).