Second-half surge eases Cork minors to victory

A strong third-quarter display helped Cork overcome Waterford at Walsh Park Wednesday night as they booked their spot in the semi-final.

Cork chose to face the blustery wind in the opening half and despite an early goal from Eoin McGrath they only trailed 1-6 to 0-8 at the interval.

But the young Rebels turned up the heat during the third quarter as five quickfire points in six minutes from Evan Sheehan, Cian O’Mahony, Liam Healy, Matthew Bradley and Josh Beausang tilted the game in their favour.

Jack Prendergast finally replied for Waterford on 42 minutes but two Beausang frees and a Sheehan sideline ensured Cork remained in control.

Waterford were left to rue six costly second-half wides.

Earlier Waterford had started well and were 1-2 to 0-0 clear after just five minutes. Just 19 seconds in, McGrath smashed an unstoppable shot to the net and Cathal Curran and Michael Mahony tagged on early points for the lively hosts.

CORK: G Collins; P Lyons, N O'Leary, S O'Leary Hayes; J Cooper, R Walsh, E Clifford; C O'Mahony (0-1) R Bourke (0-1); J Sullivan, M Bradley (0-4), S Condon; L Healy (0-1), J Beausang (0-5, four freees), E Sheehan (0-5, one sl). Subs: B Buckley for O'Sullivan (41), J Saich for Walsh (49), D Gunning for Condon (53), R Howell for O'Leary (60), J Geary for Sheehan (63). WATERFORD: B Nolan (0-3, frees); C Giles Doran, J Flavin, D Power; D McGrath, H Ruddle Redmond, M O'Brien; C Curran (0-1), E Murray (0-2, two frees); N Montgomery (0-2), M Mahony (0-1), E McGrath (1-0); J Prendergast (0-1), D Guiry, T Douglas. Subs: C Dalton for O'Brien (35), T Barron for D McGrath (41), C Kirwan for Douglas (53), G Waters for E McGrath (58), J Reade for Guiry (59). Referee: P Kelly (Tipperary)