Kilkenny work hard to see off Waterford challenge

Kilkenny weathered the storm - in more ways than one - as they ground out a hard-fought win in Waterford.

Torrential conditions turned Walsh Park into a quagmire, but Derek Lyng’s side recovered from the concession of two first half goals to beat the Deise.

Waterford made better of the conditions and led by two at half-time (2-5 to 0-9), their goals coming after Patrick Curran flicked a 65 to the net on seven minutes before Dessie Hutchinson added a second on 14 minutes.

Kilkenny got to grips with the conditions after the restart, dragging themselves ahead through the steady free-taking of TJ Reid. The game never hit the highlights, but late run of Reid frees and a fine score from sub Billy Ryan helped them get the win.

SCORERS

Kilkenny - TJ Reid (0-8, frees); Eoin Cody (0-3); John Donnelly, Luke Hogan (0-2  each); Kevin Blanchfield, Billy Ryan, Martin Keoghan (0-1 each).

Waterford - Shane Bennett (0-4, 0-3 frees); Dessie Hutchinson (1-1); Patrick Curran (1-0); Mark Fitzgerald, Jamie Barron, Jack Prendergast, Patrick Fitzgerald (0-1 each).