Allianz HL D1A: Waterford edge out Offaly 

Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Waterford 1-19 Offaly 0-16

By Jordan Norris at Azzurri Walsh Park

Waterford secured back-to-back victories at Walsh Park with a hard-earned win over Offaly, pulling clear with a dominant second-half display to claim the two points. Reuben Halloran was the standout performer, finishing with 1-12, while goalkeeper Billy Nolan played a crucial role with two excellent saves.

The sides were evenly matched throughout a competitive first half, drawing level on three occasions. Halloran opened the scoring on four minutes after being fouled by Brecon Kavanagh, but Adam Screeney quickly replied for Offaly. Nolan then restored Waterford’s lead in spectacular fashion, racing forward to unleash a superb strike from the left flank.

Jamie Barron and Brian Lynch combined well to set up Barron for Waterford’s next point, before Halloran and Screeney traded frees. Calum Lyons added Waterford’s second score from play following good work from Patrick Curran, but Luke Watkins responded for the visitors. Screeney produced a fine score over his shoulder before Oisín Kelly reduced the deficit to the minimum.

Halloran kept the scoreboard ticking over from placed balls, though Waterford were nearly punished when Screeney broke through, only for Nolan to tip his goalbound effort over the bar. Screeney later levelled matters from a free after Conor Keane was penalised for holding.

Waterford came close to a goal themselves when Curran caught a long Nolan free, but Tom O’Connell’s effort was blocked by Kavanagh. Halloran converted a ‘65 for his sixth of the half, before Offaly again drew level when Brian Duignan narrowly missed the target. A late point from Michael Kiely ensured Waterford held a slender 0-10 to 0-9 advantage at the break.

Halloran and Screeney exchanged frees on the restart before Waterford seized control with a decisive 1-5 burst. Stephen Bennett announced his return with a superb point, while Nolan denied Duignan once more with an outstanding block. Halloran settled nerves with a free and Patrick Curran extended the lead after being teed up by Barron.

As Iarlaith Daly and man-of-the-match Conor Keane began to dominate aerially, Waterford tightened their grip. Halloran struck another ‘65 before finishing off a flowing move on 54 minutes, firing low to the net to effectively seal the contest.

Offaly showed resilience late on, with Dan Bourke ending a long scoring drought and Screeney adding frees, but further points from Halloran brought Waterford to 1-19 as they ran out winners.

Scorers for Waterford: Reuben Halloran 1-12 (9fs, 3 65s); Stephen Bennett, Jamie Barron, Calum Lyons, Billy Nolan, Patrick Curran, Michael Kiely and Sean Walsh 0-1 each.

Scorers for Offaly: Adam Screeney 0-10 (8fs); Dan Ravenhill 0-1 (f); Brian Duignan, Dan Bourke, Luke Watkins, David Nally and Eoghan Cahill 0-1 each.

Waterford: Billy Nolan; Aaron O’Neill, Daniel Lalor, Conor Keane; Brian Lynch, Iarlaith Daly, Shane Bennett; Cathrach Daly, Darragh Lyons; Tom O’Connell, Jamie Barron, Calum Lyons; Reuben Halloran, Michael Kiely, Patrick Curran.

Subs: Mark Fitzgerald for Cathrach Daly (HT); Stephen Bennett for Tom O’Connell (HT); Charlie Treen for Patrick Curran (57); Sean Mackey for Daniel Lalor (60); Sean Walsh for Michael Kiely (63); Mairtín Power for Conor Keane (68).

Offaly: Mark Troy; Ben Miller, Ben Conneely, Sam Bourke; Dan Ravenhill, Brecon Kavanagh, Ross Ravenhill; Luke Watkins, Cathal King; Ter Guinan, Dan Bourke, Oisin Kelly; Eoghan Cahill, Brian Duignan, Adam Screeney.

Subs: Jack Clancy for Ross Ravenhill (35); Colin Spain for Ter Guinan (55); Ciaran Clancy for Luke Watkins (57); David Nally for Eoghan Cahill (61); Luke Nolan for Adam Screeney (70).

Referee: Chris Mooney (Dublin).