Tipperary Under 20s survive some anxious moments to record second win of the campaign
Tipp pip Waterford by a point in Dungarvan
Tipperary 0-16 Waterford 0-15
Tipperary chalked up their second win in the Fulfil Munster Under 20 Hurling Championship when they beat Waterford by the skin of their teeth in this evening's match at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field, Dungarvan.
Tipp had sailed close to the wind when they defeated Cork in their opening match the previous week and this was another hard-earned victory.
In a scrappy encounter, in which both sides were guilty of shooting some poor wides, Tipp led by 0-11 to 0-10 at the break. But the second half produced just 10 points, with Tipp hanging on for the win by the narrowest of margins, after the teams had been level seven times over the hour.
Waterford were the better team after the change of ends and when Davy Comerford converted a 38th minute free they were ahead by a point, 0-12 to 0-11.
They had a gilt-edged opportunity to extend that advantage when they were award a penalty in the 41st minute for a foul on Jamie Shanahan, an indiscretion that saw Tipperary's Euan Murray receive a black card. However, Davy Comerford's poorly-struck effort was saved by Tipp goalie Paddy McCormack.
Tipp survived that close shave and the numerical disadvantage before Murray's return. But they still had to dig deep to weather the storm. After Conor Tobin scored for Waterford, Shane Cleary brought the sides level yet again.
A pair of points from Cormac Fitzpatrick, the first from a free and the second from play, put Tipp two clear. But Waterford wouldn't lie down and Mark Hartley's converted free left just a point between the sides.
Waterford had a chance to earn a draw, a result they probably deserved, but Mark Hartley's free deep in additional time tailed wide.
There was little between the teams in the opening half. Waterford made the early running before Tipp upped their game and a point from Jamie Ormond had them ahead for the first time (0-8 to 0-7).
They maintained that slender advantage until the interval, although their lead could have been greater, had it not been for the tremendous save that Waterford goalie James Comerford made from Jamie Ormond's rising effort on the stroke of half-time.
Tipp's next game is against Clare at FBD Semple Stadium on Wednesday April 22.