Jack O'Connor goal swings it as Cork hold off Waterford

Cork's inconsistency almost came back to bite them before they held off a Waterford fightback to gain a crucial first Allianz Hurling League victory.

It was all going well as Jack O’Connor nabbed 1-03 for the Rebels to construct a 10-point advantage in front of 10,622 fans at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

But from the 58th minute onwards, the visitors reeled off 10 of the final 12 points as they made Cork sweat down the home straight.

As Pat Ryan sought a response from their loss to Kilkenny, he handed League debuts to All-Ireland U20-winning goalkeeper Brion Saunderson and corner-back Cathal McCarthy among 11 changes. Some wise heads returned, too, with Damien Cahalane and Seamus Harnedy in for their first involvements of 2024.

Davy Fitzgerald made four changes for Waterford, with returns for Calum and Darragh Lyons, Kevin Mahony, and goalkeeper-turned-outfielder Billy Nolan.

There was a niggle in this game from the off. O’Connor had earned a booking within five seconds of the throw-in and five more yellow cards would follow before half-time, four for off-the-ball scuffles.

Cork had given Clare and Kilkenny six- and nine-point head starts in their opening losses but even against the wind, they were the faster out of the blocks here.

Cork struck four in a row to take a 0-06 to 0-02 lead, with fine off-the-hurley points from blood sub Rob Downey and Brian Hayes, both created by O’Connor.

Long-range points from Patrick Curran and Calum Lyons kept the Déise in touch and they were level in the 26th minute when Seán Walsh added his third goal in three consecutive games. After good work by Jack Prendergast and Neil Montgomery, Walsh whipped the ball to the net. 0-08 to 1-05.

A Prendergast free gave them their only lead in the 34th minute