Late Kilkenny scoring burst sees them edge Waterford

Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng reckoned the Cats will face their most difficult challenge of the season to date when they face Cork Allianz Hurling League Division 1 semi-final next weekend following their two-point win over Waterford.

The Cats will enjoy home advantage, but even after downing defending champions Waterford in the last preliminary round tie at UPMC Nowlan Park today to clinch a last four place, the Kilkenny boss was relaxed about the future.

"That was a hard game in trying conditions," Lyng said of the victory over Waterford. "We now face Cork. Cork are playing well and I reckon we will face the toughest test of the season to date against them."

A blast of five points during the closing 12 minutes saw the Noresiders get the better of Waterford in what was a tough battle that produced no more than average fare in trying conditions.

Top scorer all season, Billy Drennan weighed in with three late points for the winners while Shane Walsh and Alan Murphy added one each as the defending champions were edged out.

Drennan levelled it at 0-14 each in the 58th minute, and the Cats had that little bit more in the tank in the charge to the finishing line.

The opening half was a very tame affair. The under foot conditions were demanding and slippy, and the laboured fare didn't produce one moment to stir the good sized crowd.

Waterford continued with their free running game; Kilkenny withdrew Paddy Deegan from attack and largely played with five men up front. It all looked experimental stuff at times.

Kilkenny’s main source of points, Billy Drennan opened the scoring with a point from a free within a minute. Waterford landed three wides at the other end before Jack Prendergast opened their account.

By the time the break arrived,