U20 hurling: Tipperary send out warning after routing Cork

Tipperary boosted their chance of taking the direct route to the Munster U20 Hurling Championship final when ending Cork's nine-match winning streak in the grade, with a comprehensive 3-20 to 0-18 victory at FBD Semple Stadium.

Senan Butler fired home a hat-trick of goals for the Premier County, the first coming on 17 minutes, with Cork defender Óran O'Regan too slow in clearing a ball that came back down off the post, and Butler nipped in to capitalise.

He goaled again just before the break , this time played in by Darragh McCarthy. Tipp ahead by 2-10 to 0-07 at the interval.

The third goal arrived on 40 minutes; Conor Martin's shot saved by the Cork keeper Paudie O'Sullivan, and Butler was on hand to flicked home the rebound.

Darragh McCarthy fired over six points for the victors, while Jack Leahy accounted for 0-07 of the Rebels' total.

With a scoring difference of +27, Tipperary are now well placed to reach the final, and play Clare in their final game next week.

The Banner host Waterford on Saturday, with Ben O'Connor's Cork outfit waiting to see whether they may yet have to face an away date in the semi-final.