Waterford 0-25 Limerick 0-17 This replay was all so different from the stagnant low scoring affair six days previously as Waterford threw off the shackles and fired over 25 points, with the impressive Eoin Kelly (12) and John Mullane (6) bettering Limerick's tally. Some of the winner's scores were of the highest quality and any thought that Davy Fitzgerald's side might not be contenders this year was well and truly shot to pieces in Thurles this evening. Limerick were second best in terms of possession for large periods of the game but battled gamely early on and trailed by just two points at the interval, 0-8 to 0-10. Justin McCarthy's men were under the cosh in the midfield diamond for most of the tie and did well to still be in contention as the game entered the final quarter. However, it was in that closing period that Waterford's dominance was reflected on the scoreboard and they pulled clear in some style. The Deise marked their intentions early on as they raced into a 0-4 to 0-1 advantage and were dangerous in front of goal, as Brian Murray has to be vigilant to keep the Limerick net from bulging when Mullane snuck in. The Treaty looked lethargic but still managed to find some degree of rhythm to fire over a hat-trick of neat scores - from Seamus Hickey, James Ryan and Niall Moran to trail by 0-4 to 0-5. The sides traded two scores apiece, with Prendergast and Mullane on target for Waterford and Moran and Ryan replying, but Limerick were always playing catch up. That continued right up until the break as Kelly's imperious marksmanship saw the men in white two ahead at the short whistle having played against the elements. Waterford always looked the better bet in the second period but Limerick made them work hard with O'Shaughnessy keeping his side in touch. Indeed, just as Waterford looked to break clear when they moved three points clear their O'Shaughnessy was on hand to hit two crucial frees. The turning point of the game came when Limerick, who trailed by two at the time had a goal chance but David Breen's poor shot gave the Waterford defence little to worry about. A score there could have galvanised the Treaty, but instead their confidence seemed to drain away and Waterford's forwards did what they had threatened to do all afternoon - broke free. Six consecutive points were like nails in the Limerick coffin with Seamus Prendergast (3), Kelly, Mullane and Jack Kennedy all raising white flags much to the joy of their supporters. Moran and Kelly traded scores as time ran out and Waterford progresses to the Munster decider against either Tipperary or Clare. After the mute drawn game last all the excitement came from Davy Fitzgerald's after match television interview. Waterford's players did the talking this week and it was equally impressive stuff. Waterford - C Hennessy; E Murphy, D Prendergast, N Connors; R Foley, M Walsh, K Moran; T Browne, S O'Sullivan (0-1); J Nagle, S Molumphy (0-2), S Prendergast (0-4); J Mullane (0-6), G Hurney, E Kelly (0-12, 8f, 1'65). Subs - D Shanahan for Molumphy (35), E McGrath for Nagle (46), A Kearney for Foley (53), J Kennedy (0-1) for Moran (66), J Murray for Browne (71). Limerick - B Murray; D Reale, S Lucey, M O'Riordan; D Moloney, B Geary, M Foley; D O'Grady (0-1), S Hickey (0-2); P Browne (0-1), J Ryan (0-2), N Moran (0-5, 2f); O Moran, D Breen (0-1), A O'Shaughnessy (0-5, 5f). Subs - E Foley for O'Grady (45), G Mulcahy for Foley (59), T Condon for O'Riordan (62). Ref - Brian Gavin (Offaly). Tweet

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