Waterford were crowned All-Ireland junior camogie champions after beating Down by 2-11 to 1-13.

Today's curtain-raiser at Croke Park was a classic encounter and the northern raiders could consider themselves unlucky to run out of time after effecting a tremendous battling revival. But the Decies - contesting their third successive final at this level - were not to be denied.

Waterford therefore completed a wonderful double as they had already been crowned 2011 Division Two winners.

The winners were an amazing eleven points clear going into the fourth quarter but they were made to live on their nerves as the Ardsgirls refused to roll over.

The Suirsiders led by 2-8 to 0-5 at the break, with Ruth Geoghegan (who also hit the post with another effort) and Karen Kelly striking their goals.

Niamh Rockett, Kelly and Trish Jackman were amongst the scorers as the Decies moved eleven ahead by the 42nd minute and a lesser side than Down would have given up.

Instead, Catherine McGourty and Niamh Mallon led the way as the inspired Ulster raiders notched eight in a row to close the gap to three. Rockett then struck what proved to be a vital point for the winners - their first score in 17 minutes leaving four between them with a minute of normal time left.

Down substitute Nicola Braniff momentarily had the game in the melting pot with a goal at the start of injury time, but Waterford held on to claim the silverware by the narrowest of margins.

Waterford: A O'Brien; E Hannon, J Simpson, KM Hearne; S Kiernan, C Raher, G Kenneally; P Jackman (0-2), D Fahey; N Rockett (0-2), N Morrissey, A Hannon; R Geoghegan (1-1), K Kelly (1-5), Z O'Donoghue (0-1). Sub: J McCarthy for A Hannon (34).

Down: K Fegan; O Maginn, C McGovern, E McCormick; P Gribbin, F Carr (0-2), K Tinnelly; L McPolin (0-1), K McMullan (0-1); C McGourty (0-5), L McCrickard, K O'Higgins (0-1); N Mallon (0-3), SL Carr, K Gribbin. Subs: L Hughes for McCormick (ht); N Braniff (1-0) for McCrickard (47). Tweet

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