Limerick began the defence of their Munster U20 hurling championship title in winning fashion earlier today by seeing off a strong challenge from Waterford by 1-18 to 1-14 at Fraher Field.

Con Hayes’ 10th minute goal marked a perfect start for the visitors in this rescheduled provincial opener, as they went on to race towards a 1-6 to 0-3 lead, but the Deise lads kept right in touch and left their deficit at just two points come the interval with Patrick Fitzgerald to the fore for them.

Fitzgerald shot over to reduce it to the minimum early in the resumption but the holders soon got motoring again as Patrick O’Donovan led their charge towards a 1-18 to 0-14 lead.

A late goal that proved consolation for Waterford came from the stick of Fitzgerald as the Treaty County booked the opening win ahead of their next outing against Clare, with Waterford set to travel to Cork.

In Ennis, there’d be no separating Clare and Tipperary in Round 1 as it finished 0-20 apiece.

After having edged a 0-12 to 0-11 lead at half-time, Tipp looked set to win out by the same margin after Eddie Ryan’s shot sailed between the posts with a minute to go.

However, Clare senior panellist Patrick Crotty shot over the equaliser in injury-time to ensure a share of the spoils for the Banner men.

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