Reporting from Croke Park
Cork produced a strong second half performance to get past Waterford by five points in the All-Ireland senior camogie semi-final's.
It was the Underdogs Waterford who started the contest brightly. Waterford early on out worked the rebels taking them out of their comfort zone. After 12 minutes Waterford led by 0-02 - 0-00 courtesy of a neat point by Beth Carton and a neat free from Carton to have them leading.
Derek Lyons' side were beginning to stamp their authority on the game. On 17 minutes a quick transition move found Roisin Kirwan on the edge of square it looked to be a certain goal but Cork goalkeeper Amy Lee used her body excellently to deny a goal and Waterford had to accept the point.
An excellent point from Beth Carton on 19 minutes and further free from Carton once again had Waterford leading 0-5 - 0-00 after 24 minutes.
Cork were struggling to register a score after hitting numerous scoring opportunities wide. On 22 minutes the introduction of Aisling Thompson who got her red card rescinded early this morning gave the rebels an extra dimension to their play.
It took the rebels 25 minutes to raise their first white flag of the day with Katrina Mackey off the mark. Further points from Sorcha McCartan and Chloe Sigerson left two points between the sides approaching injury time. Abby Flynn and Niamh Rockett stretched their lead out to four points to have Waterford leading 0-7 - 0-3 at the interval. There was a still consensus that they should of been further ahead for the chances they created.
Niamh Rockett has Waterford up 4 at halftime over Cork
What a result this would be!pic.twitter.com/wfrtrb99N2— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 23, 2022
There was big questions marks on whether Cork could this around and reach their second All-Ireland final in a row.
Waterford didn't take their foot off the gas after half -time and the lively Niamh Rockett added to scoreboard once more.
Mackey and Cliona Healy made it a one score game on the 35th minute as Matthew Twomey's side trailed 0-8 - 0-5.
- On 45 minutes Waterford scored an inspirational point from their captain Lorraine Bray to maintain their three point lead 0-10 - 0-07.
From then on in Cork showed resilience, composure and their know how landing the last eight points of the game where Cork's experience just showed in the end to win out five point victors.
WATCH: Fiona Keating caps off a wonderful second half from Cork as they are through to yet another All-Ireland final. Ann Downey sums up the game on commentary. Cork 0-15 Waterford 0-10. Watch post-match reaction with @mariecrowe and the panel now on RTE 2 and the RTE Player. pic.twitter.com/9Ew68FLp7R
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 23, 2022
As the saying goes semi-finals are for winning and that's exactly what Cork did. The 2021 All-Ireland finalists know a significant improvement in performance levels will be needed against Kilkenny in two weeks time.
