Cummins pleased in backing up opening round win

By Stephen Barry

Brendan Cummins hailed the work-rate of his Tipperary Under 20 team to overcome an indifferent second quarter before stretching away to beat Waterford on Friday evening.

All of his front eight scored during a nine-point win but when asked about his attacking arsenal, Cummins focused on their “exceptionally good” tackle count.

“More importantly they all hooked, blocked, and tackled. That’s the most important thing for me,” he said.

“Yeah, they’re all able to hit it over the bar but chasing and working is really what we’re trying to instil within the group.

“Again, we got that out of them today, albeit with a lower energy base because of Rathkeale last Friday night.”

Cummins credited a deceptive breeze with playing a decisive factor in their second-half push at Fraher Field.

“Eoin Horgan normally hits the ball a long ways, but the ball was dropping around the halfway line or just the opposition 65. In the second half, he was able to get them inside the opposition 45,” Cummins said of his former position.

“In a game of hurling like that, it gives you a great platform to play and put the Waterford backs under a lot of pressure. We were able to get deliveries deeper inside and the inside forwards then were able to do their thing.”

The most disappointing note was a collision that caused corner-back Jack Quinlan to be stretchered off injured inside the first quarter.

“It’s around his leg area, the outside of his knee, we’re not too sure now,” said Cummins.

“We’re all praying that he’ll be ok because he’s done really well. It’s the one real disappointment out of tonight to see a young man going out there on crutches. It’s a pity.”

Tipperary are facing their biggest challenge yet on Friday, May 3rd, in Thurles as All-Ireland champions Cork come to town.

“Cork won’t be simple, that’s one thing for sure. They are absolutely flying,” Cummins added.

“The form they had three years ago at under-17, they’ve certainly carried it in even without Ben (O’Connor) playing, their centre-back who’s gone to Munster.

“It’s a great challenge. They’ll see it the same as us, an opportunity to grow and try to get better. That’s what we have to try to do.

“We’ve two weeks before then. Panel members will have to get an opportunity as well to stake a claim on the team. That’s the focus now for the next two weeks.”