Camogie Ger Manley happy overall despite defeat as new-look Cork get underway

Cork lost to Waterford as they began the defence of their Centra National Camogie League Division 1A title at Azzurri Walsh Park on Saturday.

The loss was no great surprise with the Rebels only having four of the team that started last year’s All-Ireland final against Galway available for selection. The home side won 1-12 to 0-9.

Cork manager Ger Manley was naturally disappointed to lose but felt there were many positives from a Cork perspective.

“I thought we started slowly, but Waterford had a very strong team out so we knew it was going to be a tough game,” said Manley.

“I thought the performance of a lot of young girls that came on and started was pleasing. It was a rude awakening for them as Waterford are one of the best teams around, you can see in physicality they were the stronger early on.

“But I think we dominated a lot of the match there in the second half, we created more goal chances, got in behind their backs, and look, another day, we could have taken them.

“But I think the scoreline didn't flatter them by no means.”

BLOW

Rockett’s goal was a killer blow, coming at a time when Cork had brought Waterford’s lead down from five to three.

“Look it was, it came against the run of play, it was a loopy shot and Amy Lee said it just looped up over her. It wasn’t even a shot, it was a miss-hit and a bit of a deflection, but it happens. I think we've been on the right side of them as well, but that was the difference really.

We probably had a couple of goal chances after and I felt if we got to within two or three points we would have rattled them.

“We said at half-time to just keep the scoreboard ticking over, which we didn't do in the first half.

“The wind was a factor as we had a lot of balls drop short in the first half. That's just lack of practice, we haven't much done. We haven't played a quality team like this since the All-Ireland final.

“We did a bit of training, and some of the girls need to get used to this level. But overall we are delighted, we brought on five or six subs and they all did well, the girls that started did as well, but it's a different pace and they have to get used to it.

“You don't get the ball as easy, and that'll come to them. We won't make too many changes for next week. We will give another few girls a start that came on because we need to find a few players ahead of the championship.”