Watergrasshill can't stop believing as they head into showdown with Erin's Own

The scenes of jubilation at the end of the Watergrasshill and Ballinhasssig clash had to seen to be believed after they witnessed a Co Op Superstores Senior A quarter-final clash for the ages.

It took extra time to decide this enthralling game, much to the delight of the Watergrasshill manager Eddie Enright.

“To win a game of this magnitude and qualify for our first Senior A semi-final is what dreams are made of and I think we deserved it in the manner we saw off this talented Ballinhassig side,” said Enright.

In a game that was finely poised for long periods, Watergrasshill found another an extra gear in extra time.

“We looked to have sealed it in normal time but credit to Ballinhassig they refused to throw the towel in, and we knew coming into extra time we needed another serious push to see them off."

The former Thurles Sarsfield’s and UCC star is now firmly berthed in Watergrasshill and he paid tribute to his players, who have matured into a serious hurling side.

“Look it’s all about the players and I am very lucky to have a tremendous squad that will guarantee me 110% when they put the jersey on, and I was really impressed in the manner they closed out the game.” 

United

The progress of Watergrasshil is a team effort.

“To be moving in the right direction is a collective effort as we have some great coaches in our club and what you are seeing is the work we have done as a unit over the last few years.

“There are some great structures at our club and luckily we have players progressing on a consistent basis and that’s the key to this club moving forward if we are eventually going to play at the top tier in this county.” 

On a weekend that saw Na Piarsaigh eliminated by Carrigtwohill on penalties, Enright believes the championship is a serious one with so many teams evenly matched.

“It’s amazing with the games that took place in this championship as the beauty is you can win or lose to any side on any given day.

The hurling is top class and as we saw amateur players giving so much commitment is a joy to watch and we are delighted to be in the final four.”

There will not be a person in the Watergrasshill village when they face Erin’s Own in a fortnight for the right to a place in the decider and Enright knows it will be a huge challenge.

“We are playing a club who were relegated last season and will want to get back playing Premier Senior hurling so it goes without saying we will have to be at our very best.

“When you look at Erin’s Own and Blarney, they cruised through their groups and at the moment, we will have to take the underdogs tag as we have to try and get up to their standard.” 

Watergrasshill have a knack for digging deep in games that look to be running away from them.

“It will all be about believing in our ability, but the lads will know that they will have to bring their game to another level to have any chance of toppling Erin’s Own.”