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'The standard will improve' | Galway's Shane O'Neill following score-fest win over Waterford

Manager Shane O'Neill praised Galway's scoring ability following what could be described as the g...



'The standard will improve' |...
Hurling

'The standard will improve' | Galway's Shane O'Neill following score-fest win over Waterford

Manager Shane O'Neill praised Galway's scoring ability following what could be described as the game of the season so far on Sunday afternoon. 

The Tribesmen beat Waterford on a scoreline of 4-28 to 3-23 in Pearse Stadium, in what was a repeat of the 2017 All-Ireland final.

Brian Concannon found the back of the net twice for them in the Allianz National Hurling League Division One A game.

Speaking to OTB Sports after the game, O'Neill said there were good and bad periods as well as elements of the game.

"We'd be pleased with the 4-28 but not so pleased with 3-23 to concede.

"We started relatively quickly but we had four wides.

"We had good possession, we had the chances to score but we lacked a bit of composure.

"Maybe that might have affected us for a bit because I thought Waterford were the better side for the first quarter but after that, we seemed to get a hold of it.

"You can see the way the game can change, we were six or seven [points] down so we had to be conscious of that and immediately after half-time we had to keep it going."

The result leaves Galway top of the group, level on points with Tipperary.

Their last game next weekend is against Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon.

Since there is no final there effectively isn't really much to play for.

O'Neill though is targetting a strong finish to the campaign.

"I don't think it's going to be very friendly down in Cork, to be honest with you.

"They rested a lot of players last night against Limerick so it looks like they are going to try and finish the league strong and we'll be doing something similar."

Joe Canning finished the game with 1-8 to his name and his pass to Concannon for Galway's fourth goal was something to behold.

The Portumna native went down after getting a bang to the ribs and he was replaced in the second half but it didn't seem to be because of injury.

O'Neill was pleased with how the 32-year-old former player of the year performed both inside and outside the square.

"You have to be fluid in the modern game. A [number] six and a goalkeeper are probably the only two who stay in or around where they're originally picked.

"Everybody has to be fluid. If you're not fluid, you'll more than likely be exposed.

"Joe did well outside [the square], he did well inside, so overall I'm happy enough with the input from everybody."

The result will attract attention considering the sheer volume of scores recorded.

With much debate surrounding the weight of the sliotar in recent weeks, some think it is too easy to score at the moment.

O'Neill though isn't overly concerned about where the game is at the moment.

"Last week we were giving out we only scored 0-24 and now we score 4-28 and the scores are 'unattainable.'

"I think the skill levels, the pace of the game at the moment, it's very difficult to be a back these days because of the space that is created by everybody else.

"Overall, I suppose the last couple of weeks we were complaining that the game isn't good and then we have a good weekend of it.

"I actually think it'll continue to improve and be better for the championship."

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Allianz National Hurling League Galway Pearse Stadium Shane O'Neill Waterford