A contribution of 2-2 by substitute Dave Bennett earned Waterford a deserved victory over Kilkenny in the AIB tournament final at Dungarvan. Goals from Paul Flynn, when he converted a semi-penalty and Bennett in the third and 29th minutes, saw Waterford lead by 2-5 to 0-2 at the interval, having played with a strong wind.
A John Phelan goal and two points from D J Carey saw the visitors cut the deficit to only two points - 2-5 to 1-6.
Waterford finished the stronger, however, in the closing quarter.
Waterford: S Brenner; T Feeney, J O'Connor, J Murray; F Hartley, S Frampton, P Queally; G Power, J Brenner; S Shanahan, B Henley (0-1), S Prendergast; S Curley, K McGrath (0-3), P Flynn (1-2). Subs: D Ben- nett (2-2) for Prendergast; A Kirwan for Power; M White for Shanahan; B Walsh for Flynn; S Cullinane for Curley.
Kilkenny: J McGarry; J Butler, S Meally, N Hickey; P Mullally, E Kennedy (0-2), J O'Neill; D Byrne, A Comerford; JP Corcoran, H Sheflin (0-1), K Power (0-3); N Moloney, DJ Carey (0- 2), J Phelan (1-0). Subs: R Moore (0-1) for Byrne; E Brennan for Corcoran; K O'Shea for Moloney.
Referee: P Moore (Waterford).