Wexford breezed to an 18-point win over Waterford in the opening round at blustery Enniscorthy yesterday. Waterford, given first use of the elements, failed miserably to harness the wind and were under constant pressure from their eager and industrious opponents.

Wexford were gifted a tonic start when Denis Kent intercepted a half-hearted clearance to set up Scott Doran for a goal. Waterford were limited to just four points before the interval - three Kevin Walsh frees and a lone Shane Bergin point from play.

Ahead 1-3 to 0-4 at the break, Wexford relinquished the advantage briefly when Gary Ferney swooped for a goal in the 40th minute.

For a while, it appeared that the wind might prove a unwelcome ally, but a hat-trick of points from Jason Lawlor steadied Wexford. The final 20 minutes became a procession as Ger Halligan's team struck a further 3-6 without reply. The three goals came from Mick Mahon, Paddy Colfer and Jason Lawlor.

WEXFORD: O Murphy; C Morris, M Kavanagh, D Redmond; D Breen, L O'Brien (0-6), B Kavanagh; J Whelan, T Howlin; D Kinsella, D Kent, P Colfer (1-0); S Doran (1-4), M Mahon (1-0), J Lawlor (1-3). Subs: B Kinsella for Redmond (63 mins); P Kehoe for Mahon (63 mins); B Levingstone for Howlin (67 mins); B Doyle for B Kavanagh (67 mins); J Kenny for D Kinsella (69 mins).

WATERFORD: K Cotter; D Ryan, M Fitzgerald, M Kiely; M Ahern, L Hurney, K Whelan; W Kavanagh, D Kirwan; R Hennessy, C Keane, S Bergin (0-1); G Hurney (1-0), K Walsh (0-3), D Whelan. Subs: D Lyons for L Hurney (35 mins); T Dunphy for Kirwan (44 mins); K Coffey for Kiely (62 mins).

Referee: S O Sioradain (Westmeath).