Cork's quest for goals in the National Hurling League eventually paid dividends following a couple of barren games. Indeed, it took the holders two hours and 17 minutes to finally force an umpire to raise a green flag, Joe Deane showing his scoring prowess with an opportunist goal against Waterford at Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday.

The right corner forward made the best use of a fine Seanie McGrath pass and a fumble by his marker, Tom Feeney, to crash home an unstoppable shot for a 1-3 to 0-4 lead. Seven minutes later Waterford goalkeeper Brendan Landers had to pick the sliotar out of the back of the net again following a slick move involving Kieran Morrisson and McGrath which led to full forward Alan Browne scoring with a low, angled shot to the corner.

Cork looked to be on course for a comfortable win when then changed ends 2-6 to 0-5 in front, but they reckoned without Waterford's spirit. The visitors dominated most of the second half and looked like salvaging a draw when Stephen Frampton forced home their only goal two minutes into additional time. However, Waterford's delight was short lived, because straight from the puck-out, Cork swept down field to grab their third goal. Sean O hAilpin's sideline cut fell around the edge of square and substitute Fergal McCormack swept in the clinching score.

It was rough justice on last season's beaten finalists, who are now out of the reckoning for a semi-final spot.

Cork: D Og Cusack; F Ryan, J Browne, W Sherlock; D Murphy, B Corcoran, S O hAilpin; D O'Sullivan, D Barrett; T McCarthy (0-1), M Daly, K Morrisson (0-1); S McGrath, A Browne (1-1), J Deane (1- 5). Subs: F McCormack (1-1) for McCarthy and P Ryan for Barrett.

Waterford: B Landers; T Feeney, S Cullinane, B Flannery; P Queally, S Frampton (1-0), B Greene; T Fives, F Gantley; D Bennett (0-6), A Kirwan (0-1), K McGrath (0-1); M White (0-2), S Daly (0- 2), S Cunningham. Subs: B O'Sullivan for Cunningham, D Shanahan for Fives and M Molumphy for Daly.

Referee: A Mac Suibhne.