The sun shone bright in Walshe Park , Waterford on Saturday, but alas it did not shine enough on the Waterford girls who fell to a stronger more experienced Galway side in the Division 2 National League semi-final. The Decies who were appearing in the League semi-final for the first time ever fell 1-4 to Galway 's 2-12. However, this score is rather flattering as the Decies fought throughout the game and never gave up until the final whistle.

Minutes before the throw in Galway were dealt a severe blow when Centre back Linda Gohery sprained her ankle during the warm up ruling her out of the action. Her Davitts Club mate Phyilis Hayes stepped into the breach and gave a fine performance over the hour. Portumna’s Triona Byrne came into to fill the vacant wing back position. Waterford with strong wind advantage were first to settle putting immediate pressure on the Galway backs. Two frees were conceded early on by the Galway defence but Waterford failed to convert either. Galway were first off the scoring blocks with Galway's centre-forward Clodagh Glynn.She lobbed in a high dropping ball which appeared to be going over the bar, but, much to the horror of Waterford 'keeper Aisling O'Brien it dropped into the left hand corner of the net. Despite this early set back the Decies recollected themselves and within three minutes were level thanks to a superb goal by centre forward and 2004 All-Star nominee Áine Lyng.

Galway replied after good work by Richael O Brien resulted in a point by Mary Kelly. Waterford added an Aine Lyng free to tie the sides. Galways Yvonne Donnelly (0-1) and the crafty Molly Dunne of Galway extended galways lead sending over two placed balls just before the break to leave it, Galway 1-4, Waterford 1-2, the second Waterford point having come from Brenda Kenny midway.

The second half saw Waterford pile fierce pressure on the Galway goal, but they failed to score at this crucial stage, instead it was Galway's Rachel OBrien who went up the field and scored the opening point of the second period. Galway introduced their first sub of the hour Aoife Kilkenny at wing back for the flu stricken Marion Geoghegan

Immediately Áine Lyng replied for Waterford , but then Galway hit a real purple patch. They sent over four unanswered points from Therese Manton, Clodagh Glynn (2) and Molly Dunne on the back of hard work from team captain Elaine Tannion. Three minutes later the second Galway goal came when substitute Emer Haverty caught out the excellent Decies 'keeper Aisling O'Brien to crash home the second goal.

It meant Galway were well on their way to the League final while it meant curtains for the gallant Decies .Galway did add two further points to give them a comfortable lead in the final stages and they went on to introduce a number of subsititions .Serena Brien came in at corner back for club mate Julie Brien , Paula Kenny for Mary Kelly at corner forward and Karina McHugh came on for Yvonne Donnelly. Waterfords final score was again an Aine Lyng conversion while Galways Molly Dunne concluded the day for Galway bringing her total to 5pts from placed balls. Manager Larry Burns will be happy with his teams hardworking defence and scores coming from five forwards. This victory has earned his charges a place in the League final against Cork on May 29 th.