Waterford will face far stiffer tests than the one they endured at Dungarvan yesterday when they inflicted a 25-point defeat on Down. Three goals from Paul Flynn helped Waterford to a facile victory over a Down side without the services of their Ballygalget players due to next Sunday's All-Ireland club semi-final with Rathnure.

Despite playing with the assistance of a gale force wind in the opening half, Down were in trouble after only two minutes when Dan Shanahan goaled for the home team following an inch-perfect pass from Michael Molumphy. Flynn had his first goal in the 23rd minute with Shanahan the provider and this score helped Waterford lead by 2-3 to 0-1 at the break.

Down had waited 26 minutes for their opening score, an Emmet Trainor point.

Down shot three points without reply in the opening six minutes of the second half, but they were not to score again for the remainder of the game. Points from Molumphy, the unerring Dave Bennett and Ken McGrath saw Waterford regain control, while goals from Flynn and substitute, Sean Daly saw them lead by 46 to 0-4 at the end of the third quarter. Flynn completed his hat trick in injury time.

WATERFORD: B Landers; T Feeney, S Cullinane, B Flannery; S Frampton, F Hartley, B Greene; T Browne (0-1), P Queally (0-1); B O'Sullivan, M Molumphy (0-1), K McGrath (0-2); D Shanahan (1- 0), P Flynn (3-1), D Bennett (0-7). Subs: Sean Daly (1-0) for O'Sullivan; James O'Connor for Greene; A Lannon (0-1) for O'Sullivan.

DOWN: N Sharvin; J Browne, M Mallon, S Wilson; R McGrattan, P McCabe, S Murray; N Sands, J McCarthy; E Trainor (0-1), G McGrattan (0-1), G Savage; G Gordon, J McCrickard (0-2), A Tinnelly. Sub: Michael Braniff for Tinnelly.

Referee: Liam Kelly (Westmeath).