Tipperary; 5-23 Derry ... 0-3: Holders Tipperary handed Derry a 23-point drubbing to claim their first win in the Allianz NHL at Nenagh yesterday.

It was a victory Tipperary needed to keep their hopes of making the qualifying stages alive after defeats by Limerick and Wexford in the earlier rounds.

Despite fielding without a number of regulars, Tipperary were in control all the way and the destination of the points was beyond doubt by the interval, at which stage they led 1-12 to 0-2. Eoin Kelly got the goal after 12 minutes from a delivery by Noel Morris.

The second half brought even less joy for Derry as Tipperary added three goals and a string of points. Mark O'Leary netted after 12 minutes. John O'Brien was set up by Johnny Enright for another in the 28th minute and O'Leary and Enright had two further goals.

Most encouraging for Tipperary was the showing of some of their newcomers, John O'Brien had a great second half as he looks to establish himself at full forward.

Benny Dunne, Paul Curran and Johnny Enright also pressed their cases for a regular spot. Others to shine were Morris and Eoin Kelly.

TIPPERARY: J Cottrell; D Fahey, P Curren, P Ormond; E Corcoran, D Kennedy, B Dunne; T Dunne (0-1), N Morris (0-1); M O'Leary (2-4), J Carroll, L Corbett (0-3); J Enright (0-3), J O'Brien (2-4), E Kelly (1-5). Subs. P Kelly (0-1) for Corcoran, B O'Meara (0-1) for Kelly, J Duane for Ormond, C Gleeson for T Dunne.

DERRY: K Stevenson; C Brunton, G Brunton, R Lynch; D Magill, C McEldowney, B Ward; R McCluskey, M Conway (0-1); G Biggs (0-1), O Collins, Gary Biggs (0-1); M Collins, P O'Kane, D Doherty. Sub: E Farren for Collins.

Referee: E Morris (Dublin).

Tipperary ... 5-23

Derry ... 0-3