Waterford had their expected comfortable win in the second round of this year's All-Ireland senior hurling qualifiers in Cusack Park, Mullingar on Saturday but Westmeath will deservedly earn many plaudits for a gutsy display, particularly in a wind-assisted first half when they were marginally the better team.

On the change of ends, early points from Prendergast, Brian O’Sullivan and Maurice Shanahan (another free) set the tone for a largely one-sided second half. Waterford were seven points to the good when O’Sullivan pounced for his second goal in the 53rd minute.