Limerick U20 hurling manager Evan Loftus: 'Our efficiency wasn't where it needs to be'

LIMERICK U20 hurling manager Evan Loftus was left frustrated by his side's performance in their draw against Waterford on Wednesday evening in Fraher Field.

"We wouldn't be one bit happy with our first half performance. Our second half performance granted was a bit better but look we wouldn't be happy with that either," said Evan Loftus. 

The Shannonsiders played out a 1-13 to 0-16 draw with Waterford in round three of the Munster Championship. Substitute Mark O'Brien made a significant impact from the bench scoring 1-3. Limerick showed huge character to earn a draw when it looked as if the game was gone from them. 

Waterford led 0-12 to 0-7 at the break and the home side looked in poll position to register their first win of the Championship. However, Limerick finished strongly and a point late on from substitute Sean Duff meant both sides had to settle for the draw.

"We've set high standards for ourselves within the camp and we fell short of those standards (last night). The other side of it then at one stage the game looked like it was gone from us but we dug deep so we'll take heart from that. We've a point in the bag and we'll go again."

Limerick hit 15 wides during the 60 minutes and Loftus will be hoping his side can improve on their accuracy in front of goals. 

"Our efficiency wasn't where it needs to be. We were getting the shots off but we weren't taking percentage shots at times maybe take the man on or cut inside would have opened up the goals a bit more. That's something to work on when we welcome Cork in two weeks time."

Limerick face Cork in round four of the Munster U20 Hurling Championship on April 23 in Mick Neville Park at 7pm.

"You're always looking to win your homes, three points from our two away games. We need to up the ante for our two home games," added Loftus.