Waterford and Tipperary eneded all sqaure in a thrilling contest at the Gaelic Grounds but it proved to be a most controversial ending as referee Alan Kelly and his umpire were escorted off the pitch by officials after the umpire gave Tipperary their second goal when the replay suggested Austin Gleeson didn't carry the ball over the goal line.
In a lively opening the sides were level 0-2 apiece after eight minutes before Waterford netted the games opening goal, Tom Devine was quickest to react from close range on nine minutes.
Jamie Barron, DJ Foran and Patrick Curran all scored for the Déise as Tipp replied through Billy McCarthy and Jason Forde.
Tipp began to get on top as John McGrath and Seamus Callanan found their range before Waterford were given another huge boost as Stephen O' Keeffe's delivery broke to Pauric Mahony who billowed the net from close range.
DJ Foran added the final score of the half, as Tipp were reduced to 14 men when Michael Cahill was dismissed on a second yellow card.
Waterford held a six point lead at the break, 2-12 to 0-12
Derek McGrath's charges continued where they left off and hit the opening four points upon the resumption to move 2-16 to 0-12 in front as Stephen Bennett, Pauric Mahony and Patrick Curran hit scores.
John O' Dwyer opening Tipperary's second half account with Jamie Barron responding with a superb long range point.
Pauric Mahony (Free) and DJ Foran with a superb point from play and substitute Tommy Ryan added further points to push Waterford twelve points in front with 54 minutes played.
Patrick 'Bonner' Maher gave Tipp a lifeline with a goal in the 58th minute and Jason Forde tacked on a free to reduce the deficit.
Then came a most controversial decision as Austin Gleeson was adjudged to have carried the ball over the goal line and Tipp were given a second goal, depite replays CLEARING SHOWING that ball wasn't over the line.
Waterford did respond well with Pauric Mahony getting a much needed score.
Jason Forde hit a lte free to equalise as it ended 2-22 apiece in a rip-roaring contest.
Déise selector Eoin Murphy was delighted with the attitute the entire panel showed.
Eoin says they had Tipp on the back foot and should have finished it out.
Eoin was asked afterwards about the controversial second Tipperary goal.
Former Clare manager Tony Considine says Waterford played a superb brand of hurling and says it's not over yet for Derek McGrath's charges.
