Big clash a damp squib

The much-awaited game between Kilkenny and Waterford turned into something of a damp squib as the Cats absolutely trounced the Decies.
Waterford boss Justin McCarthy will be a worried man after this contest.
Ok the sending off of the Decies' captain Michael Walsh for a second bookable offence just before half time did help swing the game decisively in the Cats' favour but already the Noresiders were showing signs that they were going to run away with the game.
What has to be particularly worrying for McCarthy was the performance of Ken McGrath who just returned to the side last week.
The veteran who has at times epitomised the heart beat of this side was made to look almost pedestrian and in the physical challenges which he normally excels in he was swatted like a fly.
John Mullane continues to look only a shadow of the player he threatened to be three to four seasons ago.
Cats' boss Brian Cody has an entirely different problem.
His All-Ireland champions look to be so far ahead of the posse that he will find it difficult to get them the type of tough game which steels a team for the white heat of championship.
The Leinster Championship looks no less predictable than any other year since their present era of dominance of the province began in 1997 and on the evidence of the league to date there doesn't seem to be anyone capable of stopping the Cats lifting a hurling double.
Cody therefore will have a big task on his hands keeping his charges sharp and focussed on the three in a row.