Limerick manager Evan Loftus said the weather conditions at Fraher Field for Tuesday evening's Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship clash with Waterford were "as bad as I've ever been involved in".
Limerick won the game at the saturated Dungarvan venue 1-7 to 0-7.
"It definitely didn't lend itself to the technical aspects and execution of our play," Loftus told reporters after the game.
"In a sadistic way, we were happy with the elements. We knew that it was going to come down to competing, and who wanted it more. It was going to come down to physical contests. We'd back ourselves in that contest every single time.
"Today was a massive character test. To see the boys go into the trenches and dig deep, and just compete for every single ball was very, very satisfying.
"I know these boys and have worked with them for the past four or five months, and I've worked with some of them for a couple of years now. Character and workrate, they'll never lack in that. I was proud to be part of that."
What a save from @LimerickCLG goalie Joe Fitzgerald
Current score on 55 mins @WaterfordGAA 0-6 @LimerickCLG 1-7
📺Stream Pass👇https://t.co/cRMHIgQ2aQ@MunsterGAA | @ElectricIreland pic.twitter.com/XMVMP7PmIK— StreamSport.ie (@StreamsportI) March 21, 2023
A ninth minute goal by Limerick full-forward Cathal Hayes was ultimately the difference between the two sides.
"Scores were very hard to come by today," said Loftus.
"The wind was swirling. At times, it was heading off towards the bottom left-hand corner, and then it changed for a small bit. Whoever got a goal, it was always going to be a massive score. Thankfully, we got that today.
"We have 37 lads at the moment. With the format, which is excellent, with the round robin, it's attritional stuff. Games are coming thick and fast, which is what we all want, but that then tests your panel.
"We have 37 lads who are really chomping at the bit to show what they can do. Before the year is out, we'll need every single one of those lads."
In the competition's other game on Tuesday evening, Clare defeated Tipperary in Shannon.
Highlights as a first half @LimerickCLG goal was the difference between the two sides in a hard fought encounter in Fraher Field. FT @WaterfordGAA 0-7 Limerick 1-7 @ElectricIreland | @StreamsportI | #GAAThisIsMajor https://t.co/JUmBcJI4Ye
— Munster GAA (@MunsterGAA) March 21, 2023
See Also: Clare Minor Scores Wondrous Solo Hurling Goal Against Tipperary
