Waterford completely overpowered John Meyler's Wexford side to get their Allianz NHL Division 1A campaign off to a winning start with a 1-23 to 1-12 victory in a one-sided clash at Wexford Park.
The Deise put down a statement of intent despite missing a trio of All-Stars, they were easy winners with Eoin Kelly top-scoring with 0-10.
Full-forward Kevin Moran clipped home an early goal, getting onto the end of a Ken McGrath delivery, and Waterford’s sharp hurling had them 1-10 to 0-03 in front at the interval.
Robbie Codd scored Wexford’s only point from play in the first half, and they improved slightly on the resumption with Eoin Quigley pulling first time to notch their goal.
But on this evidence, the Model men could prove to be the whipping boys of Division 1A – their next outing, away to Clare on 4 March, is simply a must-win match.
Waterford led by 14 points at one stage and the score line, at the finish, was flattering to the hosts.
Justin McCarthy’s Waterford side were well tuned in for this one and Moran’s goal gave them the ideal start at 1-0 to no score. Points from Kelly, Dan Shanahan and John Mullane followed as they eased into a six-point lead.
Lacking any cohesion, an under-strength Wexford outfit struggled throughout the first half and they took a full 20 minutes before registering their first point – from a Michael Jacob free.
But three minutes later, Jacob missed a simple looking free for Wexford’s sixth wide of the afternoon and that did little for their confidence.
The Oulart-the-Ballagh forward did add his second free and Wexford finally broke their duck from play on 35 minutes, when full-forward Codd launched over a 30-metre shot.
Waterford, on the other hand, were taking their points with ease – Stephen Molumphy, Jack Kennedy, Mullane and Seamus Prendergast – with the latter two firing over from 60-metres plus – all added to the visitors’ tally as the half came to a close.
Waterford opened the second half with further points from Kelly, Mullane, who was playing despite a finger injury, and Moran as they moved 1-14 to 0-03 ahead.
Wexford, who are missing the likes of Declan Ruth, Darren Stamp, Paul Carley, Willie Doran and Kevin Cavanagh, did up the tempo for the remainder with Jacob and Stephen Nolan grabbing well-taken points.
Centre forward Quigley flashed home a goal past Clinton Hennessy, doing well to pull first time on a ground ball, but by that time, Waterford were coasting.
Afterwards, victorious manager McCarthy said: 'The pitch was in great order, there was great width on it and it suited us. We moved the ball a bit faster than Wexford.
'The new lads came in and knitted well into the team. Lads are fighting for their places. I’m very pleased with the performance and the win but it’s only one win and we’re very aware that we’ve a lot more work to get through in this league.'
