PLAYER RATINGS: How the Offaly hurlers rated in their loss to Waterford

SUNDAY'S 1-27 to 2-20 National Hurling League Division 1B final loss to Waterford resulted in very mixed emotions for the squad and supporters. Inevitable disappointment at the defeat was tapered by the realisation that it could have been an awful lot worse. 1-25 to 1-10 behind with just fifteen minutes left, Offaly looked to be heading for a defeat in excess of 20 points but showed great character to get back into it and reduce the gap to four points. A definite penalty when Brian Duignan's hurl was held was not given would have made a difference, though it didn't seem that important at the time. Considering the way they had been outplayed for 55 minutes, a four point defeat was not bad at all for Offaly and almost felt like a victory in some ways. Having said that, the opening 55 minutes can't be ignored either and management will be analysing this ahead of a tough Leinster championship campaign.  CLICK ON THE ARROWS ABOVE TO GO THROUGH ALL THE RATINGS