Clare 1-20
Waterford 1-9

Tomas McCarthy reports from Carriganore

CLARE QUALIFIED FOR the final of the Munster Senior Hurling League with a pillar to post victory over an understrength Waterford at a gloomy Carriganore.

Front men Colin Ryan (0-7), John Conlon (0-5) and Darach Honan (0-4) all imposed themselves for Davy Fitzgerald’s side. Derek McGrath named six debutants in a new look home team and Thomas Ryan and Andy Molumby grasped their opportunity.

Ryan and Conlon figured prominently as wind assisted Clare led 1-12 to 1-3 at halfway. David Reidy pounced on a slip by Jordan Henley after 12 minutes to shoot past Paddy Cooke at his near post. Thomas Ryan converted two frees before the Banner nailed seven points on the bounce. Colin Ryan was responsible for five.

On 25 minutes, Thomas Ryan split the Clare defence to assist a goal for Andy Molumby (1-9 to 1-2) on only his second senior appearance. Clare claimed the last three scores of the half through a Conlon double and Michael O’Malley.

Waterford's Brian Nolan in action against Clare's Darach Honan and Paul Flanagan. Ken Sutton / INPHO Ken Sutton / INPHO / INPHO

The visitors kept the scoreboard ticking over in the second period with 2013 hurler of the year Tony Kelly getting in on the act off the bench. O’Malley also contributed a tidy solo score after bursting through the Waterford rearguard. Molumby almost grabbed a second goal for the hosts but he was hauled to ground by David McInerney. Free taker Thomas Ryan finished the game with seven points to his credit.

Clare could afford to strike twelve wides as they cruised to the decider on January 31.

Scorers for Clare: Colin Ryan 0-7 (4fs, 1 65), John Conlon 0-5, Darach Honan 0-4, David Reidy 1-0, Michael O’Malley 0-2, Tony Kelly, Cathal O’Connell 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: Thomas Ryan 0-7 (6fs), Andy Molumby 1-0, Paudie Prendergast, Brian Nolan 0-1 each.

Clare goalkeeper Donal Tuohy is tackled by Waterford's Seamus Keating Ken Sutton / INPHO Ken Sutton / INPHO / INPHO

Clare

1. Donal Tuohy (Crusheen)

2. Eoin O’Brien (Newmarket-on-Fergus)
3. Jack Browne (Ballyea)
4. Paul Flanagan (Ballyea)

18. Cian Dillon (Crusheen)
19. David McInerney (Tulla)
6. Conor Cleary (Kilmaley)

5. Gearoid O’Connell (Ballyea)
9. David Reidy (Éire Óg)

10. Peter Duggan (Clooney-Quin)
26. Colin Ryan (Newmarket-on-Fergus)
12. Bobby Duggan (Clarecastle)

13. Mikey O’Malley (Kilmaley)
24. Darach Honan (Clonlara)
11. John Conlon (Clonlara)

Subs
25. Tony Kelly (Ballyea) for Peter Duggan (H-T)
15. Cathal O’Connell (Clonlara) for Bobby Duggan (53)
21. David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona) for Conlon (60)
8. David Conroy (St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield) for O’Connell (62)
17. Eoin Quirke (Whitegate) for McInerney (66)

Waterford

1. Paddy Cooke (Ballygunner)

2. Jordan Henley (Tallow)
3. Kieran Bennett (Ballysaggart)
4. Ross Browne (Colligan)

5. Shane Ryan (Fourmilewater)
6. Paudie Prendergast (Lismore)
7. Frank McGrath (Roanmore)

8. Harley Barnes (Ballygunner)
9. Mark O’Brien (Ferrybank)

10. Míchéal Harney (Bunmahon)
11. Thomas Ryan (Tallow)
12. Seamus Keating (Ardmore)

13. Andy Molumby (Cappoquin)
14. Craig Guiry (Fourmilewater)
15. Brian Nolan (Roanmore)

Subs
19. Eoin Madigan (Roanmore) for Keating (50)
24. Tommy Waring (Erins Own) for Guiry (56)

Referee: John O’Brien (Tipperary)