Clare survive scare and pull clear

MUNSTER UNDER-21 HC SEMI-FINALS:Clare 1-15 Limerick1-12

ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS Clare made a winning start in defence of their crown but they got a major scare from Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds last night.

The sides were level at half-time and on six occasions in the half, and when the score stood at 0-12 each with eight minutes remaining it looked as if the first goal would win what was a rip-roaring second half.

The goal fell to Limerick’s Thomas O’Brien after 55 minutes, but within 60 seconds Darach Honan responded for Clare who then ran out the stronger side.

Conor McGrath was in superb form for Clare and contributed nine of their points, four from frees, and Honan, who had a quiet enough first half, blossomed in the final stages and finished with 1-3 to his credit.

Thomas O’Brien was Limerick’s top scorer with 1-5, one free and three 65s, with Nicky Quaid having a superb outing.

Limerick dominated for most of the first half but still found themselves level at six points each at the interval. Limerick led 0-3 to 0-0 with Thomas O’Brien, with a free and a 65, and Seán Tobin on the mark before Conor McGrath had Clare’s first point from a free after 10 minutes.

Limerick were in front by 0-6 to 0-2 after 20 minutes, but Clare finished the half well with five unanswered points by Darach Honan (2), Eoin Hayes and two frees by Conor McGrath, the second one being the final action of the half.

McGrath scored the opening point of the second half but half-time substitute Kevin Downes marked his arrival with two points and it remained nip and tuck until Clare pulled clear in the final minutes.

CLARE:Tuohy; D Nash, C Chaplin, J Gunning; N O'Connell (0-1), C Morey, P O'Connor; S Golden, P Vaughan (0-1); S Collins, J Conlon, K Heagney; D Honan (1-3), F Kennedy, C McGrath (0-9, four frees). Subs E Hayes (0-1) for Kennedy (4 mins), K Moynihan for Heagney (45 mins).

LIMERICK:B Hennessy; B Cleary, P Begley, C Hayes; P O'Brien, P O'Loughlin, N Quaid; T O'Brien (1-5, three 65s, one free), P Browne (0-1); J O'Brien, C Madden, D Hannon (0-1); M Kiely (0-1), S Tobin (0-2), G Mulcahy. Sub: K Downes (0-2) for Madden (half-time).

Referee:C McAllister (Cork).