Fitzgerald calls right shots

WATERFORD CRYSTAL CUP SEMI-FINALS: Waterford 2-19 Clare 2-18:WATERFORD STAGED a dramatic comeback to overcome Clare at Sixmilebridge yesterday.

Trailing by 11 points at the break, the Decies put in a tremendous second-half show. Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald plotted his native county’s downfall and his tactical decisions, especially at half-time, influenced this victory.

Clare led 2-12 to 0-7 at half-time. After 18 minutes they were locked at five points apiece but a Cathal McInerney goal on 21 minutes put Clare in the driving seat. Another five minutes later, by Fergal Lynch, cemented the lead.

Moving Séamus Prendergast to the edge of the square proved to be a master stroke by Fitzgerald and a goal from a 20-metre free by Richie Foley five minutes in kick-started the Waterford revival.

A second by Shane Casey, on 56 minutes, gave the visitors a 2-16 to 2-14 lead and though Clare rallied with a Colin Ryan point on 70 minutes, it was left to Foley to pull it out of the fire with a two pointed frees in injury time.

WATERFORD:C Hennessy; F McGrath, J Maher, D Fives; S OSullivan, M Walsh, J Nagle; S Molumphy (0-2), E McGrath; S Prendergast (0-1), R Foley (1-11, 1-8 frees, two 65s), P Mahony; B OHalloran, S Walsh (0-1), S Casey (1-3). Subs:G Crotty (0-1) for E McGrath (35 mins), C Ryan for F McGrath (half-time).

CLARE:P Brennan; M Earley, C Dillon, J Gunning; C ODoherty, J McInerney (0-1), L Markham; N OConnell (0-6, three frees, one 65), D O'Donovan; F Lynch (1-0), J Conlon (0-2), C Ryan (0-1); C McGrath (0-6, three frees), D McMahon (0-1), C McInerney (1-1). Subs:C Morey for Markham (59 mins), C Chaplin for Gunning (65 mins), G Quinn for ODoherty (67 mins).

Referee:J Ryan (Tipperary).