Clare on the brink of play-offs

With the NFL quarter-finals on next week, the hurling play-offs began to take shape after yesterday's series of matches. Clare moved to within touching distance of a place in the NHL semifinals by defeating All-Ireland champions Offaly 2-5 to 1-6 in rain-soaked Ennis. A win over Dublin will guarantee them progress.

The victory turned on a two-goal salvo fired in the 51st minute of a match played in awful conditions. Ollie Baker's sideline cut went straight to the net and seconds later David Forde added a second. Johnny Pilkington managed an injury-time consolation goal but to no avail.

Galway, who weren't playing yesterday, still lead Division One A and will probably qualify in first place with Clare taking second.

In Thurles, Munster's old firm Cork and Tipperary served up an exciting match with a dramatic ending in Division One B. NHL holders Cork were sailing serenely to victory when a moment of inspiration from a hitherto quiet John Leahy released Paul Shelly.

The converted corner back, playing at full forward, hit a shot which was saved by Cork goalkeeper Donal Cusack but Tipp corner forward Liam Cahill was on hand to finish to the net for a 1-12 to 1-11 victory. Tipperary are now clear in second place behind Kilkenny who had a big win over Down. As in Division One A, the top two are favourites to qualify.

Elsewhere, Dublin registered a first win of the campaign by defeating Limerick at Parnell Park on a score of 2-12 to 0-11. Despite heroics from Joe Quaid in the Limerick goal, two goals from Conor McCann and dual player Shane Ryan were the main difference between the teams.

Laois's recent run of good results hit a bump in Walsh Park Waterford where the home side cantered to a 12-point victory.

The Railway Cup football semi-finals were also played. Connacht, without a title since 1969, had a big win over Leinster, 4-7 to 1-8, in Tuam, but will have to await the identity of their opponents as Munster and Ulster drew after extra-time in Killarney, 3-14 to 1-20.