Clare too slick for depleted visitors

Clare 0-20 Cork 2-11: Clare overcame Cork at Sixmilebridge last night. The game was delayed by an oil spill on the M18, a mishap that hampered the arrival of the Cork squad.

Team captain Patrick Horgan opened Cork’s account in the fourth minute before the home side took control over the depleted visitors, who were forced to play substitute goalkeeper Willie McCarthy at corner forward.

Nicky O’Connell hit four scores as Clare went in at half time 0-10 to 0-7 ahead.

By the beginning of the second period Cian McCarthy and Donal Kearney had made it to the ground and were introduced to the Cork team.

But Clare furthered their lead and lead by 0-13 to 0-7 by the 40th minute.

Then Cork swung into action. A flowing move, started by Horgan, found its way to Adrian Mannix. The Kilworth man, who was another late arrival, netted from close range.

Horgan added a point and when Mannix added another goal the sides were level at 0-15 to 2-9.

But Clare, relying on Colin Ryan from placed balls pulled away. Ryan hit four in a row to ensure his side’s passage.