Clare finish strongly to progress in Munster Under-21 championship

Clare 2-15, Waterford 0-17: A powerful finish ensured Munster and All-Ireland champions Clare progressed to a provincial decider against Tipperary following a four-point win over Waterford at Walsh Park last night.

Goals from Seadna Morey and Aaron Cunningham in the 47th and 57th minutes respectively proved the ultimate difference between the sides before an attendance of 2,288.

Waterford led 0-10 to 0-9 at the break, largely due to the excellence of Jake Dillon, who struck eight first-half points, including six frees.

Yet it was Clare who began much the brighter of the two, leading by 0-4 to 0-1 after 12 minutes through points from Daire Keane, Cathal O’Connell, a superb sideline cut from Peter Duggan and an Alan O’Neill free.

Wing-forward Colm Curran struck Waterford's opening score after 11 minutes as the hosts struggled to cope with Clare's initial territorial advantage. But the champions struggled to adapt after the enforced withdrawal of midfielder Tony Kelly through injury moments after Curran struck.

Best period
Between then and the interval Waterford enjoyed their best period, and that they led by a point at the break was somewhat of a surprise considering Clare's early dominance of both possession and territory.

And the match remained in the melting pot until Cunningham’s goal three minutes from time, when he surged onto a breaking ball to rifle the ball beyond Waterford goalkeeper Darren Duggan from point-blank range.

Morey’s goal 10 minutes previously had inched Clare back in front; the wing-back’s powerful run from the deep turned into a green flagger after being fed in by Shane O’Donnell.

And that greater level of attacking menace from the visitors, coupled with their limiting Waterford to just five points from play over the hour, ensured their summer will run into August once more.