TWO goals in five minutes at the start of the second half were decisive as Clare swept to victory over Waterford in the Munster under-21 hurling semi-final at Thurles yesterday evening.

Clare struggled to assert themselves in the early stages but an Eamonn Taaffe goal in the 21st minute steadied them and they led 1-9 to 0-8 at the interval.

The early stages of the second half were crucial as Clare scored two goals - from Martin Conlon in the fifth minute and Barry Murphy in the ninth minute - to put them nine points clear.

Waterford rallied bravely in the last quarter and had two goals from Tony Carroll in the 23rd and 28th minutes and a Dan Shanahan goal in injury time, but time ran out on them.