Rhode find range in second-half to claim title

Rhode 0-15 Clara 1-06

Three Niall McNamee points got Rhode out to an early lead, but a Thomas Deehan goal in the 16th minute turned the tide and Clara were unlucky to only lead by two points, 1-5 to 0-6, at half time. However, they were completely overwhelmed in a one-sided second half and Rhode kicked eight wides along with their nine points.

One solitary Scott Brady point was all Clara could muster in the face of a constant flow of Rhode attacks, with Anton Sullivan, Paul McPadden and McNamee all looking sharp in front of goal for the victors.

Scorers for Rhode: N McNamee 0-8 (5fs, 1 45), A Sullivan, P McPadden 0-2 each, E Byrne, M Dunne, C Heavey 0-1 each.

Scorers for Clara: T Deehan 1-4 (4fs), J O’Hara, S Brady 0-1 each.

RHODE: K Garry; E Rigney, S Sullivan, B Darby; J McPadden, E Byrne, C Heavey; A McNamee, C McNamee; P Sullivan, P Kelleghan, M Dunne; P McPadden, McNamee, A Sullivan.

Subs: S Hannon for P McPadden.

CLARA: K Meehan; G Collins, J Quinn, P Mitchell; D Baggot, J Ledwith, L Hiney; S Brady, R Brady; A Cronin, M Mitchell, J O’Hara; T Deehan, S Deehan, J Reynolds.

Subs: G Guilfoyle for Cronin, D Kelly for Ledwith, B Cushen for Reynolds, L Kelly for S Deehan, J Flattery for Collins.

Referee: Noel Cooney (Erin Rovers).