Dominant Déise cruise past Clare

ALTHOUGH the game itself never bettered mediocrity, defending champions Waterford were the clear masters of this first round Munster MHC game at Walsh Park last night.

Clare actually made the brighter start and they were in front inside 40 seconds when their most dangerous attacker, Niall Arthur, fired over a superb point. They led again on seven minutes when Aaron Cunningham found the range, but once Jake Dillon edged the home side in front for the first time three minutes later they were never headed again.

With the Déise defence well in control and their midfield pairing of man-of-the-match Padraig Prendergast and Gavin O’Brien also running the show in their sector, Waterford were in cruise control to the interval.