Déise men break Banner hearts as brave fightback falls short

LAST year’s beaten finalists Waterford held off a spirited Clare fightback to book their place in the Munster intermediate hurling championship final on July 22.

Eight minutes after half-time at a rain-soaked Semple Stadium yesterday, the Déise looked in complete control as they led by nine points, (1-10 to 0-4).

That was before a run of five unanswered Clare points dragged the challengers back into contention and while Waterford surged six points clear again, three late Banner County points left the South East outfit hanging on at the finish.