Holder Crusheen held by Kilmaley

CHAMPIONS Crusheen had to settle for a draw in their opening game of the 2011 Clare senior hurling championship against Kilmaley at Cusack Park, Ennis on Saturday.

Crusheen led by four points (0-9 to 0-5) at the interval but required a last minute free from Paddy Vaughan to claim a share of the spoils, the game finishing 1-13 apiece.

One of the favourites for the title, Sixmilebridge, got their campaign off to a winning start when they had one point to spare over Clarecastle in a close fought battle at Cusack Park on Friday evening.