Tubridy puts Clare on the brink of promotion

Clare all but sealed a place in the Division 4 final with a comfortable win over London in Ruislip.

A strong start and finish to the first-half put the Banner in control, with Gary Brennan dominant in midfield and full-forward David Tubridy continuing his fine scoring form with seven points.

London captain Sean McVeigh and Lorcan Mulvey tried to inspire the hosts with a couple of superb long-range points, but Tubridy’s seventh point allowed McDermott to empty the bench.

Paul Coggins’ London will surely beat Kilkenny next weekend, while a win for Clare over the same opposition on April 8 will ensure promotion from the bottom tier.

Scorers for Clare: D Tubridy 0-7 (3f), S McGrath 0-3, L Healy, M O’Shea, G Brennan 0-2 each, D Russell 0-1.

London: L Colfer 0-4 (4f), E O’Neill 0-3 (1f), L Mulvey 0-2, J Scanlon, P McDermott, S McVeigh 0-1 each.

CLARE: J Hayes; B Hartnett, S McNeilis, L Healy; M McMahon, G Kelly, J Hayes; G Brennan, G Quinlan; G Kelly, S McGrath, A Clohessey; J Dowling, D Tubridy, M O’Shea.

Subs: S Brennan for Dowling (32), D Russell for Quinlan (52), S Haugh for Kelly (57), E Troy for O’Shea (57), M Foran for Clohessey (66).

LONDON: E Byrne; S Hannon, S McVeigh, N Burke; T Gaughan, K O’Leary, J Scanlon; A Raftery, L Mulvey; F McVey, P McDermott, S Doolan; C Colhoun, S Mulligan, E O’Neill.

Subs: C McCallion for McVey (40), P McGoldrick for Colhoun (45), L Colfer for O’Neill (59), D McGreevy for Burke (59).

Referee: R O’Donnell (Donegal).