Clara crown senior return with league win

All-Ireland intermediate club champions Clara have marked their return to the Kilkenny senior hurling grade in spectacular fashion by winning the league.

Clara won the title for the first time on Saturday when the outscored and outclassed James Stephens by 0-24 to 1-13. The season thus far has been one of virtually all highs for Clara, who included championship kings Ballyhale Shamrocks among the team they have beaten.

The Village shared parity at 0-4 each after eight minutes, but once the flying Liam Ryan pointed Clara back in front moments later they led all the way home. The winners were 0-15 to 0-7 in front at half-time after playing with the fresh breeze.