Experimental Banner find top gear to power past McGrath’s Waterford

Clare 2-20 Waterford 0-17

Centre forward Bobby Duggan was the pick of the Banner players with eight points and Aaron Cunningham drove over three eye-catching points from play.

In an experimental Clare side, Davy Fitzgerald started with seven of this year’s All Ireland Under-21 winners and brought on eight substitutes including the effective Nicky O’Connell and Brendan Bugler. Eleven of Derek McGrath’s 15 had previous senior championship experience and Michael Walsh was trialled at full-forward. The Waterford boss utilised 26 players, with Martin O’Neill and Donie Breathnach showing up well as a midfield pairing and the pair scored 12 points between them.