Second win for Sparrow

Clare 0-17 Tipperary 1-12

Tipperary opened their 2010 campaign with a narrow defeat as a hungrier Clare side qualified for the Waterford Crystal Cup semi-finals at Borrisoleigh tonight.

The Banner men secured their second win under new manager Ger 'Sparrow' O'Loughlin - a deserved 0-17 to 1-12 victory in a match which was delayed due to a power failure at the ground.

When the action got underway, Clare made the early running in foggy conditions and led by 0-10 to 0-6 at half-time. Free-taker Mark Flaherty (0-3) and lively centre-forward John Conlon (0-2) led the scoring.

Tipp lined out with Pa Bourke, John O'Brien and Eoin Kelly in their full-forward line but the trio had a limited influence on proceedings, and Kelly had a penalty saved early in the second half.

Points from midfielder Jonathan Clancy, Conlon and wing forward Alan Markham stretched Clare's advantage before Noel McGrath pulled back a goal for the Premier County side.

However, Tipp could not get closer and a final free from Flaherty, following very good defensive work from Cian Dillon, confirmed Clare's progress through to Sunday's semi-final against Waterford.