Waterford through to Crystal Cup final

Waterford 1-17 Clare 0-8, Ballyduff Upper

Waterford comfortably booked their place in next weekend's Waterford Crystal Cup final against the students of UCC, courtesy of a 1-17 to 0-8 victory over Clare at Ballyduff Upper.

The hosts impressed throughout this game with points from Thomas Ryan and Maurice Shanahan ensuring Waterford led by 0-3 to 0-1 by the sixth minute.

Ryan, Shanahan, Kevin Moran and Gary Hurney were dangerous throughout the opening half, with Eoin Kelly's 21st-minute goal ensuring a 1-8 to 0-5 interval lead for the Deise.

Free-taker Mark Flaherty did his utmost to keep Clare in touch from placed balls, but the Banner men struggled to find the sort of form that saw them beat Tipperary in midweek.

Ger 'Sparrow' O'Loughlin's charges redeemed themselves on the restart as substitute Barry Nugent added two quick-fire points to cut the deficit to four points.

But Waterford always held the upper hand and despite Davy Fitzgerald's men being dealt a major blow late on when losing the influential Eoin McGrath to a straight red card, they held out for an impressive win.